Coffee Milkshake Recipe (With Ice Cream)

If you love lattes, coffee shakes, or anything with a strong coffee flavor and plenty of creaminess, this coffee milkshake is about to be your new favorite treat. It is rich, thick, and indulgent, but also incredibly easy to make at home.

I mean, coffee and ice cream together just make sense together!

This coffee milkshake recipe uses just two ingredients and comes together in minutes. There is no brewing hot coffee, no waiting for it to cool, and no complicated steps.

My secret, cold brew coffee concentrate, which gives you bold coffee flavor without watering down the milkshake.

If you have ever wondered how do you make a coffee milkshake that actually tastes like coffee, this is it!

Why You’ll Love this Coffee Milkshake

Only two ingredients
Thanks to store-bought cold brew coffee concentrate, making a homemade coffee milkshake is as easy as blending coffee and ice cream. I love that both ingredients are easy to keep on hand for whenever a craving hits.

Big coffee flavor
This is not a faint coffee shake. Cold brew concentrate is strong, smooth, and low in acidity, which means it pairs perfectly with sweet vanilla ice cream.

Like a latte, but frozen
If you enjoy coffee with a generous splash of cream or sweetener, this milkshake will feel familiar in the best way. It has the same coffee, cream, and sweetness combination, just blended into a thick treat.

Saves time and money
Instead of running out for a coffee shop frappe or frappuccino, you can make this coffee ice cream milkshake at home in minutes. You can even add cookies, chocolate sauce, or caramel if you want that coffee shop vibe.

Try a matcha version! If you love this coffee milkshake but want to switch things up, try my matcha milkshake. It has the same creamy, blended texture, but with earthy matcha flavor and a gentle caffeine boost.

Coffee Milkshake Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream
• Cold Brew coffee concentrate

You will also need a blender. I usually use my Ninja personal cup blender for milkshakes, but a standard blender works just as well. An immersion blender can also do the job in a pinch.

This coffee milkshake recipe with ice cream blends up fast and delivers serious coffee flavor with very little effort.

Ingredient Notes

Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
For the best flavor, make sure you are using cold brew coffee concentrate, not regular cold brew coffee. The concentrate is much stronger, which is what gives this milkshake its bold coffee taste.

You will usually find bottled cold brew concentrate in the coffee aisle, not the refrigerated section.

If you have extra, you can also use it for iced coffee, cold brew over ice, or frozen coffee drinks.

Vanilla Ice Cream
Full-fat vanilla or vanilla bean ice cream works best for coffee milkshakes. It gives you that rich, creamy texture that makes a milkshake feel indulgent.

Reduced-fat ice cream will work, but the result will be thinner and less creamy. I also recommend skipping artificially flavored vanilla ice cream and ice milk. They just do not deliver the same flavor or texture.

For a healthier breakfast version, try my coffee banana smoothie. It’s another blended coffee drink made with Greek yogurt, banana, and coffee, and it’s naturally sweet and filling.

How to Make a Coffee Milkshake

Detailed recipe and instructions are in recipe card at bottom of post.

1. Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it soften for a few minutes so it is easier to scoop and blend.
2. Add the ice cream and cold brew coffee concentrate to your blender. Follow the order recommended for your blender. I add ice cream first and coffee second in my personal cup blender.
3. Blend on low for about 15 seconds, then increase to high and blend for 45 to 60 seconds until smooth and thick.
4. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream if you like.

Recipe Notes

• For a thinner coffee milkshake, add a splash of milk and blend again.
• For a thicker milkshake, add more ice cream.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Milkshakes melt quickly, so this is one of those recipes that is best enjoyed right away.

Other Ways to Make Coffee Shakes

I prefer cold brew concentrate for its ease and strong flavor, but there are a few other options if needed.

Instant coffee or espresso powder with milk
Use about 1 tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder plus about 1/2 cup milk. Adjust to taste.

Brewed espresso
Replace the cold brew concentrate with a double shot of espresso. Let it cool before blending.

Strong brewed coffee
This is my least favorite option, but it still works. Brew coffee at double strength using half the usual amount of water. Let it cool completely before using.

A coffee milkshake made with vanilla ice cream is basically the most indulgent version of a latte.

FAQs

Can I make a coffee milkshake ahead of time?

Milkshakes are best served immediately. Making it ahead of time will cause it to melt and lose that thick, creamy consistency.

What ice cream flavors work best for coffee milkshakes?

Vanilla, chocolate, and coffee ice cream all work well. Vanilla is my go-to, chocolate pairs beautifully with coffee, and coffee ice cream gives you maximum coffee flavor.

Is a coffee milkshake the same as a coffee frappuccino?

Not quite. Coffee milkshakes are made with ice cream and are much creamier. Frappuccinos are blended with milk, ice, sweetener, and a coffee base rather than ice cream.