Smarties Milkshake Recipe: Creamy, Colorful, and Easy

A Smarties milkshake is a cold, creamy blend of vanilla ice cream, milk, and colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces, finished with extra candy for crunch. This version makes two thick shakes in about eight minutes, with an easy adjustment for the different candy called Smarties in the United States.

Ingredients

2 cups (about 300 g) vanilla ice cream, slightly softened for easier blending. A classic vanilla base lets the candy flavor and colors come through.
¾ cup (180 ml) cold whole milk, plus up to ¼ cup (60 ml) more if needed. Whole milk makes a richer shake; use less for a thicker result.
½ cup (about 85 g) candy-coated chocolate Smarties, divided. Use ⅓ cup (about 55 g) in the shake and keep the rest for topping or folding in.
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract, optional, for a more pronounced vanilla flavor.
1 small pinch of fine salt, optional. It rounds out the sweetness without making the shake taste salty.
Whipped cream, up to ½ cup (120 ml), optional for serving.

Instructions

Prepare the candy. Set aside about 2 tablespoons (20 g) of Smarties for garnish. Roughly crush the remaining candy for the shake using a sturdy bag and a rolling pin, or chop it on a board with a large knife. Aim for small pieces rather than powder; small pieces blend more evenly, while a few larger bits add a pleasant crunch. Allow about 2 minutes for this step.
Load the blender. Add the ice cream, ¾ cup (180 ml) milk, the crushed candy, vanilla extract if using, and the pinch of salt to a blender jar. Add the ice cream first or last according to your blender’s instructions; either way, avoid packing candy pieces beneath the blade where they may not circulate.
Blend briefly. Blend on low for about 10 seconds, then increase to medium for another 15–20 seconds, just until the mixture looks smooth and pourable. Stop as soon as it comes together. Blending for too long warms the ice cream and can make the shake thinner than intended. If the blender stalls, switch it off before using a spatula to move the mixture; never reach into a running blender.
Adjust the thickness. Check the texture with a spoon. For a very thick shake, serve it as is or blend in a little more ice cream. For a thinner shake that is easier to sip through a straw, add the remaining milk 1 tablespoon (15 ml) at a time and blend for just a few seconds after each addition. The exact amount needed depends on how firm the ice cream is and how thick you like your milkshake.
Pour and finish. Divide the shake between two chilled glasses. Add whipped cream if you like, then scatter the reserved Smarties over the top. Serve straight away, while the shake is cold and the candy coating is still crisp.

Tips

Choose the right candy for your location. This recipe means the small chocolate pieces with a crisp colored shell, sold as Smarties in places such as the UK and Canada. In the United States, Smarties usually means small, tart pressed-sugar rolls. Those American candies do not contain chocolate and dissolve differently, so they will make the shake sweeter and more tangy, with less chocolate flavor. For a similar result to this recipe, use another brand of candy-coated chocolate pieces instead.
Start with less milk than you think you need. It is easy to loosen a thick shake, but difficult to thicken a runny one without adding more ice cream. Begin with the listed ¾ cup (180 ml), then add milk in small amounts only after blending. If the ice cream has softened considerably on the counter, you may need less milk.
Keep some candy out of the blender. A full blend gives the shake a more even pastel color and distributes the flavor throughout. Reserving a few pieces for the top keeps their colors bright and their shells crunchy. If you want noticeable pieces inside, fold in a spoonful of chopped candy after blending rather than running the blender again.
Use a blender suited to frozen mixtures. A standard countertop blender works well if the ice cream is slightly softened. If your blender is small or low-powered, blend in two batches or use a stick blender in a tall, sturdy jug. Do not add ice to compensate for warm ingredients; ice waters down the flavor and can leave hard pieces in the drink.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the milkshake as soon as it is blended, ideally in glasses chilled in the freezer for 5–10 minutes while you gather the ingredients. A wide straw makes a thick shake easier to drink, but a long spoon is useful if you leave larger candy pieces in it. For a simple finish, add a small handful of Smarties on top; for a more dessert-like presentation, add whipped cream and a few finely chopped pieces. Keep the topping modest so it does not overwhelm the drink or make the glass difficult to sip from.

This shake works well as an occasional after-school treat, a birthday-party drink, or a sweet finish to a casual meal. If serving a group, blend separate batches rather than filling the blender beyond its safe capacity. You can prepare and chill the glasses in advance, but wait to blend the milkshake until just before serving so the texture stays thick and the candy garnish keeps its crisp shell. Offer a small spoon alongside each glass for any candy that settles at the bottom.

Variations

Chocolate Smarties shake: Add 1 tablespoon (5 g) unsweetened cocoa powder to the blender for a chocolate-forward version. Cocoa can make the mixture taste less sweet, so taste it before serving; if you want a sweeter result, blend in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chocolate syrup. The syrup also makes the shake a little softer, so begin with the smaller amount of milk.

Extra-crunchy version: Blend only ⅓ cup (about 55 g) of the candy, then stir in 2 tablespoons (20 g) finely chopped Smarties after blending. This keeps more pieces intact without leaving large hard candies in the straw. Add them immediately before pouring, since the candy shells gradually soften in the cold, wet mixture.

Without dairy: Replace the vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free vanilla frozen dessert and use an unsweetened plant-based milk, such as oat or soy milk. Choose a frozen dessert with a creamy texture and check the candy label for milk ingredients if you need the drink to be dairy-free. The flavor and thickness vary by product, so add the milk gradually rather than assuming the same amount will be needed.

American Smarties version: If you want to use the small pressed-sugar Smarties sold in the United States, crush 4–6 rolls (about 30–45 g) and blend them with the ice cream and milk, then taste before adding more. They bring a tart, fruity sweetness rather than the chocolate flavor of candy-coated chocolate pieces. Use them sparingly at first, and garnish with a few whole pieces on the side rather than expecting them to stay crunchy on top.

Storage and Reheating

A milkshake is at its best immediately after blending. If you need to hold it briefly, pour it into a covered container and refrigerate it within 2 hours of preparation. For the best texture, drink it within about 1 hour; it may remain safe in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but the ice cream will melt, the mixture will separate, and the candy shells will soften. Stir or briefly reblend before serving. Do not leave the shake at room temperature for an extended period.

For a longer pause, pour leftover shake into freezer-safe ice-pop molds and freeze for up to 1 month. The frozen result will be firmer and icier than a freshly blended milkshake, and candy pieces may settle unevenly. Let a pop stand at room temperature for a few minutes so it releases from its mold more easily. There is no reheating step for this cold drink; warming it would melt the ice cream rather than restore its milkshake texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a Smarties milkshake without a blender?

Yes, though the texture will be less uniform. Let the ice cream soften until it can be stirred, crush the candy finely, and whisk everything together in a deep bowl or jug. A stick blender can smooth the mixture further. If mixing by hand, add the milk a little at a time and expect some candy pieces to remain whole.

Why did my milkshake turn out too thin?

The most common causes are too much milk, very soft ice cream, or blending for longer than necessary. Add another scoop of ice cream and blend briefly to thicken it. Next time, begin with the smaller quantity of milk and use ice cream that is soft enough to blend but still cold and scoopable. Avoid adding ice, which dilutes the flavor.

Can I make it ahead for a party?

It is better to measure the ingredients, chill the glasses, and portion the garnish ahead, then blend just before serving. A finished shake loses its thick texture as the ice cream melts, even when refrigerated. If you must make it in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator and reblend briefly before pouring; the candy may no longer be crisp.

How do I make the shake thicker without changing the flavor much?

Use a little more vanilla ice cream and less milk. You can also chill the glasses before serving and make sure the ice cream has not become overly soft. Adding extra candy is not the best way to thicken the shake because it changes the sweetness and can leave hard pieces in the drink.

Can I use another flavor of ice cream?

Yes. Chocolate ice cream makes a richer, more chocolatey shake, while strawberry or another fruit flavor gives a sweeter, more playful combination. Keep the same starting amount of milk and adjust only after blending, since different ice creams vary in firmness and richness. If the alternative flavor is already very sweet, omit any extra syrup.

More recipes to cook

Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).