Quick answer: blend 3 large scoops (1½ cups) of vanilla ice cream with ¼-⅓ cup of cold whole milk and ½ teaspoon of vanilla just until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass and top with whipped cream.
Three classic milkshakes (1 large or 2 small)
| Shake | Ice cream | Milk | Add |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanilla | 1½ cups vanilla | ¼-⅓ cup | ½ tsp vanilla extract |
| Chocolate | 1½ cups chocolate or vanilla | ¼-⅓ cup | 2-3 tbsp chocolate syrup |
| Strawberry | 1½ cups vanilla or strawberry | ¼ cup | 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries |
How to make it
- Chill the glasses in the freezer.
- Put the milk in the blender first, then the ice cream and flavorings.
- Blend on low for 20-30 seconds, just until smooth. Over-blending melts it.
- Pour, top with whipped cream and serve with a wide straw.
The whipped cream top
A swirl of whipped cream and a cherry is the diner finish. A whipped cream dispenser gives the tall rosette you see at soda fountains and keeps cream ready in the fridge for the next round. Flavor it to match: chocolate or strawberry whipped cream.
Milkshake without ice cream
Blend 1 cup of cold milk, ¼ cup of heavy cream, 1 frozen sliced banana or 1 cup of ice, 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until thick and frothy.
More flavors
- Cookies and cream: 3 or 4 sandwich cookies, pulsed in at the end.
- Malted: 2 tbsp malted milk powder.
- Peanut butter: 2 tbsp peanut butter.
- Salted caramel: 2 tbsp caramel sauce and a pinch of salt.
- Coffee: a shot of cooled espresso.
Related: root beer floats, frappés and no-churn ice cream.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ratio of ice cream to milk for a milkshake?
About 3 large scoops (1½ cups) of ice cream to ¼ to ⅓ cup of milk. Start with less milk; you can always add more.
How do I make a milkshake thicker?
Use less milk, use ice cream straight from the freezer, chill the glass and blend only until smooth.
Can I make a milkshake without ice cream?
Yes. Blend frozen banana or ice with milk, a little heavy cream, sugar and vanilla. It is lighter than a classic shake.
Can I make a milkshake without a blender?
Yes. Let the ice cream soften for 5 minutes, then shake it hard with the milk in a sealed jar, or whisk it in a bowl.
