What is a classic milkshake?
A classic milkshake is ice cream blended with cold milk, often with a little vanilla, until thick and smooth. A basic ratio is roughly 3 scoops of ice cream to about half a cup of milk. Use less milk for a thicker shake and more for a thinner one.
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What is a classic milkshake?
A milkshake is a cold drink made by blending ice cream with milk. The old-fashioned version is vanilla, chocolate or strawberry. It is poured into a chilled glass and sometimes topped with whipped cream. A malted milkshake adds malted milk powder.
Ingredients for one large shake
- About 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream (full-fat gives the best result).
- About half a cup of whole milk.
- A small splash of vanilla extract.
Recipes differ, so use this ratio as a starting point and adjust to taste.
How to make it
- Let the ice cream soften for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pour the milk into the blender first, then add ice cream and vanilla.
- Blend on low for a few seconds, then medium-high until smooth and thick.
- Pour into a chilled glass.
Fix the thickness
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Too thin | Add another scoop of ice cream or a few ice cubes, blend again |
| Too thick | Add milk a tablespoon at a time |
| Want thicker without watering flavor | Add frozen fruit |
Flavor ideas
- Chocolate: use chocolate ice cream or add chocolate syrup.
- Strawberry: blend in fresh or frozen strawberries.
- Malted: add a tablespoon of malted milk powder.
- Coffee or mocha: add cooled espresso or instant coffee dissolved in a little hot water.
Common mistakes
- Adding too much milk at the start; add it gradually.
- Using ice cream straight from a very hard freezer; let it soften first.
- Over-blending, which melts the shake. Blend until just smooth.
A milkshake is a dessert-style drink; its calories depend on your ice cream, so check the label.
People also ask
What is the difference between a milkshake and a smoothie?
A milkshake is blended ice cream and milk. A smoothie is usually blended fruit, ice or yogurt and is not based on ice cream.
What is the ratio for a classic milkshake?
About 3 scoops of ice cream to half a cup of milk makes a thick shake. Add more milk for thinner, less for thicker.
Why is my milkshake too thin?
Too much milk or melted ice cream. Add another scoop of ice cream or a few ice cubes and blend again.
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