How To Make The Best Milkshakes Ever!
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The Ultimate Milkshake!
Do you want to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills, but don't want to spend hours slaving away in a hot kitchen? Then look no further! Impress them with an ice-cold milkshake.
Just because summer has ended you can still enjoy a milkshake, one of life's simple pleasures.
It seems that it should be easy to make a milkshake, but it can be very disappointing when you do make one and the shake doesn't come out as you'd hoped.
Wouldn't it be great to be able to impress your friends and family with an authentic, thick, ice-cold milkshake?
Restaurant milkshakes are generally made from mixes and while they are good, I promise you can do better yourself with a bit of work. It will be worth it and it may even be healthier!
No matter the season, you can use fresh or frozen fruit to make a great range of great milkshakes?
Just because summer has ended you can still enjoy a milkshake, one of life's simple pleasures.
It seems that it should be easy to make a milkshake, but it can be very disappointing when you do make one and the shake doesn't come out as you'd hoped.
Wouldn't it be great to be able to impress your friends and family with an authentic, thick, ice-cold milkshake?
Restaurant milkshakes are generally made from mixes and while they are good, I promise you can do better yourself with a bit of work. It will be worth it and it may even be healthier!
No matter the season, you can use fresh or frozen fruit to make a great range of great milkshakes?
Milkshake of the Moment
What's in the blender right now
Easter is coming soon, so thoughts turn to chocolate, which is great because chocolate milkshakes are so good.
Kicking it old school for Easter how about a chocolate malt?
Two options:
1) Something like Nesquik with added malted milk powder for an easy 'back to your child hood shake'
2) Make some chocolate syrup with your favorite chocolate and use that as the milkshake base (yes its more work, but worth it!)
Kicking it old school for Easter how about a chocolate malt?
Two options:
1) Something like Nesquik with added malted milk powder for an easy 'back to your child hood shake'
2) Make some chocolate syrup with your favorite chocolate and use that as the milkshake base (yes its more work, but worth it!)
How to make the perfect milkshake - 1
The Basics
These are the basics when looking to make the perfect milkshake.
If you remember one thing, it is don't skimp on the ice-cream!
If you remember one thing, it is don't skimp on the ice-cream!
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1COLD.
Make sure everything is as cold as possible. Ice-cream, utensils, blender jug, milk and flavorings.
The coldness is the thing which will give you that thick, creamy consistency.
I'd suggest scooping ice-cream into balls when it is a bit soft, then re-freezing them (don't let it melt all the way of course). Then you'll have a ready supply. -
2QUALITY.
There aren't that many ingredients, so get the best you can.
I think that expensive ice-cream is essential. It is more expensive for a reason - its better and doesn't contain as much air as the cheaper versions. I like Haagen-Daas - but take your pick. Make sure you get one made with cream to ensure it is dense.
Try and avoid the light ice-creams. They don't weigh a lot because they are mostly air and so you'll find yourself sticking far more ice-cream than you'd imagine to get a good consistency. In that case, you probably lost the calorie savings from it being light in the first place. -
3AVOID SYRUPS.
Don't use commercially produced syrups. Aside from the sometimes suspect ingredients, they won't give you the true flavor you are looking for.
Try making your own, they aren't that hard and you can freeze fruit syrups easily. Or get the frozen fruits from the grocery store - they were picked and frozen when ripe, so are a great way to have a nice peach shake at Christmas! -
4SIMPLE.
The simpler the better. If you go too crazy with adding flavors and stuff to your milkshakes you will like lose the essence of the perfect milkshake. Cherry, banana, peach, chocolate peanut butter, chipotle may sound fancy, but chocolate peanut butter banana is going to come out much better.
How to make the perfect milkshake - 2
Step-by-step guide
Get your straw ready - this is how to make a perfect milkshake.
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1DECIDE WHAT TO MAKE.
Sounds obvious, but you need to make sure you have all the ingredients, as you don't want to stop when you've started. -
2COOL EVERYTHING.
Put all the utensils you can in the fridge or freezer to cool.
This helps to give the thick milkshakes we all love -
3MIX MILK AND FLAVORINGS.
Leaving the ice-cream in the freezer, blend together your icy milk and the flavorings.
No need to over blend, in most cases 10-15 seconds will be enough.
I'd suggest 1/3 cup of milk per 8 oz milkshake, but use more if you like it runnier and a bit less if you want it super thick.
Experiment with how much flavorings you like - half a medium banana usually works for and 8 oz shake, but if you are using other fruits or syrups then I'd start with 1/2 cup for each 8 oz shake.
Don't be afraid to taste at this stage and add more flavors if needed. -
4ADD ICE-CREAM.
Straight from the freezer, add the ice-cream and blend everything together. Again, it doesn't need long. 10-15 seconds will likely work fine.
You need a lot of ice-cream. I'd say something like 6 oz for each 8 oz shake, but you may find you need more or less depending on the brand, your blender, etc. -
5POUR INTO CHILLED GLASSES.
At this point, the worst thing you can do is to pour the perfect milkshake into a warm glass and the thickness will soon melt away.
Instead, get your glasses from the fridge, pour the milkshake in, and stick a straw in. - 6ENJOY!
Crazy milkshake ideas
Here are some good ideas for starters (follow the standard instructions for making a perfect milkshake, just with these extras):
1. Pie Milkshakes - you know when you have some pie left over, why not stick it in the blender with some milk and ice-cream and get a great dessert in a glass? Apple, pumpkin, sweet potato - these all work, as I'm sure would cherry, etc.
2. Candy Bar Milkshakes - hardly original, but easy
3. Savory Milkshakes - similar to a smoothie, sticking some dried spices into a milkshake could be a revelation, or it could be awful - warning - haven't tried this!
4. Breakfast Milkshakes - banana and peanut butter; maybe some cereal - although there is a chance it would turn into a soggy, inedible mess. You can always add flaxseed and things to boost the nutritional content.
1. Pie Milkshakes - you know when you have some pie left over, why not stick it in the blender with some milk and ice-cream and get a great dessert in a glass? Apple, pumpkin, sweet potato - these all work, as I'm sure would cherry, etc.
2. Candy Bar Milkshakes - hardly original, but easy
3. Savory Milkshakes - similar to a smoothie, sticking some dried spices into a milkshake could be a revelation, or it could be awful - warning - haven't tried this!
4. Breakfast Milkshakes - banana and peanut butter; maybe some cereal - although there is a chance it would turn into a soggy, inedible mess. You can always add flaxseed and things to boost the nutritional content.
Best Milkshake Ever News/Reviews
Milkshakes
Some links to the best milkshake ever news and reviews.
- BEST milkshakes ever? - Los Angeles Area - Chowhound
- i'm craving milkshakes all of a sudden and wondered what your favorites are and where? I rarely drink them so when I do I want it to be worth it! - Note this is a bit old, so I'd check out the places are still around before you go to get your best milkshake ever.
- A milkshake slideshow from Flickr
- There are some great photos here of milkshakes and people enjoying their milkshakes. Makes you want to have one now!
- The New York Milkshake Company
- Milkshake joint in NYC
- Chick and Ruth's Delly
- Annapolis, Maryland Delicatessen as seen on Travel Channel's Chowdown Countdown for their MASSIVE milkshake which most families can't even finish. If you are in Annapolis, are you ready to try this best milkshake?
- Love Shack
- Milkshakes by Tim Love @ Loveshack
- Milkshakes on Wikipedia
- Milkshakes on Wikipedia. Can't drink it, but you can read it!
- Milkshakes - NYTimes.com
- Uma Thurman sips a $5 milkshake as the character Mia Wallace in "Pulp Fiction." (Miramax Films)
Milkshakes may not be the best indicator of inflation, but the rising cost of a simple blend of milk and ice cream can't go without mention.
I was checking out the Brooklyn Burger Bar
Milkshake-ology
A great primer for the beginning milkshake expert
All good courses have coursework, right? This book is great for giving you milkshake making confidence.
Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries, and Shakes
Amazon Price: $10.50 (as of 05/30/2012)
Sometimes you can try and make your own milkshakes with no help, but when you are starting off its really nice to have a recipe book so you can get the proportions of milk/ice-cream right and you don't go crazy with the flavors.
When you've learned the basics, then you can start experimenting succesfully and really wow your friends and family.
Bobby Flay is a famous chef and he has a chain of Bobby's Burger Palaces (well 3 anyway) up in the New York/New Jersey area. He knows a thing or two about milkshakes and his book has a great section on how to make them consistently good.
Worth it for the milkshakes alone, this book also has some great burger recipes.
Making a pumpkin milkshake
Such a good idea it deserves its own lens! Check it out.
Festive Milkshakes
The next big holiday tradition?
I'm sure you have stocked up with recipe books, glasses and other milkshake paraphernalia (some links to which you'll find below), but you probably are thinking that these are presents for the summer.I put it to you, that in fact, winter is an excellent time to delve further into the joys of milkshakes.
There are the obvious....
Eggnog, Cinnamon/Nutmeg, Cranberry
But I think it is time for something more interesting.
Christmas Pudding Milkshake
Mince Pie Milkshake
Stollen Milkshake
Yule Log Milkshake
Can't you imagine how good these could be? Take a wedge/slice/hunk of one of those, chuck it in a blender - add ice-cream and milk and whizz away. I can guarantee you will be amazed at the results. The depth of flavor will translate well to a milkshake and before you know it, you will be getting tons of compliments from your guests.
I'd stay away from turkey milkshake and mulled wine milkshake, but maybe you are braver than me....
So, let us join together and plead the case for milkshakes all year round, particularly as part of your holiday traditions.
Let us know how you get on and what your favorite festive milkshake is.
(Picture of the Christmas Pudding links to a recipe)
Milkshake TV show?
Should there be one?
Do you think that milkshakes deserve a show on the Food Network, Cooking Channel or The Travel Channel?Surely one of the world's favorite drinks could provide enough interesting material for a series. You go out around the country (or why not the world?) sampling the best milkshakes and milkshake locations and then you show people how to make them in their homes. If sandwiches can win on Next Food Network Star, surely they can find a regular slot for milkshakes?
A milkshake is a universal treat and the possible combinations are almost infinite, so the show could run for ages. Think it would get boring? I don't think so, the personalities and the locations would keep the viewers hooked.
You could have shows for kids, milkshakes in the air, milkshakes on boats, milkshakes on your deck, milkshakes watching TV, milkshakes driving to work.....
You could have a search for the best vanilla shake, compare home-made vs. shop-bought vs. fast food restaurant vs. gourment restaurant.
Anyone else agree this is a winning idea?
Hopefully Food Network or Travel Channel will be on to me soon to set this up!
[picture credit - Ashley R Good - Flickr]
Milkshakes in the Movies
(and on TV)
Milkshakes occasionally star, or at least make an appearance in movies and TV shows. Some of the famous ones, or at least ones I know about are listed below.
Unfortunately, I suspect that in the world of product placement, milkshakes will be less prevalent as it is hard to brand a homemade banana milkshake. Most likely sodas will be the beverage of choice, as their marketing budgets allow them to pay to be shown.
Unfortunately, I suspect that in the world of product placement, milkshakes will be less prevalent as it is hard to brand a homemade banana milkshake. Most likely sodas will be the beverage of choice, as their marketing budgets allow them to pay to be shown.
- Pulp Fiction
- Famous scene in diner with John Travolta and Uma Thurman
Milkshake Blender - Blendtec
Ultimate blenders
Serious milkshakes you need serious tools.
These are the ultimate tool for the milkshake lover and will come in handy for all your other blending needs too.
These are the ultimate tool for the milkshake lover and will come in handy for all your other blending needs too.
Avocado Milkshake?
Green machine milkshakes
Bon Appetit magazine had a recipe for a green milkshake made out of avocado and milk. Will have to try that one out sometime!
Vita-Mix Blenders
The other great milkshake blender
Debates rage as to whether a Blendtec or a Vita-Mix blender is the best. They are both great, so it is down to your personal preference. I would read the various reviews and the specifications on the websites and make up your own mind.
I can't tell you what a difference a proper blender will make to your milkshakes. No more air bubbles getting trapped, just quick and easy well blended shakes.
I can't tell you what a difference a proper blender will make to your milkshakes. No more air bubbles getting trapped, just quick and easy well blended shakes.
Milkshake Photos
Photos to inspire you, whether its a shake, a shake shack or a menu, you will be rushing to the blender before you know it.
automatically generated by Flickr
Advanced Milkshake-ology
Once you've mastered the basics, this will take your skills to the next level
Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes
Amazon Price: $14.50 (as of 05/30/2012)
Great book with 100 milkshake recipes. You can use it to start your own experiments, so you can truly call yourself a milkshake king or queen.
Milkshake Glasses
If you want an authentic milkshake, then why not serve it up in some authentic sodashop glasses? It will complete the experience.
There are also often great 'fake food' milkshakes for when you open your own store or stand!
There are also often great 'fake food' milkshakes for when you open your own store or stand!
Any tips of your own?
I'd love to hear your tips on making the perfect milkshake.
Also, where do you like buying milkshakes from. Sure, making your own is the best way to guarantee quality but sometimes its nice to let someone else do the work.
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eternisemoi
Mar 10, 2012 @ 7:48 pm | delete
- I love milkshakes!
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BradKamer Feb 23, 2012 @ 2:39 pm | delete
- How about a make your own Shamrock shake?
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RJTame Feb 23, 2012 @ 5:32 pm | delete
- Sounds like a good idea. But how would you go about it?
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davespeed
Dec 19, 2011 @ 3:22 pm | delete
- Breakfast milkshakes! Now there's a great idea!
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food_monkey
Oct 25, 2011 @ 5:17 pm | delete
- great info! nice lens!
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St Patrick's Day Milkshakes
Green, green, green
St Patrick's Day is coming up, which means all things Irish:
- Green Milkshake - make your favourite milkshake, but add some green food colouring to make it green like the Emerald Isle!
- Consider using one of Ireland's famous beverages as a base for an adult milkshake to aid in your celebrations!
- Green Milkshake - make your favourite milkshake, but add some green food colouring to make it green like the Emerald Isle!
- Consider using one of Ireland's famous beverages as a base for an adult milkshake to aid in your celebrations!
Twitter Search for Milkshakes
What is on Twitter about milkshakes today?
A search for milkshakes on Twitter (updated daily)
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- MandyStaron
- Mamabird milkshakes <3 #makesmyday :) http://t.co/jR9tnZrr
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- Little_Ts
- RT @chaniscool: @NegDupree can I ave 8 burgers, 12 fries, 7 milkshakes and some f****** diddy doughnuts woopwopp and maybe neg back on ball's of steel? :D
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- TehreemHumaira
- @Milkshake_City you have THE most amazing milkshakes ever! Love them! :D ♥;xo
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- _BabyMonsterr_
- Going all the way to Eddie rockets for Oreo Milkshakes :-) nom
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- elzloves1D
- @Milkshake_City love milkshakes :)
automatically generated by Twitter
by RJTame
It isn't hard to make a milkshake, but it takes skill to make the best milkshakes ever. Here's a how-to-guide for you.
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Milkshake Book
Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes
Amazon Price: $14.50 (as of 05/29/2012)
Great milkshake book. Sometimes recipe books can help you make a standard item (e.g. a milkshake) really special. This is one of those books that does that.
Milkshake Blender
Blendtec TB-621-20 Total Blender FourSide, Black
Amazon Price: $399.99 (as of 05/29/2012)
OK, so Blendtec's are expensive, but the results speak for themselves. Everyone who has one loves it and they are built like tanks, so will be a good investment for the serious milkshake maker.
