Summer is just around the corner! The days are longer and brighter, and with the recent sunshine, milkshakes are becoming increasingly popular among customers. By serving a range of milkshakes, you not only appeal to your customers but also entice potential new visitors by showing you’re aware of the current food and drink trends. Milkshakes are a summertime classic, a sweet treat, and a canvas for endless flavour combinations.

Shaking Up A Masterpiece

The beauty of the milkshake lies in its simplicity. All you need are three basic ingredients: ice cream, milk, and flavourings. But achieving the perfect milkshake texture is key. Here's a simple formula:

Ice Cream: High-quality, full-fat ice cream creates the creamiest texture. Vanilla is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with different flavours.

Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but lower-fat options and milk free alternatives work too.

Flavourings: This is where your creativity shines. Chocolate syrup, fruit syrups, peanut butter, dessert toppings, even fresh fruit – the possibilities are endless!

Additional add-ons:

Once you've mastered the base, explore these tips to take your milkshake game to the next level.

Mix-ins: Crushed Oreos, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can add exciting textures and flavours.

The Power of Frosting: A scoop of whipped cream or frosting adds a delightful sweetness and a picture-perfect touch.

Monin Syrups: With so many flavour combinations available, take a look through our extensive range of Monin syrups to add that extra special something to your milkshake.

Mixing Up A Milkshake By Hand

While a blender is a classic tool for milkshakes, you can definitely create a tasty one using a whisk and mixing by hand. Creating a milkshake by hand may take a little longer, but this is ideal for domestic kitchens, or if you don’t have the machinery in-house.

1. Prep is Key: Just like with a blender, using slightly softened ice cream will make things easier. Let your ice cream sit out for 10-15 minutes to soften up a bit.
2. Chill Your Vessel: Using a chilled metal bowl for mixing will help keep your milkshake colder for longer.
3. Whisk Away: Pour the milk into your chilled bowl. Add your flavourings (syrups, peanut butter, etc.) and whisk them together until well combined.
4. Break Up the Ice Cream: Break your softened ice cream into smaller pieces and gradually add them to the milk mixture.
5. Whisk with Care: Starting slowly, begin whisking the ice cream and milk mixture. Be patient and avoid over-mixing. You want to break up the ice cream without completely turning it to mush.
6. Consistency Check: Stop hand whisking and check the consistency frequently. Aim for a smooth, drinkable consistency that still has some body.

7. Taste and Adjust: Once you've reached your desired consistency, give your milkshake a taste. Add more milk for a thinner consistency or a touch more ice cream if it's too thin.
8. Serve it Up: Pour your milkshake into chilled glasses and top with your favourite whipped cream, sprinkles, or syrups!

Machinery For Milkshakes

If you have a blender or mixer in your kitchen, these can be used to easily whip up the perfect consistency milkshake! Fimar has two types of blenders that would be excellent for establishments that regularly serve these sweet treats.

The Fimar BL020 Bar Blender 2L, 1500w is the perfect addition to any bar, milkshake, or drinks establishment. With powerful motors and precision-engineered blades, this blender effortlessly blends a range of ingredients. It comes with two speed motors, four stored programs and a 2 litre capacity, ideal for those hot summer days when customers want a cool drink whipped up quickly!

The Fimar FP1L Single Spindle Milkshake Maker has been designed specifically for milkshake making. It is a high quality, durable machine perfect for making milkshakes, cocktails, frappes and other drinks. It comes complete with a 0.55 litre stainless steel cup. The milkshake maker is easy to use as the mixer automatically starts when the cup is attached. Easy to operate and clean the Fimar range of milkshake mixers are made in Italy to exacting standard.

Here’s a step by step guide for making the perfect milkshake using one of the above machines:

1. Soften Up: Let your ice cream sit out for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. This ensures smoother blending and prevents your blender from working too hard.
2. Chill Out (Optional) : For an extra frosty treat, pre-chill your blender glasses for a few minutes in the freezer.
3. Layer it Up: Pour your milk into the blender first. This helps ensure the blades properly incorporate it. Next, add your ice cream and any syrups or flavourings. Save any mix-ins like nuts or fruit for later.
4. Blend Away: Start with a low-speed setting and gradually increase to medium. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no ice cream chunks remaining. This usually takes about 30-45 seconds. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make your milkshake too thin.
5. Consistency Check: Stop and assess the consistency. If it's too thick, add a splash more milk and blend again. If it's too thin, you can add a bit more ice cream (be sure to break it into smaller pieces first) or even a scoop of frozen yoghurt.
6. Mix-In Magic (Optional): If using mix-ins, turn off the blender and add them now. Pulse the blender a few times on low speed just to combine them without pulverising them.
7. Serve and Savour! Pour your masterpiece into your chilled glasses and adorn it with whipped cream, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Enjoy your delicious homemade milkshake!

Serving Up Your Creation

The art of the milkshake goes beyond just its delicious taste – presentation plays a key role too. There are several different ways to serve milkshakes, depending on your preferred serving method. Pre-chill your glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving. This ensures your milkshake stays extra cold and prevents it from melting too quickly.

The Classic Milkshake Glass: The tall, towering milkshake glass is the go-to choice for a reason. It allows for a layered presentation and plenty of room for whipped cream and toppings. Our Onis glasses are a great option for milkshakes. The Onis Duratuff range of tumblers is well known for its durability, perfect for messy milkshakes.

You can shop all our classic tumblers here.

Handled Jars: These jars are a trendy option, offering a rustic charm and a good grip for those who like to savour their milkshake slowly. These jars are perfect for decadent and over-the-top drinks, like hot chocolates and milkshakes and will impress anyone served a drink in it. They are designed especially to evoke the vintage look and feel of old jars.

You can shop all our cocktail jars here.

Metal Tumblers: For an extra cold treat, consider serving your milkshake in pre-chilled metal tins. This will keep your milkshake frosty for longer. The steel is easy to clean and gives the cup durability and resistance to rust. Metal tumblers are ideal for restaurants with outdoor seating locations as they are more durable.

You can shop all our metal drinkware here.

Biodegradable To Go Cups: The plastic-free clear cups by Vegware are biodegradable and perfect for cold drinks. The cups are plastic free making them suitable for organisations that have a keen interest and concern for the planet. The clever plant-based design is commercially compostable making it much safer and more eco-friendly compared to paper and plastic cups.

You can shop all our biodegradable take out cups here.

Impressive Extras:

There are a few extra serving details you can add to your presentation, which will leave customers thoroughly impressed thanks to your attention to detail.

Paper Straws: Paper straws are quickly becoming the preferred way to drink beverages. Paper straws are biodegradable and better for the environment compared to plastic straws. Both cost-effective and stylish, these straws would work well in any establishment, regardless of theme or formality level. Stripes are an eye-catching colour combination that would work well in an array of drinks.

You can shop all our paper straws here.

Monin Syrups: Monin fruit purees can be used to thicken milkshakes, adding that extra boost of sweetness. Their syrups add a rich and authentic flavour which is perfect for those who prefer their milkshakes strong and flavourful. They also have chocolate sauce and caramel sauce, perfect to add to the top of a sweet milkshake.

You can shop all our Monin syrups and purees here.

Sweet Creations With Cooksmill

With the sunshine finally peeking through, there’s no better time to stock up on your summer essentials and make sure you’re prepared for the upcoming scorching days. From syrups to blenders, we have everything you need to create the perfect milkshake creation bursting with flavour, so shop now with Cooksmill to ensure you have everything you need for the summer ahead.