Delicious and Creamy Milkshakes: The Ultimate Guide

Ingredients

2 cups of cold milk
3 scoops of vanilla ice cream
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
1/2 cup of fresh or frozen fruit (optional)

Steps and instructions

Place the milk, ice cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a blender.
Blend on high speed for about 1 minute, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
If choosing to add fresh or frozen fruit, add it now and blend until smooth.
Pour the milkshake into a tall glass.
If desired, top with whipped cream and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Serve immediately with a straw.

Tools for making

Blender - Needed to blend the ingredients together and create a smooth milkshake.
Tall glass - Used to pour and serve the milkshake.
Straw - Allows you to easily enjoy the milkshake.

Recipe variations

Chocolate Milkshake: Replace the vanilla ice cream with chocolate ice cream.
Fruit Smoothie Milkshake: Add your favorite fresh or frozen fruits, such as strawberries, bananas, or mangoes, to the blender.
Oreo Milkshake: Crush some Oreo cookies and add them to the blender along with the other ingredients.
Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake: Use mint chocolate chip ice cream instead of vanilla ice cream.
Peanut Butter Milkshake: Add a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter to the blender.
Salted Caramel Milkshake: Drizzle some caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the milkshake before serving.
Coconut Milkshake: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and add some shredded coconut to the blender.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the creamy delight of a homemade Vanilla Milkshake! This classic treat is simple to make, requiring only four main ingredients with options to customize to your liking. Begin with cold milk and vanilla ice cream as the base, adding a touch of sugar and vanilla extract for an extra sweet, aromatic touch. If you're in the mood for some fruity fun, blend in your favorite fresh or frozen fruit. The topping of whipped cream and cherry garnish is the cherry on top of this beloved dessert. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes, so you can be sipping on this sweet, smooth delight in no time!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
Can I use a different flavor of ice cream? Certainly! While this recipe calls for vanilla ice cream, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or mint chocolate chip.
Can I adjust the sweetness level? Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter milkshake, you can add more sugar. Conversely, if you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar or even omit it entirely.
Can I add mix-ins or toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add mix-ins like chocolate chips, cookie crumbs, or nuts. You can also top your milkshake with whipped cream, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Can I make a dairy-free version? Yes, you can substitute the dairy milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Additionally, choose a non-dairy ice cream option.
Can I make this ahead of time? It is best to enjoy the milkshake immediately after preparing it to maintain its creamy texture. However, you can make it a few hours in advance and keep it in the freezer until ready to serve, giving it a quick blend before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Blender - A blender is needed to mix the ingredients and create a smooth consistency for the milkshake.
Tall glass - A tall glass is perfect for serving the milkshake and enjoying it with a straw.
Whipped cream dispenser - If you prefer to make your own whipped cream, a whipped cream dispenser can help you achieve the perfect consistency and add a delicious topping to your milkshake.
Straw - A straw is essential for sipping and enjoying the milkshake.

Origin stories

The history of the milkshake dates back to the late 19th century in the United States where it began as a whiskey-based egg nog type of drink served in pharmacies. By 1900, it had evolved into a sweet treat made with chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla syrup. However, the milkshake wouldn’t become the creamy, ice cream-based beverage we know today until the invention of the electric blender in the 1920s. This appliance allowed for a smoother consistency, transforming the milkshake into a popular choice at soda fountains nationwide. Interestingly, the term "milkshake" was first used in print in 1885, referring to a potent alcoholic drink. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that its meaning shifted to the wholesome, sweet concoction we enjoy today.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.