Here’s an easy tutorial on how to make a milkshake. I’m showing you how to make the best and easiest milkshake recipe you can make at home + milkshake flavor ideas!
If you’ve been dying to the best homemade milkshake recipe, you’ve found it here!
I love a cold, thick milkshake in the summer. Not only are milkshakes incredibly delicious, but they are also a summer icon. So, today I’m going to show you how to make your own milkshakes at home!
I bet a lot of you have fond memories of sipping milkshakes to cool down in the summer heat. But when was the last time you had a really great milkshake? If you have to think about it, it has probably been too long! It’s time to learn homemade milkshake so you can treat yourself whenever you’d like.
You don’t need to go to the ice cream parlor to get an amazing milkshake! My milkshake recipe is also super flexible. You can change the flavor, add some tasty mix-ins and really switch it up to suit your personal preferences. And the best part is that it is very, VERY easy to make the perfect milkshake. So let’s get blending!
Milkshake Ingredients
A good homemade milkshake has very few ingredients. All you really need are ice cream, milk and flavored syrup, sauce or any mix-ins of your choice!
To make a thick milkshake, full of rich flavor, you don’t want to add much more than these main ingredients. Some milkshake recipes add ice but that tends to water the milkshake down. Stick with the basic milk and ice cream and you will have a perfect thick milkshake.
Thinking of a different flavor milkshake? Here is how you can make a whole new milkshake:
Vanilla Milkshake– Use vanilla ice cream and milk
Chocolate Milkshake– Use vanilla ice cream, milk and chocolate syrup, just like in my recipe below
Strawberry Milkshake– Vanilla ice cream, milk plus fresh strawberries will blend into a perfect strawberry milkshake.
Raspberry Milkshake– Vanilla ice cream, milk and fresh raspberries
Caramel Milkshake– Vanilla ice cream, milk and caramel sauce
Vanilla ice cream is always a good ingredient to have on hand. It can be made into almost any kind of shake!
What Type of Milk to use in a Milkshake?
I like to use whole milk in my milkshake. Whole milk has more milk fat and is the creamiest milk option. You can opt to use 2% or even skim but, once again, the milkshake will be a little more watery. When you are treating yourself to a rich, creamy shake, why skimp on the milk? Whole milk is definitely the best option!
I also like whole milk because it is very drinkable. Sure, heavy cream or half and half would make a shake that is even creamier, but it is hard to drink a shake with THAT much fat added in. Whole milk is a nice middle ground between skim milk and heavy cream. It is creamy enough but no too watery. I definitely recommend whole milk for milkshakes!
Homemade Milkshake: Step by Step Guide
Making a milkshake is extremely simple. Once you have all your ingredients ready, here is what you need to do.
- Scoop the ice cream directly into the blender.
- Add the milk.
- Blend on medium high speed for about 30 seconds. The milk and ice cream should blend together well and look thick, creamy and smooth.
- Pour into a glass. You may need to use a spoon to scoop out the entire shake from the blender.
- Top with your favorite milkshake toppings.
- Add a straw or spoon and enjoy!
Milkshakes are so easy to make! It is almost dangerous how quickly you can whip up such a decadent, rich treat.
Best Toppings to Make a Homemade Milkshake
Once you have blended your milkshake ingredients, you will want to add some picture-perfect toppings. Here are my favorite milkshake toppings:
- whipped cream
- maraschino cherries
- sprinkles
- chopped nuts
- caramel sauce
- chocolate sauce
- fresh fruit slices
Adding a topping to your milkshake takes it from being a homemade milkshake to something worthy of a fancy ice cream parlor. Don’t be afraid to go overboard with the toppings!
Milkshake Flavor Ideas
My easy homemade chocolate milkshake recipe is the perfect base to use for other milkshake flavors you want to make. Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe and make a really exciting, adventurous milkshake.
- Cookies and Cream– Add about ½ cup chopped oreos to the blender and skip the chocolate sauce in the recipe.
- Triple Chocolate– Use chocolate ice cream in place of vanilla and then blend in about ¼ cup mini chocolate chips as well.
- Mint Chocolate Cookie– Add 3 mint oreos to the blender and puree until smooth.
- Caramel Crunch– Add two tablespoons of caramel sauce and ¼ cup sliced almonds and blend.
- Summer Berry– Toss a few strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries into the blender- any seasonal berry will do!
- Chocolate Covered Banana– Toss a whole, ripe banana in the blender along with the ingredients in my chocolate milkshake recipe.
- Mocha Frappe– Use coffee ice cream in place of vanilla but be sure to keep the chocolate sauce!
- Peaches and Cream– Peel and slice one ripe peach then add it to the blender. Skip the chocolate sauce.
Now that you know how to make a milkshake, you can get creative with your homemade milkshake flavors! Think about your favorites from the ice cream shop and try to mimic them at home. I bet you can come pretty close to creating milkshakes as good as the pros!
FAQ’s
Still have questions about making the perfect milkshake? Hopefully I can answer some of those questions here.
How do you make a milkshake thick?
To make a thicker shake, add more ice cream or just use less milk. Be sure to buy thick, creamy, home-style ice cream too.
Can you make a milkshake without a blender?
You can use a food processor or even a hand whisk to make a milkshake. Anything that will blend the milk into the ice cream well will work!
Can I make milkshakes in advance?
Milkshakes are best when made and enjoyed right away. I don’t recommend making them in advance. Luckily, a good milkshake only take a few minutes to make!
Easy Homemade Milkshakes
I know that my family and I are having one of the best summers ever! And with a perfect homemade milkshake in my hand, it is definitely going to be the best!
I hope you get to enjoy a few great shakes this summer too using my easy homemade milkshake recipe. Enjoy!
*This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure Policy for more details.
Try these other delicious summer drinks!
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris
Peach Mocktailrita Float
Layered Tropical Smoothie
Easy Strawberry Slushie
Sparkling Berry Lemonade
I hope you love this recipe and tutorial for how to make a milkshake – be sure to give it a review below!
Also don’t forget to follow Hip Mama’s Place on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!
PrintEasy Homemade Chocolate Milkshake
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This quick and easy homemade chocolate milkshake recipe is the perfect base to use for other milkshake flavors you want to make!
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate ice cream, or your favorite flavor
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
For toppings:
- whipped cream
- sprinkles
- maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Add ice cream to blender
- Pour in chocolate syrup and milk
- Blend until well combined
- Serve immediately with whip cream, sprinkles and a cherry if you like
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
I haven’t had a homemade milkshake for years. You’ve inspired me for one.
now i am drooling and want a milkshake for myself…. going to whip one up..:)
Yummy!! I love milk shakes! I want to try the cookies and cream recipe!
My favorite one is not on your list, and that is a banana milkshake
I love making milkshakes when people come over. It’s a nice little treat that people can enjoy and love.
I love milkshakes! I will try to make this, thank you for the recipe.
Saving for later! They all look and sound amazing!!!
I haven’t had a milkshake in years out of fear but it’s one of my big challenges for this year!
I have only made a milkshake a handful of times, and it was a struggle to get the right consistency. It is good to know how to properly make one!
nice! thank you for sharing the recipe! will definitely try this one soon!
Oh wow! This is so great! Our household love milkshakes so much!
I love these 8 Milkshake Flavor Ideas! I love peaches and cream. So good!
I have fond memories of milkshakes too. We haven’t made them for awhile around here, but this has got me thinking!
My kids love milkshakes. I’ll have to try some of these new flavor ideas.
Oh yum. All of these look so good.
I love milkshakes! I can’t believe I have never tried to make them at home before.
Ooh, a milkshake sounds so good right about now! I think your suggestion to add mint Oreos would be delicious 🙂
This is great! I am allergic to milk so I have NEVER made a milkshake and my husband and daughter LOVE them! Thanks!
I’ve not thought to make milkshake in ages. I love the sound of those you listed. The caramel crunch sounds amazing!
We love milkshakes and I love that you shared an easy recipe to make them at home.
Mmm I love a homemade milkshake! I’d love to try a vanilla bean milkshake.
We make a lot of milkshakes during summer! Thanks for these new and awesome milkshake ideas!
This looks like the perfect milkshake! My kids would love these for sure!
These look amazing. We would
Use lactose free ice cream and milk for my milk sensitive son we can’t wait to try
My daughter recently had her first “shakey milk” so I can see her loving these!
From time to time we like to treat ourselves to milkshakes too! They are always so good and a great way to cool down on a hot summer evening.
This looks amazing. I know my whole family would enjoy all of them! I have to make some of these soon.
Well, those definitely look old school drugstore worthy! Makes me want to have a 50s style party with an ice cream bar. Well done!
I had to pin this page! As a lover of milkshakes and more hot days are expected these are all must try. The varieties are endless , sound and look delicious.
I had to pin this page! As a lover of milkshakes and more hot days are expected these are all must try. The varieties are endless , sound and look delicious.
Hhhmmm….alright then! Thank you for sharing this guide! I’m glad I never have to use a blender for this assignment!
I love me some milkshake. Caramel is my favorite flavor and now I am craving some
We love milkshakes, and milkshakes with ice cream are irreseistible. Our favourite is mango milkshake and raspberry milkshake.
This is super easy to make. With just a blender, crushed ice and your favorite fruits, you can make milkshake in 10 mins or less.
Now I’m craving for some milkshakes, hehe, thanks, great article.
Great ideas, I’ll try this flavor sometime, I love milkshakes.
I love milkshakes. It brings back a lot of happy childhood memories. I’m definitely trying this recipe.
Milkshakes are my favorite! I never make them myself though. This seems super easy.
I love milkshakes, but it has been forever since I’ve made one. I think I’ll be making one soon!
I just took my girls to have milkshakes and they were asking if we could make them at home next time! Perfect timing.
Booyah! I would live off milkshakes if I could. They’re the nectar of the gods.
I love making milkshakes especially during the summer months, I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Homemade milkshakes are the best! And the variety of flavors you can create is almost unlimited and you can choose how thick or not you want it!
Hoooo boy. This has to be one of the best things I’ve read in months. I absolutely love milkshakes. I’d live off of them if I could. I can’t wait to get cracking on some tasty drinks!
Well, now I want a milkshake. I don’t think I’ve ever tried to make one at home. I should!