Arby’s Jamocha Shake combines chocolate and coffee flavors in a thick vanilla shake. This homemade version uses vanilla ice cream, whole milk, strong chilled coffee, and chocolate syrup to recreate that coffee-chocolate flavor with ingredients that are easy to find.
The key is keeping the liquid under control. Too much brewed coffee makes the shake thin before you get enough coffee flavor, so I use a smaller amount of strong coffee and let the ice cream provide most of the body.
If you’re making an Arby’s-style meal at home, pair it with my Arby’s Beef and Cheddar copycat or Bronco Berry Sauce.
What Is an Arby’s Jamocha Shake?
The Jamocha Shake is Arby’s chocolate-and-coffee flavored milkshake. Despite the name, “Jamocha” isn’t a separate type of coffee drink; in this case, it refers to the combination of coffee and chocolate flavors.
Arby’s current version uses a vanilla shake base with Jamocha syrup containing cocoa and coffee flavor. This homemade recipe isn’t the restaurant’s proprietary formula, but it recreates the same basic chocolate-coffee profile with regular grocery-store ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) strong brewed coffee or cold brew, completely chilled
- 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, optional
- Whipped cream, optional
Instructions
- Chill the Coffee: Make sure the coffee is completely cold before blending. Warm coffee melts the ice cream and gives you a thin shake.
- Blend the Base: Add the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, chilled coffee, and chocolate syrup to a blender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend just until creamy and uniform, about 20–30 seconds. Avoid blending longer than necessary because the friction from the blender can start melting the ice cream.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the shake is too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time. If it is too thin, add another scoop of ice cream.
- Taste: Add the optional teaspoon of sugar only if you want the shake sweeter. The ice cream and chocolate syrup may already provide enough sweetness.
- Serve Immediately: Pour into cold glasses and top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup, if desired.
Tips for a Thick Jamocha Shake
- Use cold coffee. Even slightly warm coffee can melt the ice cream quickly.
- Use strong coffee rather than more coffee. More liquid makes the shake thinner.
- Don’t overblend. Stop as soon as the mixture is smooth.
- Use full-fat ice cream for the creamiest texture.
- Adjust with ice cream, not ice. Ice dilutes the coffee and chocolate flavors as it melts.
Pin the image below if you like this Arby’s Jamocha Shake Recipe!
Mocha vs. Jamocha
Mocha generally refers to the combination of coffee or espresso with chocolate.
“Jamocha” is the name Arby’s uses for its chocolate-and-coffee shake flavor. It isn’t a separate traditional coffee style.
Can I Make It Without Coffee?
If you want the flavor without as much caffeine, use decaffeinated coffee or decaf cold brew.
I wouldn’t leave the coffee out entirely because the coffee-chocolate combination is what distinguishes a Jamocha Shake from a regular chocolate shake.
Can I Make a Vegan Jamocha Shake?
Yes. Replace the whole milk with oat, soy, or almond milk and use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Check the chocolate syrup as well if you need the entire shake to be dairy-free.
Storage
Jamocha Shakes are best served immediately.
If you have leftovers, cover and refrigerate them only briefly, knowing the shake will continue to melt and separate.
For longer storage, freeze the leftover shake in an airtight container. Let it soften slightly, then reblend with a splash of milk before serving.
I wouldn’t store a finished milkshake in the refrigerator for hours expecting it to stay thick; freshly blended gives you the best texture.
FAQ
When did Arby’s introduce the Jamocha Shake?
Arby’s says the Jamocha Shake appeared on its original menu in 1964, making it one of the chain’s long-running menu items.
Does the Arby’s Jamocha Shake contain coffee?
Yes. Arby’s current ingredient information lists both instant coffee and coffee concentrate in its Jamocha syrup.
Can I use cold brew instead of regular coffee?
Yes. Cold brew works especially well because it provides stronger coffee flavor without requiring as much liquid. Start with the same amount and adjust to taste.
Why is my Jamocha Shake too thin?
The most common causes are too much coffee or milk, warm ingredients, or overblending. Add another scoop of ice cream and blend only until smooth.
