My Grandmother's Coffee Milkshake with Frozen Coffee Cubes
The secret to a coffee milkshake that stays thick and flavorful without watering down? Freeze your coffee into cubes. Blended with rich vanilla ice cream and a splash of cream, this is the only coffee shake you'll ever need. Ready in 10 minutes active time.
Equipment
- Ice Cube Tray
- Blender
- Tall Glass or Mason Jar
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (good quality)
- ¼ cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1-2 tablespoons simple syrup or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt
For serving: whipped cream and cocoa powder (optional)
Instructions
- Freeze the coffee: Pour cooled coffee into an ice cube tray. Freeze until solid, at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Add a splash of cream to the blender (just enough to cover the blades). Add 6–8 frozen coffee cubes for a thick shake, or 4–5 for a thinner one.
- Scoop in the ice cream. Add the pinch of sea salt and syrup if using.
- Blend on low to pulse, then increase to medium speed until smooth and thick. Listen for a smooth whirring sound — if it chugs, add another tablespoon of cream.
- Taste and adjust: add more salt if flat, more syrup if too bitter.
- Pour into a chilled glass immediately. Top with whipped cream and cocoa if desired.
Notes
Make ahead: Freeze coffee cubes in batches. They keep up to 1 month in an airtight bag.
Dairy-free: Use high-fat oat or coconut ice cream and full-fat oat milk or coconut cream.
Mocha: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder with the coffee cubes.
Adult version: Add 1 ounce bourbon or Kahlúa, reduce syrup by half, and add one extra coffee cube.
Kid-friendly Creamsicle: Add 1-2 tablespoons orange juice and a drop of vanilla extract.
Thin shake rescue: Add more frozen coffee cubes, not more ice cream.
Dairy-free: Use high-fat oat or coconut ice cream and full-fat oat milk or coconut cream.
Mocha: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder with the coffee cubes.
Adult version: Add 1 ounce bourbon or Kahlúa, reduce syrup by half, and add one extra coffee cube.
Kid-friendly Creamsicle: Add 1-2 tablespoons orange juice and a drop of vanilla extract.
Thin shake rescue: Add more frozen coffee cubes, not more ice cream.