This Red, White and Blue milkshake is an easy and beautiful way to celebrate with layers of red, white and blue.
This recipe was originally published June 2018 and updated June 2020.
My grandpa was born on Flag Day, and I created this Red, White and Blue milkshake to celebrate him. Each year on June 14 I called to remind him it was a special day and tease that I hadn’t forgotten his birthday. He always laughed, and those conversations are among my favorite memories.
After he had a stroke and then passed away, making this milkshake became an even gentler way to remember him. The layered colors warm my heart and bring back all those little moments we shared.
Beyond the memories, this milkshake is refreshing and fun to enjoy for both kids and adults. Creamy vanilla forms the white layer, berries make the red and blue layers, and the result is festive and delicious. Here’s to the red, white and blue — and to sipping something special.
What you will need:
- Generous scoops of vanilla ice cream — be generous so each layer is thick and creamy.
- If you prefer not to use fruit for the red layer, you can use food coloring, though fresh fruit adds flavor and color naturally.
- Milk — use just enough to allow the blender to process the ice cream and fruit while keeping each layer thick so they hold when stacked.
If you enjoy this, consider celebrating with other festive treats.
How to make this recipe:
- Make each color layer separately so the shakes stay distinct when layered.
- Blue layer: blend about 1 cup blueberries with 2 large scoops of vanilla ice cream and 2–3 tablespoons milk (start with less and add only if needed). The mixture should be thick so it won’t sink through other layers. Pour the blueberry shake into a glass and freeze for about 15–20 minutes.
- White layer: blend 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream with about 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Pour into a separate glass and freeze for 15–20 minutes.
- Red layer: blend 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream with 7 strawberries and 2–3 tablespoons milk until smooth. Pour into a glass and freeze briefly.
- After the layers have chilled and thickened, pour the blue layer evenly into serving glasses, then spoon or pour the vanilla layer on top, followed by the strawberry layer. Top with whipped cream and a straw, then serve immediately.
Notes:
- Keep the shakes thick. If any layer is too thin it will blend into the next layer instead of remaining separate.
- You can prepare the layers ahead of time and keep them in the freezer. When ready to serve, let them thaw slightly so they are spoonable or soft enough to pour, then top with whipped cream.
Try these other fun recipes:
- Golden Oreo Truffles (add red, white and blue sprinkles for a festive touch)
- Homemade Lemon Ice Cream
- Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream – No Churn
- Dairy Free Lemon + Toasted Coconut Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Cherry Chocolate Milkshake
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment — I love seeing your takes on my recipes and your photos on social media.
Red, White and Blue Milkshake
Ingredients
- 6 large scoops vanilla ice cream
- ¾ c milk
- 1 c blueberries
- 7 strawberries
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Blue layer: In a blender combine the blueberries, 2 scoops of ice cream and 2–3 tablespoons milk. Blend until smooth, adding more milk only if the blender struggles. Pour into a glass and freeze.
- White layer: Blend 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream with about 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Pour into a separate glass and freeze.
- Red layer: Blend 2 scoops of ice cream with the strawberries and 2–3 tablespoons milk until smooth. Pour into a glass and freeze.
- After the layers have chilled (about 15–20 minutes), pour the blue layer evenly into serving glasses, then add the vanilla layer, and finally the strawberry layer. Top with whipped cream and enjoy.
Notes
- Thicker shakes hold their layers better. If a layer is too thin it will sink into the layer below.
- You can make the layers ahead and store them in the freezer. Let them thaw slightly before serving or enjoy with a spoon.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 49 g,
Protein: 8 g,
Fat: 18 g,
Saturated Fat: 11 g,
Cholesterol: 67 mg,
Sodium: 146 mg,
Potassium: 505 mg,
Fiber: 4 g,
Sugar: 42 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.