How to Make a Milkshake Without Ice Cream

Co-authored by Sarena Nelson

Last Updated: May 14, 2024 Approved

A milkshake made without ice cream is still enjoyable and delicious. If you're out of ice cream, there are various great ways to still produce a sweet milkshake!

Prep time (blender): 5 minutes
Cook time (blending): 30-60 seconds
Total time: 5-10 minutes

Ingredients

Blender milkshake:

12 ice cubes
2 cups (475 ml) milk
1 tsp (5 g) vanilla extract
3/4 c (100 g) sugar
Chocolate syrup or other flavors (optional and to taste)

Milkshake in a bag:

2 cups (475 ml) milk or half-and-half
1 tsp (5 g) sugar
12 ice cubes
Dash of vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon (pinch) salt
Chocolate syrup or other flavors (optional and to taste)

Crushed ice milkshake:

Milk (enough for a glass)
Syrup or fruit of choice (to taste)
Crushed ice

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making a Blender Milkshake

Download Article

1
Measure out 2 cups (475 ml) milk, 1 tsp (5 g) vanilla extract, and chocolate syrup (if desired). Put them into a blender and mix for 15-20 seconds. This circulates the air.
- The thicker the milk you use (2%, for example) the thicker your milkshake will be.
Blend for 5 - 10 seconds more.

Advertisement
This will work best with pre-crushed ice. Watch it as it blends -- if it blends too much, it will get quite runny.
Consume immediately -- it's best when cold and the ice still gives it texture. ^{[1]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making a Milkshake in a Bag

Download Article

It needs to be resealable above all else.
Lightly stir to combine. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
Stir the vanilla in thoroughly.
It needs to be able to contain a smaller bag and be sealed. A gallon-sized resealable bag is ideal.
The ice is simply to get the chemical reactions going -- you won't be consuming it. It will remain separate from the milk mixture.
This has to do with exothermic reactions and is an imperative step to your mixture thickening!
It requires vigorous shaking for the mixture to thicken. If 7 minutes have passed and it's not thick enough, shake it for a few more.
Enjoy your shake!

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making a Crushed Ice Milkshake

Download Article

If using fruit, chop into small enough pieces. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
Blend again to mix thoroughly.
The crushed ice will make the milkshake both cold and texturally thick.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What if I use cream instead of ice?

Community Answer

This makes what is called a thick shake. You won't be left with any small clumps of ice in the end.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 25 Helpful 79
Question

Is there a way to make a milkshake for someone who's lactose intolerant?

Community Answer

Sure. Substitute almond milk or coconut milk or some other milk substitute for the cow's milk, and just make sure the rest of your ingredients are lactose or dairy-free (according to the exact nature of your allergy).

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 19 Helpful 58
Question

Can I mix milk and chocolate to make a milkshake?

Community Answer

If you use these two ingredients only, you will basically be making chocolate milk, which is similar to a milkshake, but not quite the same.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 24 Helpful 63

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

If you are diabetic, you can use artificial sweetener. ^{[4]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If desired, add some whipped cream at the top when you are finished.

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
Do not use too much ice because it will make the milkshake watery.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Don't put in too much vanilla extract/essence or else it might get bitter.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
This milkshake is cold, and is not thick like other kinds of milkshakes.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 5

Things You'll Need

In a Bag

Big bag (preferably resealable)
Small bag (also resealable)
Cup
Teaspoon
Spoon

In a Blender

Blender
Measuring tools

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

Log in

How to Make a Milkshake Without Ice Cream

Ingredients

Steps

Making a Blender Milkshake

Making a Milkshake in a Bag

Making a Crushed Ice Milkshake

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

In a Bag

In a Blender

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories