5 Classic Ways to Make Instant Coffee Drinks

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a basic instant coffee like Maxwell into something more interesting—something you’d actually want to sip on a lazy afternoon or share with friends—this guide is for you. We’re not here to defend instant coffee. We’re here to show you five real, tested ways people actually make it into a drinkable, even enjoyable, beverage with simple ingredients you probably already have.

There are five classic instant coffee drink recipes here: milk coffee, ice cream coffee, iced coffee, cola coffee, and a sherry-flavored coffee. Each uses Maxwell instant coffee and a few other common ingredients, with exact ratios and steps so you can recreate them exactly—or tweak them your way.

Milk Coffee

This is your simplest warm coffee-milk combo. Use one heaping spoonful (about a quarter cup) of Maxwell instant coffee and mix it with mostly hot milk—more than half a cup—for a creamy, mild coffee drink. Stir the coffee into the milk gradually until smooth. Add sugar to taste if you like, but it’s optional. Best served hot.

Ice Cream Coffee

A dessert-like favorite, especially among women according to the original source. This makes four servings. Combine 1/4 cup Maxwell instant coffee, 1/4 cup hot water, and 1/4 cup sugar in a cup or blender until dissolved. Then add 1 cup vanilla ice cream and 3 cups milk, and stir or blend until smooth. Each serving is a coffee float with ice cream—rich, sweet, and cold.

Iced Coffee Variations

Two iced takes on instant coffee. First, Maxwell Iced Coffee: for four servings, dissolve 1/4 cup coffee, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup hot water, then pour over 4 cups of milk and 4 cups of crushed ice. Stir well until chilled through. Optional upgrade: add 1/4 cup chocolate syrup to make it a mocha version.

Second, try the Cola Coffee: combine 2 tablespoons of Maxwell coffee with 2 cups of cool (not raw) water and 1 tablespoon of caramel (or substitute with other square sugar), then add a can of Coca-Cola and stir. Pour into a tall glass and top with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream. Makes 3–4 servings. Don’t eat the ice cream before pouring!

Coffee with Sherry (or Wine)

This unusual mix combines 6 tablespoons of Maxwell coffee, a small amount of sherry (or other red wine), a generous amount of sugar (about 3/4 cup), and 4 cups of cold milk. First, stir the wine and coffee for 30 seconds until blended. Add sugar and 3 cups of milk, mix well, then pour into a bowl. Stir in the remaining cup of milk (yes, the milk is added in two parts for texture). You can also serve it with a few pieces of dessert on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any brand of instant coffee for these recipes?

No—the article specifically uses Maxwell instant coffee and provides measurements based on that brand. Substituting with another brand may alter taste and proportions, though similar instant coffees could work with adjustments.

Do I have to use vanilla ice cream in the ice cream coffee recipe?

The recipe calls for vanilla ice cream, which is traditional for this style of coffee float. However, you could experiment with other flavors, though the result may differ from the intended taste profile.

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

The recipe instructs you to mix part of the milk first, then add the rest later. This two-part addition might be for achieving a better texture or emulsion, though the exact reasoning isn’t stated—it’s just how the recipe is written.

Is the cola coffee drink intended to be sweet or balanced?

It’s designed to be sweet, with both sugar and caramel (or sugar substitute) added along with cola and coffee. It’s a dessert-style mixed drink rather than a balanced coffee beverage.

Can I make these drinks ahead of time?

Most of these drinks are best served immediately, especially the ones with ice cream or crushed ice. The milk coffee can be consumed hot right away, but chilling or storing any of them long-term isn’t recommended.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Instant Coffee Lovers

If you enjoy experimenting with instant coffee but want to explore real beans, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui—a bright, juicy Ethiopian lot with blueberry and floral notes—and Yunnan Arabica, a smooth, chocolatey single origin from China’s Yunnan province. For something closer in ease to instant but freshly roasted, their Classic Blend offers balanced malt and nuttiness. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.