If you’ve landed here, thank you. I truly mean it. Whether you’re planning a summer soiree, treating yourself to a solo sweet escape, or simply looking for that next showstopping pink drink—this one’s for you. I’m so excited to share today’s recipe because it’s got everything I love in one glass: creaminess, fruitiness, a cheeky kick of booze, and of course, that perfect flirty flair.

The Strawbabie Shake is a creamy, fruity boozy milkshake, laced with strawberry vodka or Tequila Rose, finished with all the sparkle and indulgence you can dream of. If dessert cocktails are your guilty pleasure (no judgment here), then you’re about to meet your new obsession.

What Is the Strawbabie Shake?

The Strawbabie Shake is a dreamy dessert cocktail that blends nostalgia and indulgence into one picture-perfect glass. It’s thick and creamy thanks to a base of vanilla ice cream, fruity and fresh from strawberries and syrup, and then it gets that bold grown-up twist with a splash (or two) of strawberry vodka or Tequila Rose.

This drink lives in the space between childhood memories and adult indulgence. It’s playful, it’s pretty, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously—exactly the kind of energy I love bringing to the party. I originally created it for a friend’s bridal shower, but it was such a hit that it quickly became a staple in my cocktail rotation. Now it shows up at birthday brunches, poolside hangouts, date nights, and yes—sometimes just for me and my favorite rom-com on the couch.

Why You’ll Love This Boozy Milkshake

This isn’t just another strawberry drink. It’s indulgent, velvety, and made to impress, yet comes together in just a few minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here’s why I know you’ll be making this again and again:

No baking, no cooking, no stress. Just blend and pour.
Dessert + cocktail = ultimate multitasking.
Visually stunning. Pink sugar, whipped cream, glitter—it’s made for social media.
Highly customizable. Whether you like it lighter or creamier, stronger or sweeter, you’re in control.
Crowd-pleaser. Works as a flirty dessert for two or a fun feature for a whole party.

What Does the Strawbabie Shake Taste Like?

Picture a strawberries-and-cream ice cream sundae melted down into a luscious, boozy milkshake. That’s the Strawbabie Shake.

The vanilla ice cream gives it a thick, creamy body, while the strawberry syrup and fresh berries provide a natural fruitiness and color. The strawberry vodka (or Tequila Rose) adds a smooth alcoholic finish that blends perfectly into the sweetness of the shake, rather than overpowering it.

The flavor is sweet, slightly tart, luxuriously rich, and deeply satisfying. Add in the fun textures—like a sugar rim and soft whipped cream topping—and this shake becomes more than just a drink. It’s an experience.

Benefits of Making This Boozy Milkshake at Home

Making cocktails at home can be intimidating, but not this one. If you can use a blender, you can make this showstopper in less than five minutes. Here’s what makes it such a winner:

Faster than waiting for delivery or running to a bar
Customizable to your flavor and strength preferences
No fancy bartending skills required
Budget-friendly compared to buying dessert and a cocktail separately
Easy to scale for a party or special occasion

This is a cocktail that wants you to win. It’s as easy to make as it is to sip.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups vanilla ice cream (full-fat for creaminess)
½ cup milk or heavy cream (milk keeps it lighter; cream makes it rich and velvety)
2 oz strawberry vodka or Tequila Rose (choose your favorite)
2 tablespoons strawberry syrup or purée (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup fresh strawberries (optional, adds texture and brightness)
1 cup ice (for thickness and chill)

Optional Garnishes and Toppings

Whipped cream (a must for me)
Pink sugar (for rimming the glass)
Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
Pink sprinkles or edible glitter (for a fun finishing touch)

Tools You’ll Need

Blender
Measuring cups and spoons
Milkshake or cocktail glasses
Small plate for sugar rimming
Straw or cocktail stirrer (optional)

Ingredient Swaps and Customizations

The Strawbabie Shake is endlessly adaptable. Here are some creative ideas to make it your own:

Swap the base liquor: Try raspberry vodka, white rum, or a splash of rosé wine for a different flavor twist.
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk ice cream and almond or oat milk.
Amp up the strawberry: Add a scoop of strawberry sorbet or extra purée.
Tone down the sugar: Use unsweetened fresh berries and low-sugar vanilla ice cream.
Add a tropical flair: Throw in a few chunks of pineapple or a splash of coconut cream.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Strawbabie Shake

Step 1: Rim Your Glasses (Optional but Gorgeous)

Pour a bit of strawberry syrup onto a small plate. On another plate, spread out pink sanding sugar. Dip the rims of your glasses in the syrup, then roll them in the sugar. Set aside.

Step 2: Blend the Shake

In your blender, combine the following:

2 cups vanilla ice cream
½ cup milk or heavy cream
2 oz strawberry vodka or Tequila Rose
2 tbsp strawberry syrup or purée
¼ cup fresh strawberries (if using)
1 cup of ice

Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and thick. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, toss in a bit more ice or a scoop of ice cream.

Step 3: Pour and Serve

Pour the milkshake into your sugar-rimmed glasses. It should fill two medium milkshake glasses or four small ones, depending on your serving size.

Step 4: Garnish Like a Pro

Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Add a fresh strawberry to the rim or slice it halfway and slide it onto the edge of the glass. Sprinkle with pink glitter or colorful sprinkles for extra flair.

Serving Suggestions

The Strawbabie Shake is delightful on its own, but it can also be part of a fun cocktail hour or dessert spread. Here are some great pairings:

Mini strawberry shortcakes or cupcakes
Fruit skewers drizzled with white chocolate
Cheesecake bites with berry coulis
Salty snacks like popcorn or pretzels for contrast
Charcuterie board with soft cheeses and berries

You can also serve it alongside other fun cocktails like this vibrant Skewer Intentions Cocktail or the luscious Velvet Sin Dessert Cocktail for a full-flavored cocktail party lineup.

Tips for the Perfect Boozy Milkshake

Use high-quality ice cream. It’s the foundation of the shake, so don’t skimp.
Chill your glasses. Pop them in the freezer 10 minutes before serving for longer-lasting chill.
Don’t over-blend. You want it smooth, but not watery. Pulse slowly if adding fresh berries.
Adjust alcohol to taste. Start with 2 oz and add more or less depending on your preference.
Layer your garnishes. Add syrup drizzle inside the glass or on the whipped cream for extra wow-factor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the base of the shake (without ice) up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and blend with ice just before serving.

If you do have leftovers, freeze them in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy again, thaw slightly and re-blend with a bit of milk to restore the creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this alcohol-free?
Yes! Just omit the vodka or Tequila Rose and add a splash of strawberry lemonade or extra purée. It’s still incredibly delicious and fun for all ages.

What’s the difference between strawberry vodka and Tequila Rose in this recipe?
Strawberry vodka has a clean, sharp berry flavor and a higher alcohol content. Tequila Rose is a creamy strawberry liqueur, making the shake even richer and a bit more indulgent.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely. They work great and will even make the shake thicker. Just reduce or skip the added ice.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free ice cream and check your liquor labels, this can be entirely gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, easily! Just make sure your blender can handle the volume, or blend in batches.

A Final Sip

The Strawbabie Shake is more than just a boozy milkshake—it’s a mood. Whether you’re sipping it under fairy lights at a garden party, sharing it with a best friend during a catch-up chat, or treating yourself after a long week, this playful pink cocktail is here to make your moment extra special.

It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and oh-so-delicious. Go ahead—rim those glasses, swirl that whipped cream, and sprinkle that glitter. You deserve it.

And if you’re into unique, colorful treats that blur the lines between food and fun, you’ll also love the wild creativity of the Starburst Jello in a Watermelon—another eye-catching recipe that’s just begging to be the star of your next gathering.

Share the Love

If you make the Strawbabie Shake, I’d love to see your version! Snap a pic, post it on Pinterest, and tag me so I can admire your work. Your creativity might just inspire someone else to give this delightful drink a whirl.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 380
Fat: 15g
Sugar: 32g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 5g
Alcohol content: About 1 oz per serving (based on 2 oz total for 2 servings)

Strawbabie Shake: A Boozy, Flirty Pink Milkshake You’ll Fall in Love With

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, fruity, flirty pink boozy milkshake made with vanilla ice cream, strawberry vodka (or Tequila Rose), and sweet strawberry syrup. This dreamy dessert cocktail is perfect for girls’ night, backyard brunches, or just treating yourself! Garnish with whipped cream, glitter, and fresh strawberries for the full Strawbabie effect.

Ingredients

Scale

Milkshake:

2 cups vanilla ice cream
½ cup milk or heavy cream (based on desired richness)
2 oz strawberry vodka or Tequila Rose
2 tablespoons strawberry syrup or purée
¼ cup fresh strawberries (optional, for texture)
1 cup ice

Toppings (optional but encouraged):

Whipped cream
Pink sanding sugar (for glass rim)
Strawberry syrup (for rimming)
Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
Pink sprinkles or edible glitter

Instructions

Rim the glass (optional):
Pour a bit of strawberry syrup onto a small plate. On another plate, spread pink sugar. Dip the rim of each glass in the syrup, then roll in the sugar to coat. Set aside.
Blend the shake:
In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk or cream, strawberry vodka or Tequila Rose, strawberry syrup or purée, fresh strawberries (if using), and ice. Blend until thick, smooth, and creamy.
Pour and assemble:
Divide the shake between the prepared glasses.

Top it off:
Add a generous swirl of whipped cream. Garnish with a whole or sliced strawberry and sprinkle with pink glitter or candy if desired.

Notes

Make it non-alcoholic: Skip the booze and add more strawberry purée or a splash of lemonade for a fun mocktail version.
Use frozen strawberries: If you don’t have fresh berries, frozen work just as well—and make the shake extra thick!
Creamy vs. light: Use heavy cream for a richer shake, or regular milk for a lighter texture.
Prep tip: Chill your glasses in the freezer before serving for an ultra-refreshing experience.
Serve immediately: This one’s best enjoyed right after blending—no waiting, just sipping!