How To Make The Best Vanilla Milkshake Ever

By Author: frutinieves
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Why this vanilla milkshake is something special

Using good quality vanilla extract (or even vanilla bean) gives a robust flavour that makes the vanilla base shine.

Full‑fat ice cream + whole milk = thicker, richer texture. If you use low‑fat or skim milk, you’ll end up with something thinner and less luxurious.

Minimal blending: over‑blending melts the ice cream too much and dilutes the flavour & texture.

Ingredients (for ~2 servings)
3‑4 big scoops of good vanilla ice cream (approx ~2 cups)

~1 cup whole milk (adjust if you like it thicker or thinner)

½ to 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (depending on how strong you like the flavour)

Optional: 1‑2 teaspoons sugar (if you like a sweeter shake)

Optional toppings: whipped cream, a cherry, sprinkles, maybe a drizzle of caramel or vanilla syrup

You could follow one of the classic recipes: for example, one calls for 1½ cups vanilla ice cream + 1 cup whole milk + ½ tsp vanilla extract.
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... Another uses 2 cups ice cream + ½ cup whole milk + 1/8 tsp vanilla extract (for 2 servings) for a less milky and more ice‑creamy finish.

Equipment you’ll need
A good blender (or a hand‑blender with a tall jar)

Chilled tall glasses – ideally you pop them in the freezer for ~10 minutes for a colder glass and better presentation.

Ice cream scoop

Measuring spoons

Step‑by‑step Instructions
Chill your glasses. Pop the tall glasses into the freezer for ~10 minutes so the shake stays colder longer and looks great.

Measure the ice cream. Let the ice cream sit a minute so it’s scoopable (but NOT melted). More ice cream = thicker, creamier shake.

Add milk and vanilla extract. Pour the cold whole milk into the blender jar first (so the blades catch quickly), then add the ice cream and vanilla extract. If you’re adding sugar, add it now.

Blend just until smooth and creamy. This usually takes ~20‑30 seconds on high. Avoid blending excessively – you want the texture to stay thick.

Pour into chilled glasses immediately and top with your chosen garnish: whipped cream, cherry, sprinkles, etc. Serve right away.

Optional adjustments:

Want it thicker? Use more ice cream and less milk.

Want it thinner? Use a little more milk.

Want vanilla‑bean intensity? Use vanilla bean ice cream or add scraped vanilla seeds alongside extract.

Tips & tricks to make it the “best”
Use whole milk (or even a splash of cream) for richness – skim or 1% will make it more like a drink than a shake.

Quality of vanilla matters: pure vanilla extract beats vanilla essence, and vanilla bean is even better.

Keep everything well chilled before blending – warm milk or softened ice cream will affect texture.

Garnishes make a difference: whipped cream, a cherry, maybe even a cookie straw give it that “special treat” appeal.

Serve immediately: milkshakes don’t wait. The longer they sit the more they melt & separate.

For a fun variation: you could add a tiny dash of caramel or toffee syrup, or a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast. But since we’re aiming for vanilla perfection, keep the additions light so the vanilla flavour remains front‑and‑centre.

FAQs
Q: Can I use non‑dairy milk or vegan ice cream?
A: Yes — you can certainly substitute dairy for plant‑based milk (soy, almond, oat) and vegan vanilla ice cream. The texture may differ (usually a bit thinner), but you can compensate with more ice cream or less milk.

Q: What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
A: You could skip it if your ice cream is strongly vanilla‑flavoured, but your vanilla depth might suffer. If you have vanilla bean paste or vanilla bean, that’s a great upgrade.

Q: My blender isn’t very strong. What do I do?
A: Let the ice cream soften slightly before scooping so it blends easier. You might also reduce the size of ice cream chunks. Avoid adding ice cubes unless you want a slushy texture — ice can dilute the flavor.

Final Thoughts
When done right, a vanilla milkshake isn’t just a drink — it’s a little celebration in a glass. With premium ice cream, full‑fat milk, genuine vanilla extract, and the right chilled glass, you’ll be sipping the best vanilla milkshake ever in no time. Serve it with a smile, maybe a cookie on the side, and enjoy every creamy sip.