Salted Caramel Milkshake

This Salted Caramel Milkshake is a perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. It combines the classic creamy texture of a vanilla milkshake with the complex, delicious flavor of salted caramel sauce. The balance of sweet and salty creates an irresistible drink that's both comforting and indulgent. It's a simple yet luxurious beverage perfect for a special occasion or just a quiet afternoon.
Salted Caramel Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a milkshake, a sweet, cold drink typically made from milk, ice cream, and flavorings. It falls squarely into the dessert drink category, often enjoyed as a treat or sweet course after a meal.

Serving

Served cold in a large, chilled milkshake glass, this non-alcoholic drink is a substantial and satisfying treat. Preparing the glass with a caramel drizzle adds a professional touch.
Serving size
approx. 400 ml / 13.5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake Glass
Glass treatment
Drizzle the inside of a chilled glass with caramel sauce

Backstory

While the milkshake has been around since the late 19th century, the salted caramel flavor combination gained massive popularity in the early 2000s. French pastry chef Pierre Hermé is often credited with popularizing the flavor. Its application in milkshakes was a natural and delicious evolution, quickly becoming a modern classic in cafes and ice cream parlors worldwide.
Origin
The salted caramel flavor combination originated in France in the late 20th century. However, the milkshake is an American invention, and this specific combination became popular globally, especially in the USA, in the early 21st century.

Salted Caramel Milkshake

The name "Salted Caramel Milkshake" is widely recognized and descriptive, clearly indicating its primary flavors. It is sometimes shortened to "Salty Caramel Shake," but this is less common.
Original name
Salted Caramel Milkshake
Alternative name
Salty Caramel Shake

Characteristics overview

This milkshake boasts a creamy, smooth texture with a delightful balance of sweet caramel and a hint of salt. Its aroma is rich with vanilla and caramel, resulting in a comforting and indulgent flavor experience.
Flavor
sweet, salty, caramel, creamy, vanilla
Aroma
caramel, vanilla, sweet
Taste balance
sweet, salty
Aftertaste
sweet, creamy, lingering caramel
Fizziness
none
Color appearance
light beige, creamy, opaque
Texture
thick, creamy, smooth
Seasonality
refreshing, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink is intensely creamy and sweet, with a noticeable but balanced saltiness. It is non-alcoholic, not spicy, and completely still.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and salted caramel sauce as the base. Whipped cream and a pinch of sea salt are great optional additions for garnish and flavor enhancement.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream3 large scoops (approx. 200g)
    Good quality vanilla bean ice cream works best for a rich flavor.
  • Whole Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Adjust quantity for desired thickness. For a thicker shake, use less milk.
  • Salted Caramel Sauce60 ml / 2 oz
    Plus extra for garnish. Store-bought or homemade.
  • Sea Salt Flakes1 pinch(optional)
    Optional, to enhance the salty flavor and for garnish.
  • Whipped CreamFor topping(optional)
    Optional garnish.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

A standard kitchen blender is all you need to combine the ingredients into a smooth and creamy shake.
  • Blender for mixing the ingredients

Instructions

The process is simple: chill and prepare a glass, blend the ice cream, milk, and sauce until smooth, then pour and garnish before serving immediately.
1. Chill your serving glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
2. Once chilled, take the glass and drizzle some salted caramel sauce on the inside walls for a decorative effect.
3. In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and 60 ml (2 oz) of salted caramel sauce. Add a pinch of sea salt if desired.
4. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 30-45 seconds. Avoid over-blending, as this can make the milkshake too thin.
5. Pour the milkshake carefully into your prepared glass.
6. Top with a generous amount of whipped cream, drizzle with more salted caramel sauce, and finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes.
7. Serve immediately with a wide straw and a long spoon.

Garnishing

Garnish generously with a swirl of whipped cream, an extra drizzle of salted caramel sauce, and a final sprinkle of sea salt flakes for visual appeal and a flavor boost.
  • Whipped cream, topped on the milkshake
  • Salted caramel sauce, drizzled over the whipped cream and inside the glass
  • Sea salt flakes, sprinkled lightly on top

Dietary Information

This milkshake is vegetarian, gluten-free, and caffeine-free, but it contains dairy. Check specific ingredient labels to ensure it is free from eggs, soy, or nuts.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✕ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a highly indulgent treat, rich in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, making it best enjoyed on special occasions.
Calories
Averagely 650-800 kcal / 2720-3350 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 90-110 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 80-100 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect as a decadent dessert to cap off a meal, this milkshake also serves as a delightful treat for movie nights. Its cold, refreshing nature makes it an ideal indulgence on a hot summer day.
  • Dessert
  • Treat
  • Movie Night
  • Summer Day

Pairing suggestions

This rich milkshake pairs well with salty snacks like pretzels or fries to contrast the sweetness. It also complements simple desserts like shortbread cookies or rich chocolate brownies for an ultimate dessert experience.
  • Salty pretzels
  • Plain shortbread cookies
  • A classic burger and fries
  • Dark chocolate brownies

Salted Caramel Milkshake: A Sweet and Salty Symphony

The Salted Caramel Milkshake is a modern classic that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors in a thick, creamy texture. It's incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients, requiring only a blender to achieve its decadent consistency. Perfect as a dessert or a special treat, this non-alcoholic drink is a crowd-pleaser that offers pure indulgence in a glass. Garnish with whipped cream and extra caramel for the full experience.