Dreamy Coffee Milkshake with Cocoa

As seen in Sip, Savor, and Celebrate.

Get cozy with a creamy coffee drink where ice cream melts together with instant espresso and cocoa. You’ll get sweetness from the ice cream, plus a chocolate-coffee zing. Pour it up cold, top with thick fudge or a mountain of whipped cream and maybe sprinkle on chocolate bits. Mix more milk or coffee if you like a thinner sip, or go heavy on the ice cream for a thick one. Sweet, smooth, and ready in minutes whenever you want something chilly and delicious.

Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Sat, 07 Jun 2025 14:27:59 GMT
Two tall chocolate shakes topped with whipped cream. Save Pin
Two tall chocolate shakes topped with whipped cream. | foodthingle.com

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
Two glasses of chocolate milk. Save Pin
Two glasses of chocolate milk. | foodthingle.com

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.

Two glasses of chocolate milk. Save Pin
Two glasses of chocolate milk. | foodthingle.com

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.

Cocoa Coffee Milkshake

Chilled coffee, cocoa, and ice cream come together for a sweet pick-me-up you’ll love.

Preparation Time
5 Minutes
Cooking Time
~
Overall Time
5 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Beverages

Skill Level: Simple

Regional Style: American

Output: 2 Number of Servings (2 glasses)

Special Diets: Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll Need

→ Base

01 1/2 to 3/4 cup cold brewed coffee or whole milk
02 1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened (about 3 scoops)
03 1 teaspoon up to 1 tablespoon instant espresso or coffee powder (use more for strong taste, optional)
04 1 tablespoon (5 g) plain cocoa powder

→ Toppings (optional)

05 Chocolate curls
06 Fudge drizzle
07 Whipped cream

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Pile on a swirl of whipped cream. Toss chocolate curls right on top and hand it over to drink up now.

Step 02

Pour your shake into a cold glass. Want extra flair? Swirl in some fudge onto the sides first before you pour.

Step 03

Hit blend till it’s all smooth and easy to pour. If stuff sticks to the blender, pause and scrape down the sides.

Step 04

Drop in the cocoa powder and instant coffee or espresso (if you’re using). Add the ice cream then pour in the milk or cold coffee right after.

Additional Tips

  1. Craving a bolder coffee punch? Use the whole tablespoon of instant coffee. Want no dairy? Swap the milk out for chilled brewed coffee.
  2. If you like it thick, don’t add as much milk or coffee. For a thinner drink, just pour in more liquid until you’re happy with it.

Essential Tools

  • Blender
  • Glass
  • Measuring spoons

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has milk and dairy ingredients.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 257
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Protein: ~