Classic Shakes Recipe

Prepare blender

Chill the blender jar briefly or ensure it is clean. Add 1 cup of whole milk, 1 1/2 cups of vanilla ice cream, and 1/2 tsp sugar to the blender for a single shake; double quantities for two shakes. (Recipe quantities above are for 2 shakes.)

Blend to smooth

Secure lid and blend on medium-high for 20–30 seconds until smooth but still thick. If mixture is too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency; if too thin, add a little more ice cream.

For a vanilla shake using the base: to the base mixture for one shake (1 cup milk + 1 1/2 cups ice cream), add 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (1 tsp for two shakes). Blend on medium for 10–15 seconds until fully incorporated and light and creamy.

Pour into a chilled glass and top with 1 tablespoon whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings if desired.

For a chocolate shake: before blending the base ingredients, whisk the unsweetened cocoa powder with 1–2 tablespoons of the milk to make a smooth paste (prevents clumping). Add the paste and chocolate syrup to the blender with the base (for two shakes use 2 tbsp cocoa + 2 tbsp syrup).

Blend on medium-high for 20–30 seconds until uniform and thick. Taste and add up to 1 tablespoon additional chocolate syrup or 1/4 tsp sugar if you prefer it sweeter.

Serve in a chilled glass, top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or sprinkles.

For a strawberry shake: macerate the fresh strawberries by tossing them with the strawberry syrup or jam and let sit 5–10 minutes to soften and release juices (for frozen strawberries, skip maceration).

Add the macerated strawberries and any released juices to the blender with the base. Blend on medium-high for 20–30 seconds until smooth. For a chunkier shake, pulse briefly to leave small fruit pieces.

Taste and add extra strawberry syrup if needed. Serve in a chilled glass and garnish with whipped cream and a fresh strawberry slice.

Clean the rim after pouring if desired; serve immediately with a wide straw. Shake will thicken slightly as it sits—stir gently before drinking if necessary.

Adjust milk and ice cream ratio for thicker (more ice cream) or thinner (more milk) shakes. For dairy-free option use plant-based milk and dairy-free ice cream.