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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » How to Make a Milkshake

    How to Make a Milkshake

    Published: April 15, 2021 · Modified: Apr 15, 2021 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    These milkshakes are thick, creamy, and so addictive that you’ll be trying to drink every last drop. They're the perfect treat for any time of the year, so here’s How to Make a Milkshake. You only need two ingredients and you can customize it however you’d like with as many toppings as you’d like! 

    A vanilla milkshake, a strawberry milkshake, and a chocolate milkshake with toppings on top with sprinkles around the table.
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    Pinterest graphic of a chocolate milkshake with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry.
    Pinterest graphic of a strawberry milkshake with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry.
    Pinterest graphic of three milkshakes: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.
    Pinterest graphic of three milkshakes with whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherries.
    Pinterest graphic of a vanilla milkshake with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a cherry.
    Pinterest graphic of a vanilla milkshake and strawberry milkshake.
    Pinterest graphic of an overhead view of three milkshakes topped with sprinkles and whipped cream.
    Pinterest graphic of a cherry being placed on top of a garnished milkshake.
    Pinterest graphic of the overhead view of a chocolate milkshake, vanilla milkshake, and strawberry milkshake beside a bowl of sprinkles.
    Pinterest graphic of three milkshakes topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherries.

    Making a milkshake is super simple, you really only need two ingredients but do you know the perfect ratio? It can be a little disappointing to drink a milkshake that is closer to the consistency of a juice or a milkshake that’s so thick you can’t get it through the straw. 

    So today I’m sharing how to make the perfect milkshake and you can use it as a guide to customize whatever flavor you’d like to make. Not a fan of milkshakes when it’s cool out? Try my Hot Chocolate Bombs or my classic Hot Chocolate instead! 

    WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

    Ingredients needed to make a milkshake.

    Ice cream – full-fat ice cream will yield the creamiest and smoothest milkshake. Low-fat ice cream just isn’t the same! Choose the highest quality ice cream you’re able to find in stores.

    Milk – use whatever milk you have at home. Just keep in mind that the higher the fat percentage of your milk, the creamier your milkshake will be. I use whole milk.

    Toppings – take your pick on your toppings. I love adding whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry.

    HOW TO MAKE A MILKSHAKE

    Set of two photos showing ice cream added to a blender and then milk.

    1. Add the ice cream to the blender.

    2. Add the milk to the blender. 

    Set of two photos showing a milkshake blended up and then whipped cream adding to a glass of milkshake.

    3. Blend on low until smooth. 

    4. Pour into a cup and garnish with whipped cream.

    Set of two photos showing sprinkles added to whipped cream on top of a milkshake and then topped with a cherry.

    5. Add some sprinkles.

    6. And add a cherry if desired.

    Three milkshakes: vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate flavored, all three with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top.

    PRO TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE

    • To make this milkshake even creamier, you can try using heavy cream in place of milk.
    • When purchasing ice cream, make sure you buy real 100% dairy ice cream. There are ice creams that are labeled as “frozen desserts” as they’re made with vegetable oils. 
    • To easily scoop your ice cream, let your ice cream sit at room temperature for around 5 minutes so it can soften enough to scoop.
    • If you find the milkshake a little too thick for your liking, add in additional milk a couple of splashes at a time.
    • To help your drink stay cold longer, you can place your glasses in the freezer beforehand. 
    • Don’t have a can of whipped cream on hand? Try making your own homemade whipped cream. 
    • Don’t add ice to this. Ice will water down your drink.

    Angled view of the tops of three milkshakes, in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    HOW DO I MAKE DIFFERENT FLAVORS?

    You can easily change the flavor with a few simple swaps. For example, you can use different ice cream flavors such as strawberry, chocolate, mint chocolate chip, chocolate peanut butter, matcha green tea, and more! The options are endless. You can also change the milk as well for chocolate milk, strawberry milk, banana milk, or whatever flavored milk you have at your local grocery store. 

    WHAT ELSE CAN I USE AS A TOPPING

    Some ideas for topping your milkshakes include chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup, caramel sauce, crushed cookies, sliced nuts, fresh fruit, and candy. If you’re feeling especially indulgent, you can try my Freakshake. If you’ve got extra time, you can try to make my homemade marshmallows to top your drink with.

    WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A BLENDER?

    If you don’t have a blender, you can use a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, then you can use a stand mixer to beat the ingredients together.

    CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME?

    I highly recommend you enjoy your milkshake immediately after you make it. 

    If you love this recipe try these out!

    • Chocolate ice cream sandwiches with a gold scooper in the foreground

      Ice Cream Sandwiches

    • A jar of homemade caramel with a giolden spoon in the foreground.

      Caramel

    • An Oreo cupcake topped with Oreo buttercream and crumbled Oreos.

      Oreo Cupcakes

    • A glass of a hot fudge sundae made with vanilla ice cream with whipped cream, nuts, sprinkles, and a cherry on top.

      Hot Fudge Sundae

    • A vanilla milkshake, a strawberry milkshake, and a chocolate milkshake with toppings on top with sprinkles around the table.

    If you’ve tried this Milkshake recipe then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    Three glasses of milkshake in three different flavors, all topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry.
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    5 from 42 votes

    How to Make a Milkshake

    Making milkshakes at home has never been easier. Here's how to make a milkshake that is the perfect consistency.
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 0 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 1 serving
    Calories 720kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Equipment

    • Blender

    Ingredients

    • 5 scoops ice cream about 1 ¾ cups
    • ¼ cup milk

    Instructions

    • Combine the ice cream and milk in a blender and blend on low until smooth.
    • Pour into a cup and garnish with whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry if desired.

    Notes

    • To make this milkshake even creamier, you can try using heavy cream in place of milk.
    • When purchasing ice cream, make sure you are being real 100% dairy ice cream. There are ice creams that are labeled as “frozen desserts” as they’re made with vegetable oils. 
    • To easily scoop your ice cream, let your ice cream sit at room temperature for around 5 minutes so it can soften enough to scoop.
    • If you find the milkshake a little too thick for your liking, add in additional milk a couple of splashes at a time.
    • To help your drink stay cold longer, you can place your glasses in the freezer beforehand. 
    • Don’t have a can of whipped cream on hand? Try making your own whipped cream. 
    • Don’t add ice to this. Ice will water down your drink.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 720kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 151mg | Sodium: 290mg | Potassium: 737mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 73g | Vitamin A: 1488IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 491mg | Iron: 1mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
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    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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