Strawberry Hand-scooped® Ice Cream Shake Recipe

Make strawberry swirl

Place the quartered fresh strawberries, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon lemon juice into a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until berries release juices and soften, about 5–7 minutes. If you prefer a smoother swirl, mash slightly with the back of a spoon or pulse 1–2 times in a blender. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (about 10–15 minutes). Chill briefly in fridge if you want a colder swirl.

If you used a blender for a smoother sauce, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds for a silky swirl. Reserve about 2–3 tablespoons for drizzling and stirring into the shake; keep the rest refrigerated for another use.

Prepare blender

Chill the blender jar briefly (optional) to keep the shake cold. Add 3 cups strawberry ice cream, 1 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the blender.

Blend to desired thickness

Pulse the blender 6–10 times until the mixture is smooth and thick but still pourable. For a thicker shake, blend less and use a spatula to finish folding; for a thinner shake, add up to 2 tablespoons more milk and blend once or twice more. Scrape down the sides as needed so all ice cream is incorporated.

Add strawberry swirl

Stop the blender and spoon in 1–2 tablespoons of the cooled strawberry swirl. Give 1 quick pulse — just enough to create a marbled swirl. Avoid over-blending if you want visible pink streaks.

Taste and adjust sweetness or vanilla if desired. If the shake is too sweet, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add a little more ice cream and pulse once.

Prepare glass

If using a rim garnish, lightly wet the rim of a tall glass with the cut side of the fresh strawberry, then dip the rim into crushed freeze-dried strawberries or coarse sugar to coat. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of the strawberry swirl inside the glass to create a decorative streak (optional).

Pour and garnish

Pour the shake into the prepared glass. Top with about 1/4–1/2 cup whipped cream. Garnish with the fresh strawberry on the rim and a maraschino cherry on top. Serve immediately with a wide straw and a long spoon.

Leftover swirl can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; leftover shake is best consumed immediately.