5 Classic Ways to Mix and Serve Instant Coffee

Looking for fun, fast ways to upgrade your instant coffee? Whether you’re topping off a warm morning with creamy milk coffee or cooling down with an icy cola blend, there’s a simple formula to try—no barista skills required.

You can mix Maxwell instant coffee with milk, ice, sugar, ice cream, cola, or even sherry. This guide covers five easy-to-follow coffee drink recipes using basic pantry ingredients and instant coffee—each designed to deliver a different taste experience.

Milk Coffee

This is a straightforward warm coffee drink using just instant coffee and hot milk. It’s ideal for a quick comfort drink, especially when you want something milky and mild.

To make it, use a heaping spoonful of Maxwell instant coffee and combine it with more than half a cup of hot milk. Pour the coffee into your cup first, then gradually add the milk while stirring until fully mixed. Add sugar if desired. Best served immediately while hot.

Ice Cream Coffee

A sweet, dessert-like coffee favorite, especially among those with a sweet tooth. It blends coffee, ice cream, milk, sugar, and ice for a rich, chilly treat.

Combine ¼ cup Maxwell instant coffee, ¼ cup hot water, and ¼ cup sugar in a cup and stir until dissolved (a blender helps). Then fold in 1 cup of vanilla ice cream and 3 cups of milk. This makes enough for 4 servings. Share it—or don’t.

Iced and Frozen Coffee Variations

Two chilled coffee drinks using crushed ice, milk, and sweetener—with options to turn one into a mocha. These are ideal for hot days or anyone who prefers coffee cold.

Maxwell Iced Coffee

This version uses ice cubes for a cool, refreshing coffee drink. Mix ¼ cup Maxwell instant coffee, ¼ cup sugar, and ¼ cup hot water until dissolved, then stir in 4 cups of milk and 4 cups of crushed ice. Adjust stirring to reach your preferred chill level. Makes 4 servings.

Maxwell Iced Mocha Coffee

To make the iced mocha version, simply add ¼ cup chocolate sauce to the standard iced coffee recipe and stir. No additional instructions needed—just mix it in.

Coke Coffee

A surprising combination of coffee, cola, and optional ice cream, served tall. It balances sweet, bitter, and fizzy for a unique beverage experience.

Start by dissolving 2 tablespoons of Maxwell instant coffee and 1 tablespoon of caramel (or substitute with other square sugar) in 2 cups of cool (not raw) water. Stir well, then gradually add a can of Coca-Cola and mix thoroughly. Pour into a highball glass and top with 1 scoop of vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream. Makes 3–4 servings. Don’t eat the ice cream before pouring!

Sherry Coffee (Punch-Style)

A blended coffee with wine and sugar, using milk added in two stages for texture. Optional desserts make it feel extra special. It’s an unusual but intriguing mix of savory and sweet.

In a container, mix 6 tablespoons of Maxwell instant coffee with a small amount of sherry (other red wines work too) and stir for 30 seconds until combined. Add a large portion of sugar and 3 cups of cold milk, mixing well. Pour the mixture into a bowl, then stir in the remaining 1 cup of milk (yes, the milk is added in two parts). Optionally, serve with a few pieces of dessert. Makes an unspecified number of servings based on portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any instant coffee instead of Maxwell?

Yes, these recipes are based on using Maxwell instant coffee, but you can substitute any brand of instant coffee. Just keep the ratios the same—such as ¼ cup coffee per specified liquid volume—and adjust sweetness or milk to taste.

Why is the milk added in two parts for the sherry coffee?

The recipe specifies adding 3 cups of milk first, mixing, then adding the last cup afterward. This two-stage addition may improve texture or mixing consistency, though the exact reason isn't stated—it’s presented as part of the method.

What’s the simplest coffee drink in this list?

The Milk Coffee is the easiest: just combine a spoonful of instant coffee with hot milk, stir, and add sugar if you like. It requires no ice, blending, or extra ingredients beyond coffee and milk.

Can I turn the iced coffee into a mocha without chocolate syrup?

No, the iced mocha version specifically requires adding ¼ cup of chocolate sauce to the regular iced coffee recipe. There’s no alternative listed in the original instructions.

Is the cola coffee meant to be a kid-friendly drink?

Not necessarily. While it uses cola and ice cream, it also includes coffee and optional alcohol-free sweeteners. It’s a sweet, fizzy, adult-friendly treat but contains caffeine from the coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Blended Drinks

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for a bright, fruity note that lifts milk-based coffee drinks, or their Yirgacheffe for floral sweetness that pairs well with ice cream or cola blends. For a richer base, their PWN Golden Mandheling offers full-bodied smoothness ideal for iced or blended coffee. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.