
This cool drink is super chocolatey with a good coffee kick and so creamy you can't help but smile. If you need a sweet pick-me-up after chasing the kids or finish your errands, this is my first choice.
When the weather got blazing hot, I started making these in place of my usual iced latte. Now my family can't wait for our milkshake time together.
Decadent Ingredients
- Chocolate shavings: gives crunch and looks fancy shave off a quality chocolate bar
- Whipped cream: fluffy and sweet a fresh batch makes all the difference
- Fudge sauce: makes it over the top make sure it lists real chocolate
- Milk or iced coffee: use whole milk for a richer shake or cold brewed coffee for a different twist
- Ice cream: creamy goodness vanilla is classic but feel free to switch it up
- Instant coffee or espresso powder: caffeinated punch pick your top favorite for the best taste
- Cocoa powder: rich chocolate flavor Dutch-processed blends really smooth
Simple Steps to Follow
- Finish It Off:
- When it's all blended up pour it into your glass pile some fluffy whipped cream on top and scatter on those chocolate shavings to make it pop
- Give Your Glass Some Style:
- Squeeze fudge sauce along the inside of the glass if that's your thing you'll get gooey chocolate ribbons running through every sip
- Blend It All Up:
- Start blending on medium just till it's silky scrape the blender sides and blend one more time to make sure it's all creamy
- Scoop and Pour In Liquid:
- Toss in your ice cream then pour in either milk or some cold coffee leftover coffee makes it more grownup
- Drop in the Powders:
- Start with the cocoa powder and instant coffee or espresso in your blender the dry stuff mixes smoother

My dad and I used to invent tons of milkshake combos in our tiny old kitchen every summer. We always came back to the coffee one since it went so perfectly with the chocolate.
Storage Advice
Milkshakes are best fresh but if you've got extra, pop it in a jar in your freezer for up to an hour. Just toss it back in the blender for a quick mix before drinking.
Switch Ups
Try almond or oat milk if you want it without dairy. If you're skipping caffeine, choose decaf instant coffee. Swap vanilla for chocolate ice cream for even deeper flavor.

Best Ways to Serve
It's perfect by itself but goes great with buttery cookies or salty pretzels for movie night snacks. Pop on a cherry or sprinkle cinnamon for some fun.
Fun Background
These shakes go way back to American soda shops where people paired cold ice cream with coffee before everyone started drinking iced coffee everywhere.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I swap in cold leftover coffee for the instant stuff?
You sure can. Pour chilled brewed coffee in place of milk to ramp up the coffee kick and keep your shake smooth.
- → How do I get my shake super thick or more drinkable?
Cut back to just ½ cup of liquid for something big and thick, or splash in up to ¾ cup milk or coffee to thin it out if you want it more sippable.
- → Can I tweak the boldness of the coffee in this?
Totally. Stick to 1 teaspoon instant for mild flavor, or stir in a tablespoon if you’re after a big coffee punch.
- → What can I pile on top of my shake?
Try whipped cream, chocolate bits, or drizzle fudge sauce for more texture and sweetness on top.
- → How can I whip this up without dairy?
Pick your fave dairy-free ice cream and milk, toss in the cocoa and coffee, then blend it all for a creamy vegan delight.