Classic Milkshakes Recipe
Make Classic Milkshakes Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Base Milkshake
Chocolate Shake Add-ins (for chocolate version)
Strawberry Shake Add-ins (for strawberry version)
Boozy Vanilla/Creamy Add-ins (for vanilla or spiked specialty)
Toppings & Garnish
Ice & Glass Prep
Method
Prep
If using fresh strawberries, hull and halve; if using frozen, allow 5 minutes at room temperature to slightly soften. Slice banana if using.
Base Milkshake Assembly
Combine base ingredients
In a high-speed blender add 3 cups vanilla ice cream, 1 cup whole milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tbsp granulated sugar. Add 1/2 cup crushed ice if you prefer a thicker, frosty texture.
Blend until smooth
Blend on medium-high for 20–30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened but still pourable. Scrape down the sides once if needed and pulse another 5–10 seconds.
Chocolate Spiked Milkshake (makes 1–2 servings)
To the base milkshake in the blender (reserve remaining base for other shakes or scale ingredients), add 3 tbsp chocolate syrup and 1 oz dark rum or bourbon. Blend 5–8 seconds to combine until uniformly chocolate-colored and creamy.
Taste and adjust: add another 1 tbsp chocolate syrup for extra chocolate intensity or up to 0.5 oz more spirit if a stronger spike is desired (do not exceed recommended amounts to maintain texture).
Strawberry Spiked Milkshake (makes 1–2 servings)
In the blender with base milkshake, add 1 cup hulled strawberries, 1 oz strawberry liqueur (or light rum/vodka) and 1 tsp simple syrup. Blend 10–15 seconds until strawberries are fully pureed and mixture is smooth. If using frozen berries, blend slightly longer.
Check texture: for a thicker shake add another 1/4 cup ice cream and pulse; for thinner, add up to 2 tbsp milk and blend briefly.
Vanilla/Cream & Coffee Variations
For a boozy coffee-vanilla shake, take base milkshake and add 1 oz coffee liqueur or Irish cream and 1/2 cup sliced banana. Blend 8–10 seconds until smooth and creamy. Adjust banana to taste for sweetness and texture.
Serve & Garnish
Pour the finished spiked milkshake into chilled glasses, leaving a bit of headspace for toppings.
Top each milkshake with about 2 tbsp whipped cream, sprinkle 2 tbsp chocolate shavings over chocolate or vanilla versions, add a maraschino cherry on top and garnish strawberry shakes with fresh strawberry halves.
Insert a straw and serve immediately. Provide a spoon for thicker shakes.
Notes & Safety
Recipes are scaled to allow multiple variations from the base. Alcohol content per serving is approximately 1 oz (about 14–18% ABV contribution depending on spirit), so serve responsibly and do not serve to guests under the legal drinking age.