Buzz
A milkshake is a rich and creamy drink that is perfect when paired with a burger or fries, or on its own as a delightful dessert. This article will show you how to make a basic yet amazing milkshake, along with some creative and tasty alternatives to the classic version.
- Preparation time: 5-9 minutes
- Mixing time: 1 minute
- Total time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream
- 60 ml Milk
- Chocolate, strawberries, or caramel syrup (optional)
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- Malto-dextrin powder (optional)
- Frozen fruits (optional)
- 3 crushed cookies (optional)
- 1 chopped candy bar (optional)
Steps
Making a Milkshake
Ensure your ice cream is soft enough. The ideal temperature for milkshake ice cream is -7°C, while your freezer will keep it at around -18°C. Let the ice cream sit outside for a few minutes— when it softens and becomes easy to scoop, but not runny or melted, it’s the perfect time to start making your milkshake.
- If you add ice cream to the blender when it’s still too cold and hard, you’ll definitely need to add more milk to soften it. The right balance of ice cream and milk is crucial for a delicious milkshake, and too much milk will make your milkshake watery and runny.
- For the same reason, never add ice to your milkshake. Ice will melt and dilute both the flavor and the smooth texture of your milkshake. If you want a lighter and thinner milkshake, simply add a bit more milk.
Add three scoops of ice cream into the blender or milkshake cup. A milkshake mixing cup is the best choice because it both mixes and aerates your milkshake at the same time. However, if you’re not ready to invest in specialized equipment, a regular blender or handheld blender works just fine.
- If you don’t have any of these tools, you can use a large bowl and a whisk to blend the milk and ice cream.
- Before starting your milkshake, place the glass you’ll be using into the fridge. This will chill the glass and make your milkshake even more enjoyable when served.
Add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of milk, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and any additional ingredients you prefer. At this point, you can turn your vanilla milkshake into a malted milkshake, chocolate milkshake, strawberry milkshake, or even a caramel-cookie chocolate milkshake.
Blend your milkshake for one minute. If you’re using a blender, don’t just leave it running continuously. Alternate turning the blender on and off while stirring by hand with a spoon. This will create a similar effect to using a milkshake mixer.
- Regardless of the method you use (whisk, handheld blender, or professional milkshake mixer), make sure your milkshake is still thick. If you dip a spoon into it and pull it out, the milkshake should cling to the spoon just a little bit.
- If you prefer a milkshake with a bit of texture, simply blend for 30-45 seconds.
- If your milkshake is too thick, add a little more milk.
- If the milkshake is too thin, add another scoop or half a scoop of ice cream and blend again.
Pour your milkshake into the pre-chilled glass. If your milkshake has the right consistency, you’ll need a spoon to scoop it into the glass. If the milkshake pours too easily, it means it’s too thin or over-mixed, and you need to add more ice cream.
- Top your milkshake with a generous amount of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Or decorate with a touch of your chosen ingredients (such as a fresh strawberry for your strawberry milkshake).
- Enjoy with both a spoon and a straw.
Choosing Ingredients
Choose high-quality vanilla ice cream. For most milkshakes, vanilla ice cream is a key ingredient, even in chocolate or strawberry milkshakes! Vanilla ice cream is sweet enough, so when adding syrups or ingredients like cookies or candies, your milkshake won’t be overly sweet.
- Opt for a thicker ice cream. Pick two cartons of ice cream from different brands with the same size (half liter, one liter…) and hold them in both hands. The one that feels heavier will make a better milkshake.
- A lighter, airier ice cream contains more air bubbles. When blending, more air will be added, and your milkshake will become less thick and smooth—exactly what you want. Choose a denser ice cream to avoid too many air bubbles.
- Of course, you can use any ice cream flavor you like. If you don’t want to use vanilla, try experimenting with other flavors. For a mint-chocolate milkshake without mint extract and chocolate bits, just use mint ice cream.
Choose high-quality milk. Whole milk is excellent for milkshakes as it provides a rich taste and creates a thicker texture. However, you can also use skim milk, soy milk, or nut-based milks. Just keep in mind that these alternatives are slightly thinner, so you may need to use less milk or add a bit more cream.
- If possible, look for high-quality, locally produced milk. The better the ingredients you use, the tastier your milkshake will be.
Other Recipes
Make a chocolate malt milkshake. Add 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of milk, and 30 ml of malt powder into the blender.
- Use malt powder instead of ready-to-drink malt milk or liquid malt flavoring. The powder will provide the most authentic flavor.
Make a chocolate milkshake. Add 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of chocolate syrup into the blender.
- Choose a chocolate syrup with a high cocoa content for the best flavor.
Make a strawberry milkshake. Add a cup of hulled strawberries or 2 oz of strawberry syrup, along with 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Make a cookies and cream milkshake. Add 3 of your favorite cookies (crushed beforehand) into the blender with 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Make a milkshake with your favorite candy flavor. Start with a basic milkshake recipe using 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Before blending, add a handful of your favorite candies or candy bars, chopped into small pieces.
Make a salted caramel milkshake with wafer cookies and chocolate crumbs. Add a portion of caramel, a handful of crushed wafer cookies, and chocolate crumbs to the basic malt milkshake recipe, which includes 3 scoops of ice cream, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Make a banana cake milkshake. Add 3 scoops of ice cream, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 banana, and ½ packet of vanilla pudding mix into the blender.
What You’ll Need
- Blender, milkshake mixer, or whisk
- Tall glass
- Straw
- Spoon (tablespoon)
