Ube Milkshake

This Ube Milkshake is a visually stunning and delicious treat, boasting a brilliant purple hue from the ube halaya (purple yam jam). It combines the earthy, vanilla-like notes of ube with creamy vanilla ice cream and milk, creating a smooth, rich, and satisfying beverage. Perfect for those looking to try a unique and trendy flavor, it's a delightful twist on the classic milkshake that has gained massive popularity worldwide.
Ube Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Ube Milkshake is classified as a non-alcoholic milkshake. It is a sweet, blended beverage made with ice cream and milk, fitting perfectly into the dessert drink category.

Serving

Serve this large, cold, non-alcoholic milkshake in a chilled, tall milkshake glass to keep it perfectly frosty. A wide straw is recommended for easy sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 400 ml / 13.5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

Ube (purple yam) has been a staple in Filipino cuisine and desserts for centuries. The Ube Milkshake is a modern adaptation, gaining international popularity through social media due to its striking color and unique taste. It represents the successful fusion of traditional Filipino flavors with a classic American dessert format, celebrated in cafes and homes globally.
Origin
The flavor profile originates from the Philippines, where ube is a cherished ingredient. The milkshake itself is a modern, 21st-century creation that became popular in the United States and other Western countries, blending Filipino culinary heritage with a globally recognized beverage style.

Ube Milkshake

The drink is most commonly known as an Ube Milkshake. Alternative names like "Purple Yam Milkshake" or simply "Ube Shake" are also used, directly referencing its main ingredient, the ube, which is a purple yam native to the Philippines.
Original name
Ube Milkshake
Alternative names
  • Purple Yam Milkshake
  • Ube Shake

Characteristics overview

The Ube Milkshake features a sweet, nutty, and slightly earthy flavor with a rich, creamy texture. Its most striking characteristic is its vibrant natural purple color, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Flavor
Sweet, creamy, nutty, vanilla, earthy
Aroma
Sweet, vanilla, slightly earthy
Taste balance
Sweet, creamy
Aftertaste
Creamy, sweet, clean
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Vibrant purple, opaque, smooth
Texture
Thick, smooth, creamy, rich
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season treat, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

This non-alcoholic drink is defined by its high sweetness and maximum creaminess. All other flavor profiles like saltiness, sourness, and bitterness are absent, resulting in a smooth and rich dessert beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires vanilla ice cream and whole milk as its base, with ube halaya (purple yam jam) providing the signature flavor and color. An optional dash of ube extract can be added to intensify the taste and hue.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream3 large scoops (approx. 240 ml / 8 oz)
    A good quality, creamy vanilla ice cream works best. For a vegan version, use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
  • Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam)3 tablespoons (approx. 45 ml / 1.5 oz)
    This is the key ingredient for flavor and color. It can be found in Asian grocery stores or online. Check for added nuts if you have an allergy.
  • Whole Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Adjust quantity for desired thickness. Coconut milk or oat milk are great dairy-free alternatives.
  • Ube Extract1/4 teaspoon(optional)
    Optional, but it enhances the ube flavor and deepens the purple color.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The only equipment needed to create this smooth and creamy milkshake is a standard kitchen blender.
  • Blender: for combining and emulsifying all ingredients into a smooth shake.

Instructions

Simply combine vanilla ice cream, ube halaya, and milk in a blender until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass and finish with whipped cream and other optional garnishes before serving immediately.
1. For best results, place your serving glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes to chill.
2. In the pitcher of a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, ube halaya, milk, and ube extract (if using).
3. Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds, or until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the milkshake into your pre-chilled glass.
5. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
6. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes and a small dollop of extra ube halaya.
7. Serve immediately with a wide straw and a long spoon.

Garnishing

Garnish generously with a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, and a final small dollop of ube halaya to signal the star ingredient.
  • Whipped Cream: A generous swirl on top.
  • Toasted Coconut Flakes: A sprinkle over the whipped cream for texture and flavor.
  • Ube Halaya: A small dollop on top of the whipped cream for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Dietary Information

This milkshake is vegetarian, alcohol-free, and caffeine-free. While the standard recipe contains dairy, it can easily be made vegan and dairy-free by substituting with plant-based milk and ice cream. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens like gluten 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 decadent treat, high in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar due to the ice cream and ube jam. It should be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.
Calories
Averagely 450-600 kcal / 1880-2510 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 60-80 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 55-75 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This milkshake is perfect as a decadent dessert, a refreshing summer cooler, or a special afternoon treat. Its unique flavor and appearance also make it a fun addition to casual gatherings and parties.
  • Dessert
  • Afternoon treat
  • Summer cooler
  • Casual gathering

Pairing suggestions

This rich milkshake pairs well with simple, less sweet desserts that won't compete with its unique flavor. Try it alongside buttery shortbread cookies, light pastries, or traditional Filipino rice cakes for an authentic experience.
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Light pastries like croissants
  • Filipino rice cakes (Bibingka or Puto)
  • A simple slice of pound cake

The Vibrant and Creamy Ube Milkshake Experience

The Ube Milkshake is a sensational dessert beverage that captivates with both its vibrant purple appearance and its unique taste. Combining the earthy, sweet, vanilla-like notes of Filipino purple yam with the classic creaminess of a vanilla milkshake, it offers a rich and satisfying experience. It's incredibly easy to make at home and serves as a perfect introduction to the wonderful world of ube-flavored treats. This trendy shake is more than just a drink; it's a delightful culinary adventure.