Instant coffee is superb for making coffee ice cream (especially when you've got a cheap vanilla ice cream because the local shop doesn't stock Ben & Jerrys!). Simply add a spoonful of the instant coffee (poweder is better than granules, and you're away). Also great for staining manuscripts. It doesn't matter what type you use for either of these purposes but I must admit I prefer the caffeinated version as all instant coffee is really made from freeze dried mouse droppings (according to my other half!!!).