The Sweetest Day of the Year: National Vanilla Milkshake Day
There’s something magical about a tall, frosty glass filled with creamy vanilla goodness. Ever since I was a kid, National Vanilla Milkshake Day has been an excuse to press pause on life’s busyness, gather with friends, and share a treat that never gets old. The first sip always takes me back to summer afternoons at the local diner—sticky hands, extra whipped cream, and that feeling of pure happiness.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Milkshake Recipe
You don’t need to wait for national vanilla milkshake day to whip up this classic. This recipe is perfect all year round because:
- It’s ready in under five minutes.
- You only need three simple ingredients (plus toppings if you want).
- It’s easy to make at home, whether you’re 8 or 80.
- You can dress it up with sprinkles or keep it old-school.
The best part? Everyone leaves the table smiling.
Ingredients for the Best Vanilla Milkshake
Here’s what you’ll need for two generous servings:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (good quality for the creamiest shake)
- ½ cup milk (whole milk is classic, but use what you have)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: whipped cream, sprinkles, maraschino cherry
Ingredient Spotlight:
The vanilla ice cream is the star here. Choose a rich, flavorful brand or make your own for that real-deal creaminess. The vanilla extract? That’s your secret weapon—it lifts the whole shake and makes the flavor sing.
Looking for more drink recipes? Check out all our smoothie and drink ideas.
Tools & Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—you don’t need a fancy kitchen to nail this. Just grab:
- Blender (essential for that smooth, creamy texture)
- Measuring cup and spoon
- Tall glasses for serving
- Ice cream scoop (makes life easier)
If you’ve got reusable straws or fun paper ones, break them out. After all, it’s national vanilla milkshake day—go all in on the fun!
How to Make the Perfect Vanilla Milkshake: Step by Step
- Scoop the ice cream. Add 2 cups vanilla ice cream to your blender.
- Add milk and vanilla. Pour in ½ cup milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Blend it up! Pulse until it’s smooth and just pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. Too thin? A bit more ice cream fixes that.
- Serve and decorate. Pour into tall glasses. Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, or a cherry if you’re feeling fancy.
- Grab a straw and enjoy immediately!
Pro tip: For an extra cold shake, chill your glasses in the freezer before pouring in your milkshake.
Troubleshooting & Tips
Don’t stress—milkshakes are forgiving! But here are a few quick fixes:
- Shake too thin? Add more ice cream and blend again.
- Shake too thick? A splash of milk will smooth things out.
- Blender jammed? Let the ice cream soften for a minute on the counter first. Forcing frozen ice cream can make a blender motor overheat.
- Lumpy shake? Blend longer, and make sure you scrape down the sides if needed.
Actionable tip:
Want to level up? Swap half the milk for a splash of half-and-half for ultra richness.
Warning:
Avoid using ice cubes—they’ll water down your shake and dull that classic vanilla flavor.
Personal anecdote:
One year, I tried making a milkshake with low-fat ice cream and almond milk. It turned out lighter, but still totally hit the spot—sometimes it’s fun to play around with ingredients and find what works for you.
Serving Suggestions
This classic vanilla milkshake goes with just about anything, but here are some fun ways to serve it:
- Pair with burgers and fries for the ultimate diner meal.
- Add a scoop of chocolate or strawberry ice cream for a “neapolitan” shake.
- Try a fun toppings bar at your next summer party (think: crushed cookies, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel).
- Serve in chilled mason jars for retro flair.
If you want more refreshing ideas for summer drinks, swing by all our drink recipes.
Storage & Leftover Ideas
Let’s be honest—leftover milkshakes are rare! But if you do have extra:
- Pour into a popsicle mold and freeze for a fun summer treat.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours (give it a good shake before serving—it may separate a bit).
Don’t let it sit out too long, or you’ll lose that thick, creamy texture.
Print
National Vanilla Milkshake Day | Easy Vanilla Milkshake Recipe (5-Minute Treat)
Celebrate National Vanilla Milkshake Day on June 20th with this creamy 3-ingredient vanilla milkshake recipe. Quick, nostalgic, and perfect for summer fun!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (good quality, creamy brand)
- ½ cup milk (whole milk is creamiest, but any milk works)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add 2 cups of vanilla ice cream to a blender.
- Pour in ½ cup of milk and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness by adding more ice cream or milk as needed.
- Pour into tall glasses and top with whipped cream, sprinkles, or a cherry if desired.
- Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy!
Notes
- For an ultra-rich shake, swap part of the milk for half-and-half.
- Chill your serving glasses in the freezer to keep the milkshake colder longer.
- Want to make it dairy-free? Use plant-based ice cream and milk.
- Leftovers can be frozen in popsicle molds for a fun twist!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage / Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large or 2 small servings
- Calories: 300 per serving
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 6g
Keywords: vanilla milkshake, national vanilla milkshake day, easy milkshake recipe, classic shake, summer drinks, homemade milkshake
Conclusion: Make Every Day a Little Sweeter
There’s a reason national vanilla milkshake day is worth marking on your calendar. Whether you’re sipping solo or sharing with a friend, this simple treat brings people together. So why wait? Grab your blender and celebrate today—because every day could use a little more sweetness.
Have your own favorite twist? Drop your best shake story in the comments. I love hearing how others make this classic their own!
FAQs: Everything You Wondered About National Vanilla Milkshake Day
National vanilla milkshake day is celebrated every year on June 20th. It’s a great excuse to blend up a sweet treat and make memories.
The earliest milkshakes date back to the late 1800s, but the classic vanilla milkshake as we know it took off in American diners in the early 1900s. Once blenders came along, they became even smoother and more popular.
Absolutely! In addition to national vanilla milkshake day in June, there’s also National Chocolate Milkshake Day in September. If you’re a shake lover, you get two built-in excuses a year to indulge.
National Vanilla Ice Cream Day (July 23rd) celebrates the creamy scoop that’s a favorite around the world. It’s a chance to enjoy all things vanilla—scoops, cones, and, of course, milkshakes!
Additional Resources
Want more cool treats or ideas for your next summer party?
Check out these related posts and resources to keep your blender busy:
- All Recipes: Delicious Drinks
- Easy Strawberry Smoothie Recipes (3 Ingredients)
- Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie Recipe
For more on the history of milkshakes, see this Smithsonian article about the evolution of milkshakes.
Happy National Vanilla Milkshake Day! Now go make a shake and create some memories.