Sip, Shake & Celebrate National Coffee Milkshake Day Guide

Every July 26, caffeine and ice cream lovers unite for National Coffee Milkshake Day, a delicious intersection of two beloved indulgences, coffee and milkshakes. Thought to originate from the famous “coffee cabinets” served in Rhode Island during WWII, this holiday embraces the joy of sipping a creamy, frosty coffee treat when summer’s heat makes a hot brew less appealing. Whether you are team instant coffee or cold brew aficionado, there’s a recipe here to elevate your National Coffee Milkshake Day celebration, complete with rich flavors, fun twists, and refreshing chills. Let’s blend.

The concept of a “milkshake” dates back to 1885, when it referred to an eggnog-style alcoholic drink. By the early 20th century, milkshakes transitioned into the ice cream-based beverages we recognize today. Somewhere along the line, coffee found its place in the shake, and the Rhode Island “coffee cabinet” became a local favorite during and after WWII.

July 26 became mainstreamly recognized as National Coffee Milkshake Day, coinciding with National Ice Cream Month, celebrates the perfect sip for warm weather with a caffeine kick. Although the exact inventor is unknown, coffee milkshakes provide nostalgia, caffeine, and sweetness all in one glass.

How to Celebrate

1. Blend a classic coffee milkshake using your go-to ice cream and coffee combo.
2. Try a coffee cabinet, a Rhode Island-style shake using coffee syrup.
3. Host a tasting session with friends to compare recipes and techniques.
4. Play with global twists, like Vietnamese iced coffee or Moroccan-spiced versions.
5. Post your creation online with #CoffeeMilkshakeDay to connect with fellow aficionados.

10 Coffee Milkshake Recipe Ideas

1. Classic Coffee Milkshake – A simple blend of ice cream, milk, and instant coffee. Classic Coffee Milkshake 
2. Cold Brew Coffee Milkshake – Uses cold brew concentrate and ice cream for bold flavor. Coffee Milkshake
3. Sweetened Coffee Cabinet – The traditional Rhode Island version with coffee syrup, milk, and ice cream. Coffee Milkshake Day Story
4. Best Homemade Coffee Milkshake – Features a surprise chocolate shaving for extra richness. Best Coffee Milkshake
5. Easy 3‑Ingredient Classic Shake – Simple blend of ice cream, milk, and espresso. Coffee Milkshake
6. Dunkin’ Cold Brew Milkshake – Coffeehouse-style blending cold brew concentrate and cream. Cold Brew Coffee Milkshake
7. Sweetness & Bite Shake – A frothy texture using milk, instant coffee, and adjustable strength. Coffee Milkshake
8. 5‑Minute Coffee & Ice Cream Trio – Includes mocha, vanilla coffee, and classic versions. Coffee & Ice Cream Milkshake
9. Allrecipes Coffee Shake – Uses instant coffee, vanilla extract, and ice cubes for a refreshingly light spin. Coffee Shake
10. Bon Appétit “Dead Eye” Mocha Milkshake – A powerful mix of six espresso shots and coffee ice cream. Dead‑Eye Mocha Milkshake

Tips for the Perfect Shake

• For deeper flavor, dissolve espresso powder in a teaspoon of hot water before blending.
• Use cold brew concentrate in place of milk for a smoother and bolder texture.
• Adjust thickness with more ice cream or milk, xperiment until it suits your preference.
• Include mix-ins, mocha, vanilla extract, or chocolate shavings, for texture and richness...

Global & Boozy Twists

• Vietnamese Coffee Milkshake: Blend sweetened iced coffee cubes with ice cream for a condensed-milk richness.
• Moroccan-Spiced Coffee Shake: Include cinnamon, cardamom, and clove for aromatic depth.
• Irish Coffee Milkshake: Add Baileys or Irish cream to your classic shake for grown-up indulgence.
• Affogato-Inspired Float: Pour hot espresso over a frozen shake, like a mocha ice cream cappuccino.
• Cold Brew Frappe: Blend a cold brew with ice cream, milk, and a touch of jaggery or honey, refreshing and dairy-light.

Coffee milkshakes offer summer-friendly caffeine without the heat of hot coffee, making them a refreshing pick-me-up. They blend nostalgia for soda-fountain days with today's culinary creativity, whether you're using instant coffee, cold brew, or globally inspired spices. And because tastes differ, each recipe caters to a different mood, smooth and simple, bold and frosty, spicy, or creamy. Sharing these recipes or hosting a tasting is the perfect reason to connect over our shared love of coffee and sweets. On July 26, National Coffee Milkshake Day isn’t just about sugar, it’s about revitalizing tradition in a modern, delicious way.

From classic coffee cabinets to boozy mocha overloads, this coffee-and-cream celebration is the ultimate summer indulgence. Try all 10 recipes, or invent your own twist, and enjoy the day’s celebration of caffeine, ice cream, and creativity. Cheers to National Coffee Milkshake Day.