Copycat Arby’s Jamocha Shake Recipe

If you’ve ever rolled through an Arby’s drive-thru just to chase that nostalgic blend of cool vanilla ice cream and soft mocha coffee syrup, you’re not alone. The Jamocha Shake has quietly earned cult status, part chocolate, part coffee, all creamy bliss. It’s that dreamy combo of milkshake sweetness with a whisper of espresso shop vibes, but without the bitterness.

This Copycat Arby’s Jamocha Shake brings that iconic flavor home with just a few pantry staples and about 5 minutes of blending. The secret? Instant coffee for that smooth, low-acid flavor and Dutch cocoa for richness. No fancy equipment needed. Just chill, blend, and sip your way into fast food memory lane.

How to Make Arby’s Jamocha Shake at Home

Start with a vanilla ice cream base, then add your jamocha flavor using a mix of instant coffee, chocolate syrup, and a splash of milk. It’s sweet, thick, and just coffee-kissed enough to make you feel like a grown-up, even if you’re sipping it through a bendy straw.

Nutrition facts (per 16 oz serving)

• Calories: 580
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 90 g
• Sugar: 75 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Caffeine: ~12 mg

Ingredients (1 large 16 oz shake)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

• 3 cups vanilla ice cream (standard style, not premium or ultra-dense)
• ¾ cup whole milk (or substitute)
• 1½ tablespoons chocolate syrup (Dutch-process preferred)
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
• 2 tablespoons hot water (to dissolve the coffee)
• ⅛ teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for chain-style texture)
• Whipped cream (for topping)
• Optional: pinch of salt or ½ tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Blender (high-powered or standard)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Small bowl or cup for dissolving coffee
• Ice cream scoop
• Chilled glass (16 oz)
• Spoon or piping bag for whipped topping
• Wide straw

Instructions

Step 1: Dissolve the coffee

In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in hot water. Stir well and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Combine liquid ingredients

In the blender, add whole milk, chocolate syrup, cooled coffee mixture, and xanthan gum if using. Blend for 5–10 seconds just to combine.

Step 3: Add the ice cream

Scoop in the vanilla ice cream and blend on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 20–30 seconds. Stop when it’s thick but pourable.

Step 4: Serve and top

Pour into a tall chilled glass. Top with a swirl of whipped cream. Sip immediately for best texture.

Tips

• Use standard ice cream. Premium brands are too dense and mute the mocha flavor.
• Don’t skip the coffee. Even if you’re not a coffee lover, it’s key to the Jamocha’s signature flavor. Instant coffee is perfect here.
• Cool your glass. A chilled serving glass keeps the shake thick and frosty longer.
• Want it super thick? Reduce milk to ½ cup and use a tamper to help the blender along.
• Need a make-ahead option? Freeze the finished shake in a mason jar for up to 1 week. Thaw in the fridge 15–20 minutes before serving.

What to Serve With

Sweet and nostalgic

• Crispy waffle cone pieces – For dipping or sprinkling on top, they add crunch and bring that ice-cream-parlor vibe.
• Chocolate chip cookies – A classic pairing. Go for soft and chewy to contrast the cold, smooth shake.
• Mini brownies or brookies – That dense, fudgy chew plays beautifully against the mocha notes.

Savory and salty

• Curly fries – If you’re going full Arby’s throwback, you have to. The salt and spice of the fries cut through the shake’s sweetness. Dip optional, but encouraged.
• Roast beef sliders – A bite of warm, salty roast beef followed by a sip of Jamocha? Surprisingly addictive. Try it and you’ll get the obsession.
• Cheddar-stuffed pretzel bites – The cheese and salt bring a buttery counterpoint to the cool mocha flavor.

Brunch or dessert pairings

• Coffee cake muffins – Perfect for a mid-morning treat. The cinnamon crumble gives a cozy boost to the mocha notes.
• Salted caramel donuts – Let that sweet-salty combo linger between sips. It’s indulgent, yes, but unforgettable.
• Chocolate-dipped biscotti – Great for a more grown-up feel. Especially if you’re sipping the shake as dessert after dinner.

Variations

Jamocha Affogato Shake

Add 1 scoop vanilla ice cream and ¼ cup hot espresso over the shake for a jolt. Let it swirl and melt slightly before diving in.

Mocha Protein Shake

Replace 1 cup of ice cream with vanilla protein shake. Add 1 extra teaspoon cocoa powder for a darker chocolate note.

Vegan Jamocha Shake

Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and oat milk. Swap whipped cream with coconut whip and use decaf instant coffee for low-caffeine delight.

Frozen Coffee Cubes Version

Freeze leftover brewed coffee into cubes and use them in place of some milk. Makes it colder and gives a real espresso twist.

Boozy Shake

Add 1 shot of Kahlúa, Baileys, or even bourbon. Blend it in with the milk and coffee for a smooth, grown-up version.

Ingredient Substitutes

Vanilla Ice Cream

Original: Standard vanilla ice cream
Subs:

• Frozen yogurt (lighter texture)
• Dairy-free vanilla coconut ice cream
• Banana nice cream (adds fruitiness)

Whole Milk

Original: Whole milk
Subs:

• Oat milk (adds creaminess)
• Almond milk (lighter, slightly nutty)
• Half-and-half for a richer base

Chocolate Syrup

Original: Chocolate syrup (Dutch-process)
Subs:

• 1 tbsp Dutch cocoa + 1 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp hot water
• Melted chocolate chips (½ oz) with a splash of milk
• Chocolate malt syrup (for a malt-shop twist)

Instant Coffee

Original: Instant coffee granules
Subs:

• Espresso powder (stronger flavor)
• ¼ cup strong cold brew
• Decaf instant coffee (for no caffeine)

Xanthan Gum

Original: Xanthan gum (for chain-style texture)
Subs:

• ½ tsp instant vanilla pudding mix
• ¼ tsp cornstarch slurry (with 1 tsp water)
• Omit entirely for a more traditional texture

Whipped Cream

Original: Canned whipped topping
Subs:

• Homemade vanilla whipped cream
• Coconut whipped cream
• No topping (still delicious!)