How To Use A Mason Jar For A Low-Effort Milkshake Maker

Milkshakes are an icon of the good ole days and the dog days of summer, a classic treat that's been a favorite for generations. From iconic McDonald's shakes to mixologist-inspired boozy milkshakes, there's a style, flavor, and favorite for everyone. You buy a milkshake maker for under $50 or make them exactly to your liking in your blender at home. Or, you could ditch the gadgets altogether and shake up your own homemade milkshake in a Mason jar — no technology needed. Instead, you just need a little bit of elbow grease, a Mason jar, and a spoon.

If you don't have a blender around or want to make a quiet milkshake (midnight snack, perhaps?), a Mason jar milkshake is just the ticket. You only need two ingredients to make one, too: ice cream and milk, plus all the mix-ins you want. Basically, you throw all of it into a Mason jar, secure the lid, and give it a good shake. Open the jar, stir the lumps out with a spoon, and enjoy. There are a couple of tricks to know that'll help make your Mason jar milkshake tastier, and the clean-up easier.

Any flavor of ice cream will work to make Mason jar milkshakes, but choose the highest fat content possible to create the creamiest milkshake. Don't skimp on the ice cream, either. Recipes suggest using one cup of ice cream and a few tablespoons of whole milk in a 16-ounce wide-mouth Mason jar, but add in a little extra ice cream if you want a thicker shake. Use whole milk or even heavy cream for a smoother texture.

High quality ice cream from loved brands like Tillamook or Häagen-Dazs work great for Mason jar milkshakes. Avoid nonfat or lactose-free milk if you can help it or you'll get a milkshake that's on the watery side with less intense flavors. Choose ice cream with mix-ins already present to avoid having to buy a bunch of extra bags of chocolate chunks, nuts, or candies.

A wide-mouth Mason jar works best because it's way easier to clean once you pour it into a glass, or you're done eating it straight out of the jar. It's also easier to stir out the lumps after you're done shaking your milkshake when you have a wide-mouth Mason jar. Other kinds of jars work just as well, it really just needs to have a lid that seals tightly. Don't forget the whipped cream, either — top your handmade Mason jar milkshake with a generous helping of garnishes and a straw to finish off the experience before it's devoured.