McDonald’s Milkshake Recipe (Copycat)
on Jan 17, 2023, Updated Nov 21, 2023
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Who doesn’t like McDonald’s Milkshake? Available in vanilla, strawberry and chocolate, these shakes are delicious as a standalone treat or as a decadent dessert after polishing off a cheeseburger or chicken sandwich. Whether you’re 9 or 90, that first sip is sure to put a smile on your face.
McDonald’s is famous for its burgers and French fries, but they also have an extensive dessert menu. From sundaes to McFlurries to apple pies, they’re bound to have something for your sweet tooth. The milkshake is one of their most popular treats and it’s easy to see why. Choose your favorite flavor and indulge in one of life’s simple pleasures.
The only downside to a McDonald’s shake is having to leave the house to get one. What’s worse, it’s not uncommon to visit Micky D’s, only to find out that they’re out of milkshakes.
There’s even a running joke that their ice cream machines are always broken. You’ll be glad to know that your favorite creamy dessert can be recreated at home with just a couple of ingredients. This copycat recipe makes it incredibly easy to satisfy your milkshake cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- vanilla ice cream
- milk
- strawberry syrup for the strawberry shake (optional)
- chocolate syrup for the chocolate shake (optional)
- green food coloring or mint syrup for shamrock shake (optional)
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make McDonald’s Milkshake Recipe
- Take the ice cream out of the freezer 10 minutes ahead of time to allow it to soften.
- Add all ingredients to the blender.
- Blend for 30-60 seconds to your ideal consistency.
Which Milkshake Flavor is Best at McDonald’s?
McDonald’s shakes are available in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. All three flavors are made using super smooth vanilla ice cream, but flavored syrups are added to the chocolate and strawberry options. During February and March, you can also enjoy the limited-edition minty green Shamrock milkshake to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.
Which milkshake flavor is best at McDonald’s? Only you can answer that question! All are delicious and refreshing. It’s up to you to determine your favorite.
What is in a McDonald’s Shake?
McDonald’s shakes are made using their vanilla soft-serve ice cream, which is comprised of milk, sugar and cream. The vanilla shake has a few pumps of vanilla syrup and is topped with whipped cream.
For the strawberry shake, vanilla ice cream is blended with strawberry syrup, while chocolate syrup is used for the chocolate shake. The strawberry and chocolate shakes are also topped with whipped cream.
Are McDonald’s Milkshakes Made With Real Ice Cream?
Regardless of the flavor you choose, all McDonald’s shakes are made with reduced fat soft-serve vanilla ice cream as the first ingredient. This ice cream is super smooth and creamy, which gives the milkshake its signature thickness. McDonald’s has been serving this classic vanilla ice cream since the 1940’s. It’s a main ingredient for many of their desserts, including sundaes and the McFlurry.
FAQ
How Many Calories in a McDonald’s Milkshake?
The nutrition facts for a McDonald’s milkshake will depend on the size and flavor of the shake. A small vanilla shake has 480 calories, while a medium vanilla shake contains 610 calories. The largest vanilla shake has 780 calories per serving. Chocolate shakes provide more calories, with 520, 650, and 800 calories for small, medium, and large, respectively. For strawberry shakes you can expect 470 calories for small, 600 for medium and 850 for large.
How Much is a McDonald’s Milkshake?
McDonald’s milkshakes are a relatively inexpensive treat. As of November 2022, the shakes will cost you $2.79 for a small, $3.59 for a medium and $3.89 for a large. The prices do not vary based on flavor.
Why Can’t I Get a Shake at McDonalds?
We’ve all experienced it before: a sudden, unavoidable craving for a McDonald’s milkshake. You head to the nearest Micky D’s location, only to be told the disappointing news that the ice cream machine isn’t working. This happens so often that it’s become a running internet meme, with McDonald’s even making fun of itself on Twitter.
Why are the machines down so often? It’s reported that they’re extremely difficult to clean, requiring an extensive 11-step process. The machine must be dismantled and put back together. If it isn’t reassembled in the correct way, the machine won’t work.
Can You Drink A Mcdonald’s Milkshake The Next Day?
Milkshakes should be consumed immediately and shouldn’t be consumed the following day. Shakes that are left at room temperature for an extended period will melt and are unsafe to consume after two hours. Even shakes that are stored in the refrigerator will become a soupy mess and will lose the thick, creamy consistency we all know and love. If you haven’t finished your milkshake in one sitting, the best thing to do is to throw it out.
Copycat McDonald’s Milkshake (Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry)
Ingredients
Vanilla Shake
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened (or use soft serve ice cream)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
Strawberry Shake – optional
- 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup
Chocolate Shake – optional
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
Shamrock Shake – optional
- 3 drops green food coloring, or 1/2 teaspoon mint syrup
Instructions
- Take the ice cream out of the freezer 10 minutes ahead of time to allow it to soften.
- Add all ingredients to the blender.
- Blend for 30-60 seconds. Note that you may need to adjust the amount of milk to achieve McDonald’s shake consistency, since ice cream thicknesses vary.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- McFlurry: To make a McFlurry, use 1 cup of milk only for a thicker consistency. Then top with crumbled oreos.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
