11 Delicious Instant Coffee Recipes to Make at Home

Last updated on April 3rd, 2025 at 01:32 pm

Do you ever feel like instant coffee just doesn’t cut it? Well, I thought the same! For years, I stuck to traditional brewing methods because I couldn’t quite get on board with the taste of instant coffee.

But after experimenting with different recipes and testing out a few well-recommended brands, I finally found a way to make instant coffee work—and work really well.

Through trial and error, I discovered that the right brand and a few creative tweaks can elevate your cup of coffee to café-level deliciousness.

In this guide, I’ll share some of my favorite instant coffee recipes and tips so you can save time and enjoy a great cup of coffee no matter where you are. So let’s start brewing!

Why Use Instant Coffee for Creative Recipes?

• Convenience: Instant coffee dissolves quickly. So, it saves time to make different coffee drinks without needing to brew a whole pot.
• Versatility: Works as a base for hot, iced, and blended coffee drinks, making it ideal for experimenting with different recipes.
• Affordability: A budget-friendly option to enjoy café-style drinks at home without the high cost of daily coffee shop runs.
• Consistent Flavor: Easy to control the strength and flavor of your coffee, allowing you to adjust it to your liking with every cup.

11 Best Instant Coffee Recipes to Make at Home

1 – Classic Dalgona Coffee (Whipped Coffee)

I remember the first time I made Dalgona Coffee during the early days of quarantine—honestly, it felt like such a small victory when the coffee whipped into that perfect and airy foam.

I didn’t expect it to actually work on my first try! But wow, the sense of accomplishment was real. It’s crazy how just a few pantry staples can turn into something that feels so fancy. Plus, it’s the best excuse to play barista for a few minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp instant coffee
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp hot water
• Milk (cold or warm)

Instructions:

Step 1) Whip the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water together until the mixture becomes light and frothy. (It takes a few minutes but it’s worth it.)

Step 2) Spoon the whipped coffee on top of a glass of milk—cold for a refreshing treat, or warm if you’re in the mood for a cozy drink.

Step 3) Stir and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Try adding a little vanilla extract or cocoa powder into the mix. It gives the drink a whole new flavor twist!

2 – Iced Vanilla Latte with Instant Coffee

I have a real soft spot for anything vanilla, especially when it comes to my coffee. There’s something about that smooth, sweet flavor that makes every sip feel like a treat.

The iced vanilla latte perfectly balances creamy, sweet, and strong coffee goodness. I find this recipe amazing for those quick, lazy mornings or hot afternoons when you need a caffeine fix without complications.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp instant coffee
• 1 tbsp vanilla syrup
• 1 cup cold milk
• Ice

Instructions:

Step 1) Dissolve the instant coffee in a small amount of hot water (just enough to get it mixed in nicely).

Step 2) Add cold milk and stir in the vanilla syrup.

Step 3) Fill your glass with ice and pour the coffee mixture over it.

Step 4) Stir and enjoy that sweet, vanilla-flavored perfection!

Pro Tip: For an extra creamy texture, swap out the regular milk for half-and-half or even oat milk. It makes a huge difference and takes your latte to the next level!

3 – Instant Coffee Mocha

I used to think making a good mocha at home required some fancy machine. But with instant coffee and a little cocoa powder, you can whip up a rich and café-worthy mocha in minutes. Of course, you can drink it any time you want, but in the winter, the mocha seems to taste better.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp instant coffee
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Hot milk

Instructions:

Step 1) Mix the instant coffee, cocoa powder, and sugar with a small amount of hot water to dissolve.

Step 2) Add steamed milk to the mixture and stir well.

Step 3) Enjoy your mocha while it’s warm and comforting.

Pro Tip: For an extra treat, top your mocha with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. It feels like you’ve just walked out of a café without the price tag!

4 – Iced Caramel Macchiato

Okay, I’ll admit it—iced caramel macchiatos are my guilty pleasure. The blend of sweet caramel and rich coffee that I can’t get enough of, especially on a hot day.

This is one of those drinks that feels indulgent but is super easy to whip up with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp instant coffee
• 1 tbsp caramel syrup
• 1 cup cold milk
• Ice

Instructions:

Step 1) Mix the instant coffee with a small amount of hot water to dissolve it.

Step 2) In your glass, drizzle caramel syrup at the bottom.

Step 3) Add ice and cold milk on top of the caramel.

Step 4) Pour the coffee over the layered milk and syrup.

Pro Tip: For an extra treat, drizzle some more caramel on top of the finished drink. It gives it that signature caramel macchiato flair and a boost of sweetness!

5 – Instant Coffee Frappé

Frappés are my go-to when I need something cool, sweet, and packed with caffeine. I started making these at home after realizing how much money I was spending on them at coffee shops. The best part

Using instant coffee makes it so easy to whip up, and you can totally adjust the sweetness and creaminess to your liking. This is one of those drinks that feels fancy but takes less than five minutes to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp instant coffee
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup milk
• Ice
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1) Blend the instant coffee, sugar, milk, and ice together until smooth.

Step 2) Pour the mixture into a glass and top it off with whipped cream.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling indulgent, throw in a scoop of ice cream before blending. It makes the frappé richer and more dessert-like—perfect for those extra hot days or just when you want to treat yourself!

6 – Homemade Instant Coffee Cappuccino

Cappuccinos always felt like something I could only enjoy at a coffee shop—until I figured out how easy it was to make one at home with instant coffee.

I love starting my day with a warm, frothy cup, especially when I don’t want a plain coffee. The trick to nailing this homemade version is getting that milk perfectly frothy. Honestly, once you do it a few times, you won’t even miss the café version!

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp instant coffee
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp sugar

Instructions:

Step 1) Heat the milk until it’s warm but not boiling, then froth it (you can use a whisk, a frother, or even shake it in a jar if you’re in a pinch).

Step 2) Dissolve the instant coffee and sugar in a small amount of hot water (just a couple of tablespoons).

Step 3) Pour the frothed milk over the coffee mixture, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a homemade cappuccino.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra cozy twist. It gives your cappuccino a warm, spicy kick that’s perfect for chilly mornings!

7 – Instant Coffee Affogato

Affogato is one of those desserts that’s deceptively simple yet feels so fancy. Especially when you want to impress someone without much effort.

I’ve made this a few times after dinner parties, and people always love it. And usually, they think it’s more complicated than it really is. However, it’s just instant coffee and ice cream!

Plus, it’s the perfect combination of creamy sweetness and a hit of coffee, which makes it one of my absolute favorite quick desserts.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
• 1 tsp instant coffee
• 2 tbsp hot water

Instructions:

Step 1) Dissolve the instant coffee in hot water (just enough to create a small shot of strong coffee).

Step 2) Pour the coffee over a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it melt into a delicious mess.

Step 3) Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Add a shot of espresso or coffee liqueur for an extra indulgent twist. It adds a fun and boozy kick that takes this to the next level!

8 – Vegan Iced Coffee with Almond Milk

I started making this vegan iced coffee with almond milk on hot afternoons when I wanted something cool and refreshing without the heaviness of dairy.

Plus, almond milk gives it a light, nutty flavor that pairs so well with coffee. I was skeptical at first, but after a few tweaks (hello, maple syrup!). This quickly became one of my favorite afternoon pick-me-ups. It’s simple, quick, and best of all, totally plant-based!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp instant coffee
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Ice

Instructions:

Step 1) Dissolve the instant coffee in a small amount of hot water (just enough to get the coffee mixed well).

Step 2) Add the almond milk and stir in the maple syrup until fully combined.

Step 3) Fill your glass with ice and pour the coffee mixture over the top.

Step 4) Stir and enjoy your vegan iced coffee!

Pro Tip: Experiment with different plant-based milks like oat or soy for a creamier texture or slightly different flavor profiles. Each one brings something unique to your coffee!

9 – Instant Coffee Tiramisu Smoothie

I’ve always loved tiramisu, but making the real thing from scratch? Yeah, it’s a bit of a process. That’s why I came up with this Instant Coffee Tiramisu Smoothie—it’s like having dessert for breakfast but way healthier.

The combination of coffee, cocoa, and a frozen banana gives you that rich tiramisu flavor in a creamy and drinkable form.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp instant coffee
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 cup milk (or a plant-based alternative)
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt

Instructions:

Step 1) Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.

Step 2) Pour into a glass and enjoy your tiramisu-inspired smoothie!

Pro Tip: To take this smoothie to the next level, add a few crumbled ladyfinger biscuits or a dash of vanilla extract. It really brings out the authentic tiramisu flavor without the hassle of making the actual dessert!

10 – Spiced Cinnamon Instant Coffee

If you’re like me and love the cozy flavors of cinnamon, then you’ll love this spiced cinnamon instant coffee for your mornings.

The cinnamon adds warmth and a subtle spice that transforms a regular cup of coffee into something that feels perfect for fall—or honestly, any time you want a comforting coffee.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp instant coffee
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup hot milk

Instructions:

Step 1) Mix the instant coffee, cinnamon, and sugar with a small amount of hot water to dissolve everything well.

Step 2) Pour in the hot milk and stir until combined.

Step 3) Sip and enjoy your spiced cinnamon coffee!

Pro Tip: Top your coffee with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.

11 – Instant Coffee Iced Coconut Latte

I was experimenting with different plant-based milks, and when I tried coconut milk with instant coffee, I knew I found something special.

It’s super creamy and has that subtle coconut flavor that makes you feel like you’re sipping coffee on a beach somewhere.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp instant coffee
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp sugar or sweetener
• Ice

Instructions:

Step 1) Dissolve the instant coffee and sugar in a small amount of hot water (just enough to mix everything well).

Step 2) Add the coconut milk and stir until fully combined.

Step 3) Fill a glass with ice and pour the coffee mixture over it.

Step 4) Stir and enjoy your tropical-inspired iced latte!

Pro Tip: I suggest to garnish with toasted coconut flakes. It adds both texture and a boost of tropical flavor that’ll make your iced coconut latte feel extra special!

Tips for Customizing Your Instant Coffee Recipes

Customizing your instant coffee is the key to making it feel less like a quick fix and more like a personal and café-style treat. Here are a few ways I’ve learned:

1 – Add Flavor Syrups

A splash of vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel syrup can completely transform your coffee’s flavor.

2 – Experiment with Different Milk

If you’re feeling adventurous, try switching up the milk. Almond milk gives a nutty flavor, while oat milk makes it creamy. Coconut milk adds a tropical twist, and soy milk is always a solid option for a smooth texture.

3 – Sweetener Alternatives

If you’re cutting back on sugar, honey or agave can sweeten things up naturally. You can also go with sugar-free sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, which keep the calories low but the sweetness high.

4 – Make It Iced

Hot coffee is great, but most instant recipes can easily be adapted to iced versions. Just add ice to your drink or blend it for a cool, frothy treat on warmer days.

5 – Boost with Extras

Add protein powder or collagen for some health benefits, or even a flavored creamer for a richer texture. It’s an easy way to make your coffee more filling and satisfying!

Last Thoughts

So, there you have it—11 delicious instant coffee recipes you can easily whip up at home! The best part? These are all super customizable, so you can experiment with flavors and milk alternatives or even add your own little twist.

If you’ve tried any of these recipes, or if you’ve got a go-to instant coffee hack of your own, I’d love to hear about it!

So drop a comment below and let me know what worked for you or how you made the recipe your own and with that voilà!