The Best 2-Ingredient Coffee Milkshake

Coffee + Ice Cream

Coffee and ice cream! Need I say more?

Well, I’ve done it. I’ve come up with the best way to make a quick coffee milkshake that’s robust, creamy and everything you want a coffee flavored milkshake to be.

Best of all you only need 2 ingredients. And there’s no need to brew and cool down hot espresso or strong coffee.

The secret? Cold brew coffee concentrate. This pre-made, extra strong coffee, that’s low in acidity and high in flavor, pairs perfectly with sweet, creamy vanilla ice cream!

If you love lattes or coffee with a heavy dose of creamer, then you’re going to love this coffee milkshake recipe.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Only two ingredients. Now that cold brew coffee concentrate is readily available in stores, blending up a homemade milkshake is as simple as combining cold brew and ice cream. I love that it’s easy to keep both on-hand to make a milkshake whenever you want.

A delicious coffee treat. Latte lovers know how exceptional espresso, milk and a sweetener taste together.

This sweet ice cream version has all the same components (coffee, cream and sweetener) but is an extra thick decadent milkshake. For another delicious coffee and ice cream treat, take a look at my affogato recipe.

Saves time & money. When the craving hits for a cold, creamy frappuccino or frappe, make this milkshake instead. You can even toss in some add-ins like cookies and sauces to make it next-level like the coffee shops. As a bonus, you’ll save time and money.

How to Make a Coffee Milkshake

To make a coffee milkshake you will need a blender of some sort. For milkshakes, I use my Ninja personal cup blender. But you can use a traditional blender or even an immersion blender.

Coffee Milkshake Ingredients

Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate – For strong coffee flavor, get cold brew coffee concentrate (not regular cold brew coffee).

Bottles of the coffee concentrate are usually found in the coffee aisle, not the refrigerated section.

In addition to milkshakes, you can use the concentrate to make a glass of cold brew coffee over ice or try out my frozen coffee recipe.

Vanilla Ice Cream – For milkshakes, my preference is full-fat natural vanilla or vanilla bean ice cream, but you can get your favorite.

Just keep in mind, milkshakes made with reduced-fat ice cream won’t be as creamy.

I also do not recommend using artificially flavored vanilla ice cream. In addition, steer clear of ice milk. It’s not the same.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove ice cream from the freezer and let soften for a couple minutes so it’s easier to scoop and blend.
2. Add cold brew coffee and ice cream to a blender cup in the order suggested for your type of blender. For instance, I add the ice cream first and coffee second into my personal cup blender.
3. Blend on low for 15 seconds, then increase to high for 45-60 seconds. If your blender has an automatic milkshake or smoothie button, use it.
4. Pour the milkshake into a cup and top with whipped cream, if desired.

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

Recipe Notes

• To make a thinner milkshake, add a little milk.
• To make a thicker milkshake, add a little more ice cream.

Other Coffee Options for Milkshakes

I like making coffee milkshakes with cold brew concentrate because it’s easy and has super strong coffee flavor.

But there are other options.

Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder + Milk: In place of this recipe’s cold brew concentrate, use about 1 tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder plus about 1/2 cup milk. Adjust according to your taste.

Brewed Espresso: Substitute cold brew concentrate with a double-shot of brewed espresso. Let it cool down for a few minutes before making the milkshake.

Strong Coffee: This is my least favorite substitution, but it still provides plenty of coffee flavor.

In advance, make a pot of double-strength coffee by brewing it with half the amount of water compared to normal. Let it cool before using for milkshakes.

Store remaining coffee in the fridge and cut it with cold water for iced coffee drinks.

FAQs

Can I make this milkshake ahead of time?

Milkshakes are best served immediately. I do not recommend making it advance since it will melt too much in the refrigerator and lose its indulgent milkshake consistency.

What flavors of ice cream can I make a coffee milkshake with?

The top three ice cream flavors I recommend for coffee milkshakes are vanilla, chocolate and coffee.

Vanilla is my go-to ice cream base for coffee milkshakes. Chocolate is a good choice since coffee and chocolate enhance each other. And if you want as much coffee flavor as possible opt for coffee flavored ice cream.

Is a coffee milkshake the same as a coffee frappuccino?

While both drinks are blended, cold coffee beverages, milkshakes contain ice cream and are creamier than frappuccinos. A frappuccino is a blend of whole milk, ice, sweetener and a thick coffee roast specifically for frappuccinos.

More Blended Cold Coffee Recipes

• 3-Minute Frozen Coffee Recipe
• Healthy and Delicious Coffee Banana Smoothie

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