What Makes Cherry Lemon Milkshake So Special
Creamy, tart, and impossibly refreshing, this **cherry lemon milkshake** is a burst of sunshine in a glass. With just a handful of simple ingredients—vanilla ice cream, juicy cherries, and zesty lemon juice—it’s a **cherry citrus milkshake** that dances between sweet and tangy. Perfect for hot afternoons or when you crave something nostalgic yet vibrant, it’s like sipping on a childhood memory with a grown-up twist.
I’ll confess, the first time I tested this recipe, I underestimated the power of fresh lemon juice—my batch was *too* tart! But a drizzle of honey fixed it beautifully. Now, it’s my go-to when friends drop by unexpectedly. Trust me, one sip and you’ll be hooked.
What You’ll Find in This Article
Cherry Lemon Milkshake
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups vanilla ice cream
- 0.5 cup frozen pitted cherries
- 0.25 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp honey
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
- whipped cream for garnish (optional)
- maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Method
- In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, frozen cherries, lemon juice, milk, honey, and vanilla extract.
- Blend on medium speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add a splash of milk if it's too thick.
- Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
- Transfer the milkshake into a chilled glass.
- Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry, if desired.
- Serve immediately with a straw and a spoon.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients for Cherry Lemon Milkshake
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful **lemon berry shake**:
– 1 ½ cups vanilla ice cream
– ½ cup frozen pitted cherries
– ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– ½ cup whole milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
– Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Cook Time for Cherry Lemon Shake
This **cherry lemon shake** comes together in just 5 minutes—no cooking required! Prep time is a breeze (about 3 minutes for measuring and blending), and the actual blending takes less than a minute. It’s the kind of recipe I turn to when I need a quick pick-me-up or a last-minute dessert.
If you love effortless treats, you’ll adore my 3-ingredient mango smoothie—another family favorite.
How to Make Lemon Cherry Smoothie
1. Blend the Base
In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, frozen cherries, lemon juice, milk, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Smooth It Out
Blend on medium speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk.
3. Taste and Adjust
Give it a quick taste—add more honey if you prefer it sweeter.
4. Pour and Chill
Transfer the milkshake into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish (Optional)
Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for a festive touch.
6. Serve Immediately
Enjoy with a straw and a spoon—because some sips deserve both!
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Here’s how I’ve tweaked this **tart cherry milkshake** over the years:
– **Flavor Swap**: Try almond milk and a dash of cinnamon for a cozy twist.
– **Diet Tweak**: Use frozen yogurt and agave syrup for a lighter version.
– **Texture Fix**: For extra thickness, blend in a banana (like in my watermelon smoothie).
– **Storage Tip**: Freeze leftovers in popsicle molds—kids adore them!
Nutrition and Health Benefits
While this **cherry lemon milkshake** is undeniably indulgent, cherries pack antioxidants, and lemon juice offers a vitamin C boost. A single serving (without toppings) has roughly 250 calories, 5g protein, and 40g carbs. For a deeper dive into cherry benefits, explore BBC Good Food’s guide, or try my beet berry smoothie for another nutrient-packed sip.
A Lighter Version of Tart Cherry Milkshake
Craving the same tangy sweetness with fewer calories? Swap ice cream for frozen bananas and coconut milk—it’s just as creamy! For more guilt-free ideas, this vanilla “nice” cream recipe is a gem, or browse my green tea lemonade for another light, citrusy treat.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
When my cousin Marie—who’s mindful of her sugar intake—first tried this **cherry lemon milkshake**, she adored the tartness but asked, *”Ellie, can we make it diabetic-friendly?”* Absolutely! Here’s how I tweak it for loved ones with dietary needs:
– **Sugar-Free Sweetness**: Swap honey for stevia or xylitol (start with ½ teaspoon—it’s potent!). The **lemon berry shake** still shines, just gentler on blood sugar.
– **Lighter Creaminess**: Use unsweetened almond milk and frozen bananas instead of ice cream. It’s like my coconut water smoothie—creamy without guilt.
– **Portion Control**: Serve in smaller glasses with extra crushed ice to stretch the flavor. A little goes a long way!
How to Serve Cherry Lemon Milkshake
I’ll never forget the summer I served this **cherry citrus milkshake** at my niece’s garden party—paired with buttery shortbread cookies, it was a hit! Here’s how to make it shine:
– **Pairings**: Crumbled lemon cookies or a drizzle of cherry lemon bar crumbs add crunch. For a savory contrast, try salty pretzel sticks.
– **Presentation**: Rim glasses with lemon zest-sugar (or cinnamon for a sugar-free twist). A sprig of mint makes it feel fancy.
– **Occasions**: Perfect for brunch alongside my lemon ginger tonic, or as a dessert after grilled chicken.
Mistakes to Avoid
Oh, the blunders I’ve made with this **tart cherry milkshake**! Learn from my mishaps:
1. **Over-blending**: More than 45 seconds can melt the ice cream too much, making it soupy. Pulse just until smooth—like my watermelon smoothie, it’s best lightly blended.
2. **Skipping the Taste Test**: Lemons vary in tartness! Always adjust honey after blending. (Once, I used a Meyer lemon and nearly puckered!)
3. **Wrong Cherry Type**: Avoid maraschino cherries *in* the blend—their syrup overpowers. Save them for garnish.
A dear reader once asked, *”Why did mine separate?”* Too much lemon juice! Stick to ¼ cup max. For more shake wisdom, Food Network’s guide is brilliant.
How to Store Cherry Lemon Milkshake
When my neighbor Brenda brought over a double batch, we discovered the best storage tricks:
– **Fridge**: Store in a mason jar with a lid for up to 24 hours (stir before serving—it thickens!).
– **Freezer**: Pour leftovers into popsicle molds for a **cherry lemon shake** ice pop—kids go wild for these!
– **Reviving**: If frozen, blend with a splash of milk. For more freezer hacks, this vanilla ice cream tutorial inspires me.
Try This Cherry Lemon Milkshake Yourself
Darling, if this **lemon cherry smoothie** doesn’t transport you to a sunny porch swing, I’ll eat my hat! It’s the recipe I make when I crave joy in a glass.
For more happy sips, try my beet berry smoothie for a nutrient boost, or the tropical green smoothie when you need a vacation vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just freeze them for 2 hours first—they’ll give your **cherry citrus milkshake** the same thick texture. For more cherry tips, explore my cherry lemon bars guide.
How do I prevent the milkshake from being too tart?
Start with half the lemon juice, then add to taste. A ripe banana (like in my pineapple smoothie) also balances tartness naturally.
What other fruits pair well with lemon?
Blueberries, peaches, or raspberries—try them in my green lemonade smoothie for a twist!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Coconut milk or oat milk work beautifully. For more dairy-free ideas, this cherry smoothie guide is a gem.
