National Coffee Milkshake Day

National Coffee Milkshake Day is celebrated every year on July 26 to honor the delicious blend of coffee and ice cream.

This creamy, chilled drink has roots in both the classic American milkshake and Rhode Island’s famous coffee milk. Early milkshakes in the late 1800s were actually alcoholic, but by the 1900s, they began to include ice cream and flavored syrups.

Around the same time, Italian immigrants in Rhode Island introduced coffee milk—a mix of sweetened coffee syrup and milk—which later inspired the coffee milkshake. In Rhode Island, this version is often called a “coffee cabinet” and typically includes coffee syrup, milk, and ice cream.

Though its exact origins are unclear, the coffee milkshake likely became popular during the World War II era. Today, it’s a nostalgic and tasty way to enjoy your caffeine fix with a scoop of indulgence.

☕️ Did you know there are over 25 national coffee days celebrated throughout the year?

When Is National Coffee Milkshake Day?

National Coffee Milkshake Day is celebrated annually on July 26.

Popular Variations of Coffee Milkshakes

Coffee milkshakes can be customized in many ways, depending on the ingredients and preparation methods. The classic coffee milkshake usually includes brewed coffee or coffee syrup blended with vanilla or coffee ice cream and milk. This traditional version emphasizes the balance between the bold flavor of coffee and the creamy texture of a milkshake.

For those who prefer something richer, the mocha milkshake adds chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to the blend, combining chocolate and coffee into one smooth drink. Another popular option is the caramel coffee milkshake, which includes caramel sauce for a sweeter, dessert-like experience.

It’s important to distinguish coffee milkshakes from similar drinks. A frappé is a blended iced coffee that sometimes includes milk or ice cream but tends to be lighter and more frothy than a milkshake. A Frappuccino, a trademarked drink by Starbucks, is a blended beverage made with a coffee or crème base, ice, and flavorings, usually topped with whipped cream. While all three are cold and coffee-based, their textures and ingredients vary.

Many restaurants and cafés have their own takes on the coffee milkshake. Chains like McDonald’s serve their version through the McCafé line, and Starbucks offers coffee-flavored Frappuccinos. Local diners and soda fountains may serve more traditional milkshake-style versions, sometimes with regional names like the “coffee cabinet” in Rhode Island.

👉 Fun fact: There’s also a National Frappé Day celebrated every October 7, which honors the popular frothy coffee drink.

Before You Go:

We have many more national days lists for you to explore.

• Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
• Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
• Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.

📝 This article was originally published on July 26th, 2024. It has been thoroughly updated, and the publishing date has been changed to reflect the new version.