Strawberry Milkshake

Growing up, my hometown had a legendary shake spot. The shakes were huge, thick and flavorful. This strawberry milkshake captures that classic vibe, relying on simple ingredients to let the strawberries shine and dense enough that you’ll need to get out your straw and spoon. It’s summery and demands to be taken out outside (accompanied by a juicy burger, perhaps?).  It relies on frozen strawberries and strawberry preserves so it can be blended up year-round.

Fun fact: When milkshakes first emerged in the 1880s, they weren’t exactly what we know today. Back then, they were made with cream, eggs, and whiskey. The whiskey was slowly phased out in the 1900s, and it wasn’t until the introduction of ice cream in the recipe in 1922 that milkshakes gained widespread popularity and made their way into your blender.

Making strawberry milkshakes is nearly as easy as enjoying one.

Strawberry Milkshake Ingredients

•  2% milk: A bit of fat content from the milk will make your strawberry milkshake creamier. But we like 2% milk to balance the richness of the ice cream. 
• Vanilla ice cream: Vanilla ice cream drives the ship here. It is responsible for most of the creaminess and sweetness in the shake. We opt for vanilla because the flavor is mild enough it pairs well with the strawberries. A high-quality ice cream will make your shake even better. 
• Frozen strawberries: Frozen strawberries help make your mixture thicker and frostier, without requiring ice cubes that could thin out the shake. Since frozen berries are frozen at the peak of freshness they should provide vibrant flavors. 
• Strawberry perserves: These punch up the strawberry flavor and sweetness without requiring additional sugar. Don’t have preserves on hand? Our readers say this shake is just as delicious without it. But remember, withholding preserves will decrease the sweetness. 

Directions

Step 1: Blend the ingredients

Combine all the ingredients in a blender. Cover and blend until the mixture is smooth, then pour into chilled glasses and serve immediately.

Editor’s tip: We recommend adding the liquid first because it will make the ingredients easier to blend. Don’t overblend, as that will thin out the milkshake.

Strawberry Shake Variations

• Mix it up: Add additional toppings right before blending.  Chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, crushed cookies and coconut flakes come to mind, but you can get creative. You can also use these as toppings once your shake is blended (don’t forget the whipped cream!).

• Indulge your Ice cream dream: Play with the flavors by switching your ice cream. A chocolate milkshake calls for chocolate-covered strawberries. You could go all in with strawberry ice cream or pay homage to the feelings of summer with pineapple. Or you can make your ice cream from scratch.

• Prep your glass: For a photo-ready appearance, drizzle chocolate sauce (or your sauce of choice) along the sides of the glass before pouring in your homemade strawberry milkshake. 

Can you store a strawberry milkshake?

You can, although it’s best enjoyed right after you make it. If you can’t finish it, store it in the freezer for up to one week. It will likely freeze solid but will soften when left at room temperature. You may need to reblend it for the optimal texture.

Strawberry Milkshake Tips

How can I make my strawberry milkshake thicker?

Using less milk or adding more frozen berries or ice cream will make for a thicker shake. 

Can I use fresh strawberries in my strawberry milkshake? 

Yes! But they won’t make the milkshake as thick, so you may need to adjust the amount of milk you use. If your fresh strawberries aren’t as ripe, this could affect the level of sweetness. 

Can I use non-dairy milk in this strawberry milkshake recipe?

You can replace the milk with your non-dairy milk of choice. Note that the type of milk you choose may impact the final flavor and how thick the milkshake is. Add more frozen berries to thicken it, if your milk is thinner.