Strawberry Alcoholic Milkshake

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This Alcoholic Milkshake recipe with strawberries and vodka tastes just like a white chocolate-covered strawberry, but with an undeniably swanky adult twist! Thick, rich, sweet, and deliciously decadent, these over-the-top strawberry spiked milkshakes with alcohol are the perfect way to stay cool as you lounge by the pool.

Featured comment: These milkshakes are SO GOOD! Followed the recipe to a T and made the homemade whipped cream. Topped it with red sprinkles, a strawberry, and a sprig of fresh mint. HEAVEN! Just wondering where this has been all my life. Thank you!” – Sherry

Update: This post was originally published in April 2016. I made updates to the article below to include more information about making strawberry spiked milkshakes at home. Plus, there’s now a step-by-step recipe video to guide you along the way!

About these milkshakes with alcohol

Alcoholic milkshakes give a whole new meaning to delicious decadence. And this particular boozy strawberry milkshake will have your taste buds partying like it’s 1999. These milkshakes are thick, rich, sweet, and bodaciously boozy. They are basically the ultimate white chocolate strawberry recipe in creamy, dreamy milkshake form.

Honestly, this scrumptious spiked strawberry milkshake is so on point I have been contemplating how I can possibly get my hands on a small vendor liquor license. Because lounging under a tent and sell these alcohol milkshakes all spring and summer long at the farmers market is the best idea ever, right? Of course, I’d have to limit one per customer… but you get my drift. 

In the words of my husband, these milkshakes are EPIC. And in the words of my friends, they’re guaranteed to bring all the boys to the yard. Me, I just say these spiked shakes are dessert cocktails done right.   

If you’re looking for more cold treats with alcohol, try these recipes next: Key Lime Milkshake and Rosé Sorbet.

Why you’ll love this alcoholic milkshake recipe

But, aside from being scrum-diddly-umptious, this alcoholic strawberry milkshake recipe is ALSO:

• Quick & Easy – In all honesty, this spiked milkshake recipe couldn’t be easier to prepare. While the recipe below includes some frills (i.e. homemade whipped cream and a white chocolate rim) those steps are entirely optional if you’re short on time or patience!
• Made With Only 6 Simple Ingredients – For these vodka milkshakes, all you need is a couple of different bottles of booze and a few scoops of ice cream. Everything else is completely optional!
• Easily Customizable – No access to white chocolate liqueur? Simply use more Irish cream. Don’t want to buy strawberry vodka? No worries! Just use plain vodka and switch from vanilla to strawberry ice cream. Use the recipe below as a template and choose your own milkshake alcohol adventure!

Ingredients for spiked milkshake

As promised, you only need a handful of ingredients to make this alcoholic milkshake recipe. Here’s what to grab:

• White Chocolate Liqueur – For adding a creamy, sweet flavor to the milkshake while infusing the drink with a touch of indulgence and richness. 
  • If you don’t have white chocolate liqueur, you can try using regular chocolate liqueur, extra Irish cream, or a splash of vanilla extract instead.
• Irish Cream Liqueur – For a sweet, creamy, and slightly boozy flavor. 
  • If you don’t have Bailey’s Irish cream liqueur on hand, you can use coffee liqueur like Kahlúa, caramel liqueur, or extra white chocolate (or regular chocolate) liqueur as substitutes.
• Strawberry Vodka – This is the star of the show, providing both the alcoholic kick and a subtle strawberry flavor. 
  • If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the strawberry vodka with strawberry syrup or fresh strawberry puree. Alternatively, regular vodka or vanilla vodka work too.
• Strawberry Extract – This somewhat obscure ingredient is used to double down on the strawberry flavor and aroma in the milkshake. 
  • If you don’t have strawberry extract, you can use fresh or frozen strawberries that are pureed or mashed. Another option is to use strawberry syrup or jam for sweetness and added strawberry flavor.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – The perfect creamy base for any milkshake! 
  • If you want to explore different flavors or have specific dietary preferences, you can try using strawberry, chocolate, or even dairy-free options like coconut milk ice cream.
• Frozen Strawberries – These are optional, but I love them for their fruity burst and ability to thicken the milkshake. They also help keep the drink chilled without diluting the flavors. 
  • If you don’t have frozen strawberries, you can use fresh strawberries and add some ice cubes to achieve a similar thickness and refreshing chill.

If you’ve got leftover white chocolate liqueur, put it to good use and make a spiked white chocolate hot cocoa!

To make homemade whipped cream

You definitely don’t have to go to the trouble of making whipped cream if you don’t want to. That said, I think it’s a very swanky touch. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• Heavy Whipping Cream – Make sure it’s super cold for the stiffest peaks. 
  • Feel free to swap in vegan whipping cream, or use pre-whipped frozen topping or the instant whip that comes in a squirty bottle.
• Vanilla Extract – For adding warmth and richness.
  • You can sub in equal amounts of vanilla paste or vanilla powder instead. Or, if you prefer a different flavor profile, swap in a different extract like almond, lemon, or maple. Alternatively, try using liqueurs like amaretto, Godiva, or triple sec to add a hint of your preferred flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – For a touch of sweetness. 
  • You can also use powdered sugar, though you may need to add more to taste. Or, go sugar-free with a cup-for-cup substitute like Swerve. 

For rimming your vodka milkshakes

To give your milkshake with alcohol a professional look, consider garnishing them with a sweet, white chocolatey rim. For it, you’ll need:

• White Chocolate Chips – While you *can* use white chocolate melts, I find that true white chocolate has the best flavor.
  • You can also swap in milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate if you prefer!
• Sprinkles – Who doesn’t love colorful jimmies, especially on a strawberry shake?!?
  • Feel free to use other colorful, crunchy bits like Fruity Pebbles, pearl sugar, non-pareils, sanding sugar, or crushed cookies.

Milkshake cocktail garnishes

If you want to give your white chocolate milkshake alcohol drink the full star treatment, you can add any of the following:

• Fresh Strawberries – Ideally, they’ll be cut to look like a rose. 
• Strawberry Shortcake Crumbles – It’s a mouthful, but they’re easy to make!
• Strawberry Syrup – Drizzle it in a pretty swirl all over the inside of a clear glass before pouring the strawberry ice cream milkshake in for a gorgeous 2-toned effect.
• Rainbow Sprinkles – Put ‘em on the rim, then add extra fun on top! 
• White Chocolate Shavings – They’re easy to make with a vegetable peeler!
• Marshmallows – Mini mallows are a cute and easy topper!
• Oreos – Bonus points if you use a strawberry shortcake oreo cookie.

Variations of alcohol milkshakes

I highly encourage you to make these alcoholic milkshakes your own! While there are many different adjustments you can make to the recipe below, here are a few to get you started:

• Dairy-Free/Vegan – Swap in your favorite plant-based ice cream and reach for vegan Irish cream (e.g. Bailey’s Almande) and vegan white chocolate liqueur (e.g. Giffard White Crème de Cacao). 
• Non-Alcoholic – Use your favorite NA vodka and liqueurs, or simply swap in homemade strawberry puree and your preferred dairy or plant-based milk.
• Strawberry Chocolate Milkshake – Rather than a white chocolate strawberry spiked milkshake, go full chocolate by swapping in dark chocolate liqueur and chocolate ice cream.
• Different Booze – You’re also welcome to experiment with different varieties of booze if you prefer. Try using amaretto in place of Irish cream for a strawberry almond milkshake, or use limoncello for a strawberry lemon milkshake. The options are pretty much endless!
• Different Berries – Nobody said these milkshakes with alcohol *have* to be strawberry flavored. Feel free to swap in other berries or fruit like blueberries, blackberries, mango, or coconut.
• For a more vanilla flavor – use vanilla ice cream and nix the strawberries. 
• For a more pronounced strawberry flavor – use strawberry ice cream and add the strawberries (4 or more) to the shake. Or, feel free to mix and match!

How to make alcoholic milkshakes 

These strawberry milkshakes with vodka come together in a flash! Here’s how:

1. Gather ingredients: Collect the vodka, liqueurs, frozen berries, and ice cream.
2. Add to blender: Measure all the ingredients out and add them to a high-speed blender.
3. Blend: Place the lid on your blender and blend until all the ingredients are smooth, forming a milkshake.
4. Garnish: Pour the milkshake into a chilled tall glass. Top with whipped cream and your favorite milkshake toppings, like shaved chocolate and crushed graham crackers.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert tips for the best vodka milkshake

• Save on prep with store-bought swaps. While the recipe below includes homemade whipped cream, feel free to save yourself some time and use store-bought!
• Go for garnishing gold! All the garnishes are optional, but highly recommended. I mean, if you are going to make a boozy milkshake you might as well pull out all the stops. When making these alcoholic shakes for a crowd, I like to swirl a drizzle of chocolate syrup into my alcoholic strawberry milkshake. Then top them whipped cream and strawberry cheesecake crumbles – SO GOOD!!
• Double the recipe for Future You. I doubled this alcoholic milkshakes recipe, poured half into my now-empty ice cream carton, and stored it in the freezer so I could nosh on a boozy milkshake whenever my little heart desired. It lasted less than 24 hours before it was all gone. So, I obviously recommend you do this. And quadruple the amount.
• Chill your glass ahead of time to keep your strawberry milkshake with ice cream and vodka extra frosty.
• Use a high-powered blender to ensure your vodka strawberry smoothie comes out velvety smooth.

FAQs: milkshake with alcohol

Can you mix vodka and a milkshake?

YUP. And it’s really good, too. If you don’t believe me, consider the Mudslide, Bushwhacker, and Pink Squirrel!

Did milkshakes originally contain alcohol?

I think the original milkshakes were made with just milk and ice cream, but adding alcohol was a pro move. If you like booze and you like milkshakes, alcoholic milkshake recipes are definitely your friend.

What’s the best alcohol to add to a shake?

It all depends on the flavor profile you’re going for. In this strawberry milkshake, vodka is the primary booze, with white chocolate liqueur and Irish cream playing backup. Other classic boozy milkshakes use other spirits. The Bushwacker, for example, uses 2 kinds of rum, Amaretto, Kahlua, Irish cream, AND vodka. 

Serving spiked milkshake

Here are some fun ideas for when to serve your delicious strawberry vodka milkshake:

• The refreshing and fruity nature of these berry milkshakes makes them a perfect addition to a summer barbecue or picnic. Serve as a delightful, chilled treat to cool down your guests on a hot day. They pair well with all your favorite cookout recipes, like Bacon Baked Beans (with brown sugar and bourbon!) and Easy Pulled Pork with Carolina BBQ Sauce.
• Gather your besties for a cozy girls’ night in and surprise them with strawberry vodka milkshakes and Strawberry Champagne Sangria. Serve your strawberry vodka milkshake in cute, colorful mason jars while you dish on all the newest tea.
• Birthdays are practically begging for alcoholic milkshakes. Customize the milkshakes by adding colorful sprinkles, decorative straws, and a candle on top to make it extra celebratory. If you’re serving a crowd, consider serving your strawberry vodka milkshake in shot glasses. Offer a variety of cake bites for eating, flavored straws for sipping, and let your guests enjoy these cute and boozy milkshake shots.
• If you’re hosting brunch, these spiked strawberry milkshakes pair perfectly with classic brunch items like Hawaiian pancakes, cinnamon waffles, breakfast strata with strawberries, or strawberry French toast.
• Alcoholic strawberry milkshakes are a refreshing and delightful choice for your next garden party. Set up a self-serve station with various toppings and garnishes, allowing guests to customize their own creations. 
• Take your dessert game to new heights by serving strawberry vodka milkshakes alongside a delicious sweet treat. They go great with desserts like strawberry cake without gelatin, strawberry shortcake sundaes, chocolate brownies, or vanilla cupcakes. Or make it an ice cream party by offering a variety of homemade goodies, like butter pecan ice cream and blueberry ice cream with cinnamon.

Storing alcohol milkshake recipes

• Once you whip up a batch of these strawberry spiked milkshake alcohol treats, they’re best served immediately.
• Since there is plenty of booze in this strawberry and cream alcoholic drink, it’s also perfect for freezing because it won’t freeze completely solid. Transfer any leftovers to a freezer-safe container for up to a month.

Raise your glass and let’s shake things up with this berry-licious vodka-infused alcoholic milkshake recipe! Whether you’re sipping it straight away or freezing it for later, this strawberry vodka milkshake is sure to be a berry good time. Until next time, cheers to doin’ the shake!

Cheyanne

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More recipes with strawberries and alcohol!

• Strawberry Basil Cocktails
• Sangria Strawberries
• Strawberry Alcoholic Drinks

How to make a Strawberry Milkshake with Vodka at home! (Plus, step-by-step video)👇

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