Milkshake: How to Make the 10 Best Recipes for Beginners

You know that feeling when you take the first sip of an insanely good milkshake? Like, so thick your straw practically stands up in it? All creamy and dreamy, hitting you with a wave of nostalgia—suddenly you’re ten years old again, licking drips off your fingers at some roadside diner. And here’s the kicker: you can make one at home that’s just as epic as the overpriced shakes from Sonic or Chick-fil-A. No fancy gadgets, no weird skills—just you, some ice cream, and maybe poor life choices (worth it).

Whether you’re craving a strawberry milkshake that tastes like fresh-picked berries or a banana shake with peanut butter for that sweet-and-salty kick, this guide has you covered. We’re breaking down 10 foolproof recipes, plus pro tips to avoid common pitfalls (because nobody wants a watery shake).

Ready to blend up some nostalgia? Let’s dive in.

Why Milkshakes? The Ultimate Comfort Drink

Starting in the 1920s, milkshakes have delighted many, evolving from basic malted drinks to opulent Crazy Mason-style loaded desserts. What makes them so irresistible?

• Nostalgia in a glass – They remind you of ice cream shops, first dates, and summer vacations.
• Endless versatility – Swap ingredients to make them vegan, protein-packed, or extra indulgent.
• Instant crowd-pleaser – Kids, adults, even picky eaters can’t resist a well-made shake.

Fun fact: The global milkshake market is growing by 5.2% yearly—proof that this classic treat isn’t going anywhere.

Milkshake Basics: What You Need to Get Started

Essential Tools

• A good blender – Doesn’t need to be high-end, but should crush ice smoothly.
• Tall glasses & wide straws – Essential for that authentic diner feel.
• Measuring cups – Precision ensures the perfect thickness.

Core Ingredients (And Easy Swaps)

Ingredient	Why It Matters	Healthy/Vegan Swap
Ice Cream	Creamy base	Frozen bananas, coconut milk ice cream
Milk	Controls thickness	Almond, oat, or soy milk
Sweeteners	Enhances flavor	Honey, agave, dates

Pro Tip: For a thicker shake, freeze your milk into ice cubes before blending.

The 10 Best Milkshake Recipes for Beginners

1. Classic Vanilla Milkshake

The timeless favorite that never disappoints

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
2 cups	Vanilla ice cream	High-quality for the best flavor
1 cup	Whole milk	Can substitute oat milk
1 tsp	Vanilla extract	Pure extract preferred
Optional	Whipped cream, cherry	For garnish

Instructions:

1. Add ice cream and milk to the blender.
2. Blend at a medium setting for half a minute until it becomes smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract; pulse 2-3 times to combine.
4. Pour into a chilled glass. Top with whipped cream and a cherry.

Insider Advice: For added depth, choose vanilla bean ice cream.

2. Decadent Chocolate Milkshake

For serious chocolate lovers

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
2 cups	Chocolate ice cream
¾ cup	Whole milk	Adjust for thickness
2 Tbsp	Chocolate syrup	Plus extra for drizzle
1 tsp	Instant coffee (optional)	Enhances chocolate flavor

Instructions:

1. Blend ice cream, milk, and syrup for about 45 seconds until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add coffee if using; blend 5 more seconds.
3. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring.

3. Fresh Strawberry Milkshake

Bursting with real berry flavor

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
1½ cups	Vanilla ice cream
1 cup	Frozen strawberries	No need for ice
½ cup	Milk	Whole or 2% preferred
1 Tbsp	Sugar (optional)	If berries are tart

Instructions:

1. Blend strawberries and milk first until smooth.
2. Add ice cream; blend 30 seconds more.
3. Taste and add sugar if needed.

Secret: Add 1 tsp lemon juice to brighten flavors.

4. Cookies & Cream Dream

Oreo magic in every sip

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
2 cups	Vanilla ice cream
¾ cup	Milk
5 Oreos	Plus 2 crushed for topping
1 tsp	Vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Put ice cream, milk, and three Oreos into a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the remaining two Oreos and pulse three times to achieve chunks.
3. Top with crushed Oreos.

5. Peanut Butter Banana Shake

Creamy, nutty perfection

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
1½ cups	Vanilla ice cream
1 ripe	Banana	Frozen slices work too
¼ cup	Peanut butter	Creamy or crunchy
½ cup	Milk
1 Tbsp	Honey	Optional sweetener

Instructions:

1. Blend the banana and peanut butter first.
2. Add remaining ingredients; blend until smooth.
3. Drizzle with extra PB on top.

6. Coffee Lover’s Shake

Your caffeine fix, creamy and cold

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
2 cups	Coffee ice cream	Or vanilla + 1 Tbsp instant espresso
½ cup	Cold brew coffee	Strong preferred
½ cup	Milk
Whipped cream		Optional

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until frothy.
2. Top with whipped cream and cocoa powder.

7. Mint Chocolate Chip

Refreshing and indulgent

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
2 cups	Mint chip ice cream
¾ cup	Milk
¼ tsp	Peppermint extract	For an extra minty kick
Chocolate shavings		Garnish

Instructions:

1. Blend ice cream and milk until smooth.
2. Add extract; pulse to combine.
3. Top with chocolate shavings.

8. Copycat Chick-fil-A Banana Pudding Milkshake

The famous flavor at home

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
1½ cups	Vanilla ice cream
1 ripe	Banana
½ cup	Milk
3	Vanilla wafers	Plus 2 crushed
1 Tbsp	Instant vanilla pudding mix	Secret ingredient!

Instructions:

1. Blend banana, ice cream, milk, and 1 wafer.
2. Add pudding mix; blend 10 more seconds.
3. Top with crushed wafers.

9. Sonic-Style Oreo Blast

Just like the drive-in favorite

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
2 cups	Vanilla ice cream
½ cup	Milk
6 Oreos	Divided
2 Tbsp	Chocolate syrup

Instructions:

1. Blend ice cream, milk, and 4 Oreos.
2. Swirl in syrup; top with 2 crushed Oreos.

10. Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Shake

Fall into a glass

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
1½ cups	Vanilla ice cream
½ cup	Milk
¼ cup	Pumpkin puree	Not pie filling
1 tsp	Pumpkin pie spice
Whipped cream		Garnish

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Add a layer of whipped cream and a hint of spice on top.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Milkshake

• Texture Tricks:
  • Use frozen fruit instead of ice to avoid dilution.
  • Blend in the ice cream last to prevent over-mixing.
• Flavor Boosters:
  • A pinch of salt makes sweet flavors pop.
  • Espresso powder deepens chocolate shakes.

Common Milkshake Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Problem: Too thin?
Fix: Add more ice cream or a frozen banana.

Problem: Too thick?
Fix: Splash in milk until it pours smoothly.

Problem: Bland taste?
Fix: A dash of vanilla or cinnamon works wonders.

Shake Up Your Life!

You’ve got the recipes – now it’s time to fire up that blender and get creative! Whether you’re chasing that perfect Sonic copycat or inventing your wild combination (peanut butter-bacon-maple shake, anyone?), remember: the only rule is to make it ridiculously tasty.

Your Move: Which flavor’s calling your name? Mix it up, take a photo, and tag us – we can’t wait to see your milkshake creations!

FAQs

How do I make a basic milkshake?
Add ice cream and milk to a blender. Too thick? Add milk. Too thin? More ice cream. Boom – you’re a milkshake pro.

Milkshake vs smoothie – what’s the deal?
Milkshakes = sweet, creamy indulgence (ice cream + milk). Smoothies = the “healthy” option (usually fruit + yogurt/juice).

What crazy stuff can I add?
The world’s your oyster! Smashed cookies, fresh fruits, Nutella, espresso shots, and a touch of bourbon for the adults.

Why’s it called a milkshake?
Previously, people combined milk with flavorings. Thank goodness for blenders, right?

When’s the best time for a milkshake?
Trick question – the answer is always. Breakfast shake? We won’t tell.

What do Americans call milkshakes?
Just “milkshakes,” though if it’s extra thick, some folks say “thickshake.”

Now go forth and blend! And if you invent something amazing (or disastrous), you know where to find us. Happy shaking!