Ingredient Notes

To make a great coffee milkshake, you need to start with the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at each one:

• Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream is the base of your coffee shake. It’s creamy and has a mild flavor that goes perfectly with coffee. Your shake becomes smoother and more delicious as the ice cream gives it thickness and richness.

• Chocolate Ice Cream

It's an excellent idea to add chocolate ice cream to your coffee shake if you're a chocolate lover. Coffee tastes great with the rich, complex flavor of chocolate ice cream. The combination of chocolate and coffee is a classic one. It adds a little extra indulgence to your shake. If you’re a chocolate lover, this is a must-try addition to your coffee shake. You can also use cocoa powder if you prefer coca over chocolate.

• Cold Coffee or Espresso

Cold coffee or espresso is what gives your shake its coffee flavor. Cold brew coffee is smooth and less acidic, which makes it a popular choice for shakes. Espresso is the best option if you like your coffee stronger. The intense flavor of the espresso really comes through in the shake. Whichever you choose, make sure your coffee is chilled before adding it to the ice cream. This keeps your shake nice and cold, just the way it should be.

• Milk

Fat Milk is what helps you get the right consistency for your coffee shake. If you want a thick shake, use less milk. For a thinner shake, add more milk. Whole milk is a good choice because it adds a nice richness, but you can use any kind of milk you like. Almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk works just as well. The type of milk and ice cream you choose can also slightly change the flavor of your shake, so feel free to experiment to find what you like best.

• Ice

Ice is an important ingredient in your coffee shake, especially if your other ingredients aren’t frozen. Ice makes the shake frosty and helps thicken it up. Adding a few ice cubes to your shake can also make it more refreshing, which is perfect for a hot day. If you’re using frozen ingredients like ice cream and cold coffee, you might not need as much ice. But a little bit of ice can still add a nice chill to your shake.

How Long Does a Coffee Shake Last?

Coffee shakes are best enjoyed fresh, right after you make them. This is when the flavors are at their best, and the texture is smooth, thick and creamy. However, if you need to store your shake for later, here’s what you should know.

If you put your coffee shake in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 24 hours. But be aware that the texture might change over time. Before drinking a stored shake, give it a good stir or shake to mix everything back together. This will help restore some of the original texture, though it might not be exactly the same as when it was freshly made.

For the best taste and experience, it’s always better to drink your coffee shake as soon as possible. But if you do store it, make sure to keep it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can also try freezing the shake if you need to store it for longer, but keep in mind that the texture will change even more once it thaws.

What Should I do If I Don't Have a Blender?

Don’t have a blender? You can still make a coffee shake! It might take a bit more effort, but it’s definitely possible. Here’s how to do it:

First, start with your cold coffee or espresso and milk. Pour them into a jar with a tight lid. Once the coffee and milk are in the jar, screw the lid on tightly and shake the jar really well. Shake it until the mixture becomes frothy and well combined.

Next, you’ll add the ice cream. Since you don’t have a blender to mix everything together, you’ll need to soften the ice cream first. Leave the ice cream out at room temperature for a few minutes until it’s soft enough to scoop easily. Then, add the ice cream and milk to the jar in small chunks. Once the ice cream is in the jar, put the lid back on and shake again. This part might be a little tricky, but try to shake as much as you can to mix the ice cream with the coffee and milk.

If shaking isn’t mixing the ice cream well enough, you can use a fork or whisk to help blend it. Stir the mixture until the ice cream is mostly combined with the coffee and milk. Finally, add a few ice cubes to the jar, put the lid back on, and shake one last time. The ice will help chill the shake and make it nice and cold. Pour your shake into a glass, and it’s ready to enjoy!

Does It Contain Caffeine?

Yes, coffee shakes do contain caffeine, and that’s because of the coffee or espresso used in the recipe. The amount of caffeine in your shake depends on the type and amount of coffee you use. If you make your shake with cold brew coffee, it will have less caffeine per ounce compared to a shake made with espresso. This is because cold brew coffee is brewed more slowly and usually has a lower caffeine concentration.

If you’re concerned about caffeine, you might want to consider using decaffeinated coffee. Decaf coffee still has the rich flavor of regular coffee, but without the caffeine. This way, you can enjoy the taste of a coffee shake without worrying about staying up all night.

What Can I Use for Toppings?

Toppings are a fun and tasty way to make your coffee shake even better. Here are some popular options you can try:

• Whipped Cream

Whipped cream is a classic topping for any shake, and it’s perfect for a coffee shake too. It adds a light, airy texture to your shake, along with a bit of sweetness. You can use store-bought whipped cream, or you can make your own at home. Just a dollop on top of your shake makes it look and taste even more delicious.

• Cookie

Crushed cookies are a great topping for a coffee shake. You can use any kind of cookie you like, but chocolate chip cookies or Oreos are especially good. The cookies add a crunchy texture and extra flavor to your shake. You can sprinkle the crushed cookies on top, or if you want a more blended taste, you can mix them into the shake itself.

• Chocolate

Chocolate Coffee Milkshake is a perfect match for coffee, so adding some chocolate to your shake is a great idea. You can drizzle chocolate syrup on top of the whipped cream, add some chocolate shavings, or sprinkle chocolate chips into the shake. Any way you add it, chocolate makes the shake more indulgent and satisfying.

These toppings not only add flavor but also make your shake look more appealing. You can get creative with other toppings too, like caramel sauce, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting with different combinations.

Fun fact: 26 July is the National Coffee Milkshake Day. From now on, You wont get pass the national coffee milkshake day without drinking one!