Rhode Island

Coffee Milk Ice Cream

Little Rhody's state drink becomes an incredible frozen treat! This Ocean State original features the sweet, mellow coffee flavor of authentic Rhode Island coffee syrup churned into creamy perfection. It's the taste of Providence in every scoop!

35 min churn time 8 servings Easy State Drink

Jump to Ingredients

Equipment Needed

🍦

Ice Cream Maker

🥣

Large Mixing Bowl

🍳

Heavy Saucepan

🥄

Whisk

🧊

Freezer Container

🌡️

Thermometer

Ingredients

For the Base:

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup sugar

5 large egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

For Coffee Flavor:

1/2 cup coffee syrup (Autocrat or Eclipse)

2 tablespoons instant espresso powder

Extra coffee syrup for swirling

Instructions

Dissolve espresso powder in 2 tablespoons hot water. Set aside to cool.

In a heavy saucepan, combine cream, milk, and sugar. Heat until steaming.

Whisk egg yolks with salt until pale. Slowly temper with the hot cream mixture.

Return to saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until custard reaches 170-175 degrees F.

Remove from heat and whisk in coffee syrup and dissolved espresso.

Strain custard, stir in vanilla. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Churn in ice cream maker, about 25-30 minutes until thick and creamy.

Transfer to container in layers, drizzling extra coffee syrup between each layer.

Freeze 4 hours. Let sit 5-10 minutes before serving with a drizzle of coffee syrup.

Tips for Perfect Coffee Milk Ice Cream

Official State Drink

Coffee milk became Rhode Island's official state drink in 1993, beating out Del's Lemonade!

Authentic Syrup

Use Autocrat or Eclipse coffee syrup for the authentic Rhode Island taste - it's sweeter than regular coffee.

School Lunch Staple

Every Rhode Island kid grew up with coffee milk in school cafeterias - it's pure nostalgia.

Not Iced Coffee

Coffee milk is distinctly different from iced coffee - it's sweeter, milkier, and uniquely RI.

Syrup Source

Both Autocrat and Eclipse are made in Rhode Island - the syrup rivalry is fierce!

Serving Idea

Serve as an affogato with a shot of espresso poured over for an adult twist!