Milkshakes are a beloved American treat, combining the best of creamy indulgence and refreshing sweetness. While many fast food chains use soft serve or pre-made mixes for their milkshakes, some establishments remain committed to using real ice cream, upholding the tradition of quality and flavor. Here are 10 fast food chains that serve up milkshakes made with genuine ice cream.
1. Shake Shack
Shake Shack is renowned for its commitment to quality, and its milkshakes are no exception. The chain uses in-house-made frozen custard— a creamier variant of ice cream that contains at least 1.4% egg yolks. Made fresh daily with real cane sugar and cage-free eggs, Shake Shack offers an array of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream, tiramisu, and dreamsicle.
2. Sonic Drive-In
While Sonic’s Cherry Limeade might steal the spotlight, its milkshakes deserve equal attention. Made with real ice cream and hand-mixed to perfection, these shakes are thick, creamy, and come in an impressive variety of flavors. They are a must-try for any milkshake lover.
3. In-N-Out Burger
Iconic in its simplicity, In-N-Out Burger serves up milkshakes made with real ice cream, offering a smooth yet thick texture that pairs perfectly with their classic burgers. With just three traditional flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—plus the option of a Neapolitan mix of all three, In-N-Out stays true to the basics.
4. Culver’s
Known for its ButterBurgers and cheese curds, Culver’s also excels in crafting milkshakes with its fresh Frozen Custard. Although technically not traditional ice cream, Culver’s custard, made with pasteurized egg yolks, provides a velvety texture that elevates the shake experience. It’s a regional favorite for a reason.
5. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s, like Culver’s, uses freshly churned custard as the base for its milkshakes. The custard, mixed with milk, results in a thick, creamy shake that rivals traditional ice cream-based versions. Their simple flavors—vanilla, chocolate, or a combination—are made even better with an optional malt addition for extra nostalgia.
6. Steak ‘n Shake
With ‘shake’ right in its name, Steak ‘n Shake has been perfecting the milkshake for decades. Made with real ice cream and fresh milk, their hand-blended shakes are thick, creamy, and come in a variety of flavors, from the classics to more adventurous options like Oreo, banana, birthday cake, and cotton candy.
7. Potbelly
Although Potbelly is best known for its toasted sandwiches, its milkshakes are a hidden gem. These shakes, made with hand-scooped real ice cream, are rich and creamy. The menu sticks to classic flavors, with a fun option to add Oreos, and each shake comes with a signature shortbread cookie.
8. Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets brings a retro vibe to its milkshakes, serving them made with real ice cream in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, as well as special options like Oreo, peanut butter, and seasonal flavors. Each shake is blended to order and served in a frosty glass, offering a nostalgic experience with every sip.
9. Arby’s
Arby’s, known for its signature roast sandwiches, also offers real ice cream milkshakes. The fan-favorite Jamocha shake, a mix of coffee and chocolate, is just one of the delicious options available. Arby’s shakes bring a creamy, satisfying treat to complement their savory menu.
10. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
As the name suggests, Bruster’s serves up milkshakes made with its own freshly made real ice cream. With over 150 rotating flavor options, Bruster’s provides a wide variety of choices for milkshake enthusiasts seeking something new and exciting.
These chains are dedicated to preserving the integrity and taste of the milkshake, offering a range of options that celebrate the tradition of using real ice cream.
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