Treat yourself and the whole gang to a smooth and creamy Vanilla Milkshake that’ll turn any day into a swell day!

Back when I was a teenager, there was a retro diner in town, which was a total blast from the past, complete with jukeboxes that played Jailhouse Rock, soda fountains, red leather seats, and waitresses that called you “sugarplum.” I was totally obsessed with the 1950s (still am, actually), and hanging out there made me feel like I was in an episode of Happy Days where the Fonz could walk in any minute. I loved the old-school vibes and fun music, but most of all, I loved their menu of timeless American classics. There were burgers piled high with caramelized onions and cheese, crispy onion rings served with barbecue sauce, buttery grilled cheese sandwiches oozing with melted cheddar, and at least 20 different kinds of milkshakes. And yes, I tried them all.
Simple as it may be, I still firmly believe that a good milkshake is a thing of beauty. This vanilla milkshake pretty much embodies milkshake perfection with just three ingredients that get blended into a thick and frothy concoction capable of turning any day into a swell day (as they would say in the 1950s). And the best part is that you can endlessly tweak the recipe depending on your mood or cravings!

Give these variations a whirl!
I love this milkshake because it can also serve as the starting point for any flavors you want to incorporate. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Chocolate milkshake: You can use chocolate ice cream or chocolate syrup (or even both) to make a dessert fit for any chocoholic.
- Fruit milkshake: Whichever fruit you like can be incorporated into this milkshake. I have a weakness for strawberries, so I like to use strawberry ice cream and sometimes blend in some fresh strawberries when they’re in season.
- Cookies and cream milkshake: Use cookies and cream ice cream and add in a few Oreos. Decorate with cream and an extra Oreo!
- Peanut butter milkshake: A big dollop of creamy peanut butter in this milkshake is just delicious. Blend it really well, and if you’re really in the mood to indulge, top it with a fluff of whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and a peanut butter cup.
- Boozy milkshake: A shot of rum, brandy, or vodka can really elevate this milkshake. My favorite version? A chocolate milkshake with a good shot of mint liqueur!

How do I store leftovers?
Frankly, I would only make as much milkshake as you intend to drink because the consistency will not keep. If you need to store your milkshake for a short time, you can keep it in the refrigerator, but it will begin to melt and separate, so I would aim to drink it ASAP.

Serving suggestions
For some serious retro diner vibes, pair your milkshake with a burger, such as this hearty Veggie Burger or this classic Bacon Cheeseburger if you eat meat. A side of crisp French Fries seals the deal. And for dessert, you can’t go wrong with these chewy and totally irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Heavens to Betsy, talk about swell!

Vanilla Milkshake
Ingredients
- 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a jug.

- Blend with an immersion blender until well combined and smooth. You can also use a regular blender.

- Pour into two glasses and serve immediately.


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