Last Updated on January 30, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
A cold, creamy milkshake is one of life’s simple pleasures. You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to make one at home. With just ice cream, milk, and a blender, you can create a milkshake that rivals any restaurant version.
This guide will show you exactly how to make perfect milkshakes every time. You’ll learn the right ratios, the best techniques, and helpful tips to get that ideal thick and creamy texture.
What You Need to Make a Milkshake
Making milkshakes requires very few items. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Equipment:
- A blender (any standard blender works)
- Measuring cups
- Tall glasses
- Spoons or straws
Basic Ingredients:
- Ice cream (vanilla is the classic base)
- Milk (whole milk gives the best results)
- Optional toppings like whipped cream or chocolate syrup
The quality of your ice cream matters most. Premium ice cream with higher fat content creates richer, creamier milkshakes. Cheaper ice cream often contains more air, which makes thinner shakes.
The Basic Milkshake Recipe
This simple recipe serves two people:
- 3 cups of ice cream
- ½ cup of milk
- Optional: 2 tablespoons of flavoring (syrup, chocolate, fruit, etc.)
That’s it! The standard ratio is about 6 parts ice cream to 1 part milk. You can adjust this based on how thick you want your shake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your milkshake:
Step 1: Let your ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Slightly softened ice cream blends much easier than rock-hard ice cream.
Step 2: Add the ice cream to your blender first. This prevents the milk from splashing when you start blending.
Step 3: Pour in the milk. Start with less milk than you think you need. You can always add more.
Step 4: Add any flavorings or mix-ins now. This includes chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, strawberries, or cookies.
Step 5: Blend on low speed first. This helps break up the ice cream without overworking your blender.
Step 6: Increase to medium speed and blend for 30 to 45 seconds. Stop when everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 7: Check the consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of milk and blend for 10 more seconds. If it’s too thin, add more ice cream.
Step 8: Pour into glasses immediately. Milkshakes start to melt and separate quickly.
Tips for the Perfect Consistency
Getting the right texture separates good milkshakes from great ones. Use these expert tips:
Use frozen glasses. Put your serving glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving. This keeps your milkshake cold longer.
Don’t over-blend. Blending too long melts the ice cream and makes a thin, soupy shake. Stop as soon as everything is combined.
Add ice cream, not ice. Some people add ice cubes to thicken shakes. This waters down the flavor. Always use more ice cream instead.
Try the spoon test. A perfect milkshake should be thick enough to require effort to suck through a straw, but not so thick that it’s impossible. If a spoon stands up in it, you’ve nailed it.
Control the temperature. Your blender generates heat through friction. Quick blending sessions prevent unwanted melting.
Popular Milkshake Flavors
Once you master the basic technique, try these classic variations:
Chocolate Milkshake: Use chocolate ice cream or add 3 tablespoons of chocolate syrup to vanilla ice cream.
Strawberry Milkshake: Blend in ½ cup of fresh or frozen strawberries with vanilla ice cream. Add a tablespoon of sugar if using fresh berries.
Cookies and Cream: Use vanilla ice cream and blend in 4 Oreo cookies. Leave it slightly chunky for texture.
Peanut Butter Milkshake: Add 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to vanilla or chocolate ice cream. This creates an incredibly rich shake.
Banana Milkshake: Blend half a ripe banana with vanilla ice cream. This adds natural sweetness and a smooth texture.
Mint Chocolate Chip: Use mint chocolate chip ice cream or add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to chocolate ice cream.
Coffee Milkshake: Add 2 tablespoons of cooled espresso or strong coffee to vanilla ice cream for an adult treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes have pitfalls. Watch out for these errors:
Using too much milk. This is the most common mistake. Start with less milk than you think you need. Thin shakes are disappointing and hard to fix.
Choosing low-fat ice cream. Low-fat or diet ice cream doesn’t have enough fat to create a creamy texture. Full-fat ice cream is essential.
Forgetting to chill the glasses. Warm glasses melt your milkshake instantly. Always use frozen or very cold glasses.
Adding ice. Ice cubes dilute the flavor and create an icy, unpleasant texture. Stick to ice cream and milk only.
Blending on high speed immediately. This can damage your blender and create air bubbles. Start low and increase gradually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make milkshakes without a blender?
Yes, but it requires more work. Let the ice cream soften significantly, then use a hand mixer or even a fork to mash and stir it with the milk. The texture won’t be as smooth.
What’s the best milk to use?
Whole milk creates the creamiest shakes. You can use 2% milk, but avoid skim milk as it’s too thin. Non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or oat milk work but change the flavor slightly.
How do I make my milkshake thicker?
Add more ice cream or use less milk. You can also freeze your milkshake for 10 minutes after blending to firm it up.
Can I make milkshakes ahead of time?
Not really. Milkshakes are best enjoyed immediately. They separate and lose their texture within 30 minutes. If you must wait, store in the freezer and re-blend briefly before serving.
Conclusion
Making perfect milkshakes at home is easier than you think. With quality ice cream, the right milk ratio, and quick blending, you can create restaurant-quality shakes in your own kitchen.
Remember the golden ratio: 6 parts ice cream to 1 part milk. Start thick and add milk gradually. Use frozen glasses and blend quickly to maintain that perfect creamy consistency.
Now you have all the knowledge to make amazing milkshakes whenever a craving hits. Experiment with flavors, try different ice cream brands, and find your perfect combination. Your homemade milkshakes will taste better and cost less than store-bought versions.
Grab your blender and start shaking!