Black Sesame Milkshake

The Black Sesame Milkshake is a delicious fusion of Eastern flavors and Western dessert concepts. It boasts a deep, earthy, and nutty taste from the black sesame paste, perfectly balanced by the sweet creaminess of vanilla ice cream and milk. Its striking slate-grey color makes it as visually appealing as it is flavorful. This drink offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional milkshake flavors.
Black Sesame Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 7 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a milkshake, a sweet, cold drink made by blending milk, ice cream, and flavorings. It falls into the dessert drink category, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth after a meal or as a standalone treat.

Serving

Serve this non-alcoholic, medium-sized drink cold in a chilled milkshake or tall glass to maintain its thick consistency and refreshing temperature.
Serving size
Approx. 400 ml / 13.5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Black sesame has been a cherished ingredient in East Asian desserts for centuries, famed for its flavor and health benefits. This milkshake is a modern adaptation, translating the traditional taste of black sesame soups and sweets into a popular Western format. It represents a delightful culinary bridge between cultures, growing in popularity in cafes and dessert shops worldwide.
Origin
While there is no single point of origin, the Black Sesame Milkshake is a contemporary creation inspired by traditional Japanese, Chinese, and Korean desserts. Its rise in popularity began in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, especially in urban areas with a vibrant culinary fusion scene.

Black Sesame Milkshake

The drink is most commonly known as the Black Sesame Milkshake. An alternative name is "Goma Milkshake," as "goma" is the Japanese word for sesame, reflecting the drink's key ingredient and its popularity in East Asian cuisine.
Original name
Black Sesame Milkshake
Alternative name
Goma Milkshake

Characteristics overview

This milkshake has a prominent nutty and toasty sesame flavor, with a thick, creamy texture and a distinctive grey appearance. The taste is primarily sweet with a pleasant, subtle bitterness from the sesame.
Flavor
Nutty, Creamy, Sweet, Earthy, Toasty
Aroma
Roasted Sesame, Nutty, Sweet, Vanilla
Taste balance
Sweet, Slightly Bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering Nutty, Clean
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, Grey, Slate-colored, Speckled
Texture
Thick, Creamy, Smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-Season

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a very creamy, moderately sweet drink with no alcohol or carbonation. Its primary flavor is nutty and intense, with a slight bitterness balancing the sweetness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The key ingredients are vanilla ice cream, milk, and black sesame paste, which provides the signature nutty flavor. An optional sweetener like honey can be added to adjust the taste.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream3 large scoops (approx. 350 ml / 1.5 cups)
    A good quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream provides the best creamy base.
  • Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Whole milk is recommended for richness, but any milk will work. For a thicker shake, use less milk.
  • Black Sesame Paste2 tablespoons
    Find this at Asian grocery stores or online. Ensure it's 100% black sesame for the purest flavor.
  • Honey1 tablespoon(optional)
    Adjust to taste. Maple syrup, agave, or simple syrup are good substitutes.
  • Whipped CreamTo taste(optional)
    For topping the milkshake.
  • Toasted Black Sesame Seeds1 teaspoon(optional)
    For sprinkling on top as a garnish.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The only essential piece of equipment needed to make this milkshake is a blender, which ensures a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Blender: For combining and emulsifying all ingredients into a smooth shake.

Instructions

Preparation is simple: blend vanilla ice cream, milk, and black sesame paste until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass and serve with optional whipped cream and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
1. Place a milkshake glass in the freezer to chill for at least 10 minutes.
2. In the jar of a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, black sesame paste, and optional honey.
3. Blend on high speed for about 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and has a consistent grey color.
4. Pour the milkshake into the chilled glass.
5. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with toasted black sesame seeds, then serve immediately with a wide straw.

Garnishing

Garnish with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted black sesame seeds for extra texture and visual appeal.
  • A generous dollop of whipped cream.
  • A sprinkle of toasted black sesame seeds over the whipped cream.

Dietary Information

This milkshake is vegetarian, alcohol-free, and caffeine-free, but contains dairy and sesame. It can be made vegan and dairy-free by using plant-based alternatives for milk and ice cream.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✕ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a high-calorie dessert drink, rich in carbohydrates and sugars primarily from the ice cream and sweetener.
Calories
Averagely 450-550 kcal / 1880-2300 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 50-60 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 40-50 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This milkshake is perfect as a decadent dessert after any meal, a refreshing afternoon treat, or a satisfying snack to curb sweet cravings.
  • Dessert
  • Afternoon Treat
  • Snack

Pairing suggestions

This milkshake pairs beautifully with treats that complement its nutty flavor. Consider serving it alongside Japanese mochi, simple shortbread cookies, or light, buttery pastries for a delightful dessert combination.
  • Mochi
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Light pastries like croissants

The Nutty & Noir Delight: Black Sesame Milkshake

The Black Sesame Milkshake is a unique and indulgent non-alcoholic beverage that stands out with its deep, nutty flavor and striking grey color. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and a blender. This drink offers a sophisticated twist on the classic milkshake, making it a perfect dessert or special treat for those looking to explore new and exciting flavors. Its creamy texture and satisfying taste make it a memorable experience.

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