11 Instant Coffee Recipes For Any Coffee Lover

Have you ever tried any of these instant coffee recipes?

Instant coffee can get a bad rep in the world of coffee, but not for good reason. While instant coffee is an alternative to traditionally brewed coffee, that doesn’t make it less good, it’s simply a different method of making coffee. It’s easy, convenient, and tastes just like normal, brewed coffee.

It’s important to note, that while you can make instant coffee with cold water, it takes a bit longer to dissolve. So if you are making a hot coffee recipe, the instant coffee should dissolve in seconds, while making it with cold water might take a minute or two.

If you are already a fan of instant coffee, then you will love these recipes. If you have yet to make your mind up on whether or not you enjoy instant coffee, give a few of these a try. You won’t regret it.

We hope you enjoy these instant coffee recipes!

11 Delicious & Fun Instant Coffee Recipes

1. Instant Iced Coffee

To begin, we are sharing our simple and delicious instant iced coffee recipe. This recipe is refreshing for summer, satisfying as a morning drink, and a great afternoon pick me up. It takes only a few minutes to make, but you’d have no idea from the great taste it produces.

Ingredients →

  • 1-3 teaspoons instant coffee grounds (per your strength preference)
  • 1-2 cups of cold water (also per your strength preference)
  • 4-6 tbsp creamer
  • cup of ice

How to make it →

  1. Gather your ingredients and add the instant coffee to the creamer, mixing until combined.
  2. Pour 1-2 cups of cold water into a cup with ice.
  3. Pour the instant coffee and creamer mix over the water.
  4. Stir and enjoy!

2. Dalgona Coffee

Dalgona coffee has become all the rage over the past couple of months. What started as a viral Tik Tok video, quickly became an international trend of people whipping their instant coffee. Originating in Japan, Dalgona coffee, or whipped coffee, is a delicious and unique way to drink your coffee.

Ingredients →

  • 2 tbsp instant coffee
  • 2 tbsp of hot water
  • 1-2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup of milk of preference

How to make it →

  1. Combine the instant coffee, hot water, and sugar in a bowl.
  2. Use a automatic hand mixer to beat the mix. Beat the mix for 3-5 or until the consistency turns fluffy.
  3. Pour the milk into a glass with ice. Place the coffee mixture on top.
  4. Grab a straw and enjoy!

3. Nutella Coffee

Are you a huge fan of Nutella? This Nutella coffee is perfect for any hazelnut lover, but especially those that love Nutella. It’s a very simple recipe, let us know how you like it if you make it!

Ingredients →

  • 1 tbsp of instant coffee
  • 1 cup of chilled milk
  • 2 tbsp Nutella
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to make it →

  1. Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend on medium strength until fully combined.
  2. Pour the Nutella coffee into a mug and enjoy!

4. Extra Creamy Iced Coffee

Is regular iced coffee not creamy enough for you? Try out this extra creamy iced coffee to get the full flavor that you are searching for. It’s creamy, the perfect amount of sweet, and delicious.

Ingredients →

  • 2 tbsp instant coffee
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup of ice

How to make it →

  1. Grab your favorite blender and throw all ingredients, minus the ice cubes, inside.
  2. Fill a glass with ice and pour the coffee mixture over it.
  3. Enjoy!

5. Instant Frappuccino Coffee

This homemade instant frappuccino is a great way to get a icey coffee treat. It’s easy to make, tastes like a milk shake, and will still provide you with the burst of energy you’re looking for in coffee.

Ingredients →

  • 2 tbsp instant coffee
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup of ice

How to make it →

  1. Add all of the ingredients to a blender and mix until all the ingredients are combined.
  2. Pour into an ice cold glass and enjoy!

6. Iced Mocha

This iced mocha is a great recipe for summertime. It’s creamy, delicious, and will satisfy any chocolate craving. If you are trying to stick to a healthier regime, switch out the sugar for 100% natural maple syrup, or stevia.

Ingredients →

  • 1 cup of cold water
  • 1 tbsp instant coffee
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 4 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup of ice

How to make it →

  1. Add the water, instant coffee, milk, cocoa powder, and sugar to a blender and blend on medium for 20 seconds.
  2. Pour the blended mixture over ice and enjoy!

7. Iced Caramel Coffee

Are you looking for a coffee that tastes more like a dessert? Then this iced caramel coffee is for you. This drink is perfect when you’ve craving something sweet, but also want a burst of energy. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, add whipped cream on top!

Ingredients →

  • 1-2 tbsp instant coffee
  • 2 tbsp caramel syrup
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • whipped cream

How to make it →

  1. Fill a chilled glass with ice and set it to the side.
  2. Mix together the iced coffee with milk and water.
  3. Add the coffee mixture to the cup of ice, topping with the caramel sauce.
  4. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

8. Instant Cold Brew Coffee

The process of making cold brew coffee can be strenuous and taxing, but making it with instant coffee makes it all the easier. If you’re looking for a strong, bold iced coffee, instant cold brew coffee is for you. Give it a try and let us know what you think! If you love this recipe, make sure to check out our “Best Coffee Recipes for a Busy Morning At Home.”

Ingredients →

  • 2 tbsp instant coffee
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup of ice

How to make it →

  1. Combine your instant coffee with water.
  2. Set coffee in the fridge for 24 hours.
  3. After 24 hours passes, take out the coffee, add some ice, and enjoy!

9. Instant Spicy Coffee

Do you love spicy flavors? If so, this coffee recipe is for you. For this instant spicy coffee recipe, we combine spices with coffee to get a bold, spicy flavor. If you want a fall spice recipe, take out the cayenne chile powder, but if you’re looking for an extra kick leave it in.

Ingredients →

  • 2 tbsp instant coffee
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • pinch of cayenne chile powder

How to make it →

  1. Combine the instant coffee and water in a cup until combined.
  2. In a blender blend together the milk, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne chile powder.
  3. Pour the milk and spice mixture into a mug and pour the coffee mixture on top.
  4. Enjoy!

10. Irish Coffee Recipe

If you love both coffee and whiskey then this instant coffee recipe is for you. It combines bold flavor with the unique taste of whiskey to create the perfect drink to satisfy your taste buds. You can drink this spiked coffee with friends, after dinner, or whenever you want! If you love this recipe, make sure to check out our “Easy and Delicious Homemade Coffee Recipes.”

Ingredients →

  • 2 tbsp instant coffee
  • 2 tbsp whiskey
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream

How to make it →

  1. Combine the instant coffee with the water and sugar until it is mixed.
  2. Pour the mixture in a mug, adding the whiskey as well.
  3. Lastly, add in the heavy cream and mix.
  4. Enjoy!

11. Vanilla Mocha Iced Coffee Recipe

Smooth, bold flavors make up this iced coffee. It’s perfect for a warm spring day, a bright summer afternoon, or even an early morning wakeup. This vanilla mocha iced coffee recipe will leave any coffee lover satisfied and happy!

Ingredients →

  • 2 tbsp instant coffee
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar

How to make it →

  1. Add the instant coffee, water, milk, vanilla, cocoa, and sugar to a blender and mix until thoroughly combined for 30-45 seconds.
  2. Fill a glass with ice, pour the vanilla mocha mixture over it, and enjoy!

If you are trying to watch your calories, sugar intake, or simply trying to eat healthy, it is pretty easy to substitute ingredients in these recipes. Switch out your sugar for stevia or honey, your milk or creamer for almond milk, and you’re good to go!


We hope you enjoy these instant coffee recipes! If you are looking for more coffee recipes, check out one of our recent posts on unique coffee drink recipes here. If you need instant coffee for these recipes, see our picks below. Easy homemade coffee drinks can elevate your morning routine and impress your guests. You can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your perfect cup. Whether it’s a sweet vanilla latte or a refreshing iced coffee, the possibilities are endless. Decadent coffee dessert ideas at home can truly satisfy your sweet tooth. Consider whipping up a rich coffee tiramisu or a creamy espresso panna cotta to delight your family and friends. These indulgent treats are perfect after a meal or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Our Instant Coffee Picks

We matched one coffee to each mood and moment below. Tap the image or the coffee name to see it on Amazon. We chose these from each brand’s published details rather than from brewing them ourselves yet, so both are labeled research-rated. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Feeling playful: a fluffy dalgona coffee on a lazy weekend

A glass of iced milk topped with fluffy whipped dalgona coffee beside a bowl of whipped coffee, a whisk, and instant coffee granules on a white counter.

Our pick: Nescafé Clásico Dark Roast Instant Coffee, dark roast, instant, 7 oz jar.

Why we recommend it: On a lazy weekend when you want to make something fun and pretty, whip up a dalgona coffee with this jar. Nescafé lists Clásico Dark Roast as a bold, rich instant coffee that makes up to 100 cups per 7 oz jar at 1 teaspoon per cup. That fits this recipe: our dalgona calls for 2 tablespoons of instant coffee whipped with hot water and sugar until fluffy, then spooned over iced milk, so you go through instant coffee quickly and a dark, bold roast still tastes like coffee under all that milk. One honest note: this is a budget everyday instant, so it is about convenience and value rather than single-origin character.

How we reached this: We checked Nescafé’s published roast, flavor, and serving details against this article’s dalgona coffee recipe, using the criteria in our coffee rating system. Research-rated, not yet brewed by our team.

Feeling rushed: a two-minute iced coffee at your desk

An iced coffee made with instant coffee in a sage-green tumbler beside a spoonful of freeze-dried coffee crystals, a milk pitcher, and a laptop on a desk.

Our pick: Mount Hagen Organic Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee, organic and Fair Trade, instant, 3.53 oz jar.

Why we recommend it: On a busy workday when you need a cold pick-me-up without leaving your desk, stir this into a glass of iced water. Mount Hagen lists it as freeze-dried 100% Arabica from Papua New Guinea, USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified, with a mild, smooth, low-acid taste that dissolves in both hot and cold water. That fits this article: our instant iced coffee mixes 1 to 3 teaspoons of instant coffee with creamer, then pours it over cold water and ice, so an instant that dissolves cleanly in cold water is exactly what you need. One honest note: the 3.53 oz jar makes about 50 cups, so it costs more per cup than big-brand instant.

How we reached this: We checked Mount Hagen’s published origin, certifications, flavor, and cold-water details against this article’s instant iced coffee recipe, using the criteria in our coffee rating system. Research-rated, not yet brewed by our team.

How Capitol City Coffee Rates Coffee and Coffee Machines

Every coffee and coffee machine we recommend is scored on the same 100-point scale, so a recommendation on one page means the same thing as a recommendation on any other. Each pick is also labeled with how we reached its score.

Research-ratedScored from the roaster or manufacturer’s published specifications, independent results such as Coffee Review blind cuppings and SCA brewer certification, and patterns across verified buyer reviews. Most of our current picks are research-rated.
Hands-on testedThe Capitol City Coffee team has brewed the coffee or used the machine ourselves, following the testing steps below. We only use this label when that testing actually happened, and we show the date we tested.

Coffee beans: 100-point scale

What we scorePointsWhat we look at
Origin and sourcing transparency20Country, region, farm or cooperative, altitude, bean variety, and processing method are clearly disclosed.
Flavor evidence25Independent cupping scores, how closely the tasting notes match what the origin is known for, and our own cupping notes when hands-on tested.
Roast and freshness15Roast level stated, roast-date practices, whole-bean availability, and packaging with a one-way valve or resealable bag.
Brew versatility15How well the roast suits pour-over, drip, French press, cold brew, and espresso.
Value15Price per ounce compared with similar single-origin coffees or blends.
Buyer feedback10Volume and consistency of verified reviews, and recurring complaints about staleness, bitterness, or shipping.

Coffee machines and gear: 100-point scale

What we scorePointsWhat we look at
Brewing performance25Water temperature in the 195–205°F range, even extraction, and SCA certification or published test data.
Build quality and reliability20Materials, known failure points, and long-term owner reports.
Ease of use and cleaning15Setup, the daily routine, descaling, and dishwasher-safe parts.
Fit for your kitchen10Capacity, counter footprint, and noise.
Useful features10Programming, grind and temperature control, and carafe type. Features that improve the cup count more than extras that do not.
Value10Price compared with machines that perform similarly.
Warranty and support10Warranty length, parts availability, and how the brand handles repairs.

What the grades mean

ScoreGradeWhat it means
90–100AExceptional. Our first recommendation for the feeling and setting described.
80–89BStrong. Excellent, with minor trade-offs we explain.
70–79CGood. Worth it for specific needs, with clear compromises.
Below 70—Not recommended. We do not feature these as picks.

How we test hands-on

When a pick carries the Hands-on tested label, this is the method behind it, and we note the date we tested.

  1. Coffee: brewed fresh from whole beans following Specialty Coffee Association guidelines (water between 195 and 205°F, about 1 gram of coffee to every 15 to 18 grams of water) in the brew methods the roast suits best, such as pour-over, French press, or espresso. We taste it black first, then with milk if that is how most people drink it, and each taster scores it on their own before we compare notes.
  2. Machines: used in our everyday routine rather than a single demo. We brew both full and small batches, check the brewing temperature and brew time, and run the cleaning or descaling steps the manual calls for.

How we choose the feeling and setting

We match each coffee to a mood and a moment based on its flavor profile and roast. Bright, citrusy light roasts suit energizing mornings. Chocolatey, full-bodied medium roasts suit slow or social moments. Richer roasts suit espresso and milk drinks. Each pick explains which facts led us to that match.

Our scores stay independent

Every score comes only from the criteria above. No brand can pay for a pick or a higher grade. We re-check ratings when a roast, listing, or model changes, and update or remove picks that no longer earn their grade.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Capitol City Coffee earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Questions about a rating? Reach the Capitol City Coffee team through our contact page.