9 Best Boozy Milkshakes In America
Milkshakes are having a moment. That classic combination of milk, ice cream and fruit or syrup is an increasingly popular, utterly perfect match for steamy summer temperatures. For proof, look no further than the hungry masses queueing for Momofuku Milk Bar's cracked-out creations in NYC, or celebrating a century of frappes at Oakland's beloved Fenton's Creamery.
Naturally, the most surefire way to turn something good into something great is by adding alcohol. See also: coffee; watching baseball. That's what makes the latest crop of boozy milkshakes so winning. With creative infusions – bacon-maple bourbon, for real! – and top-shelf pours, these adults'-only treats boldly go where no shakes had gone before. Ditch your car keys and raise a glass. From coast to coast, we've got the details on 9 places spiking the sweet stuff to delicious effect.
Los Angeles, CA: C+M
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art's charming café treats museumgoers right. It brews only Intelligentsia coffee, bakes all pastries on the premises and serves an array of frothy, seasonal "Milk Handshakes." Currently on offer is the Shakerato, a creamy mix of espresso and your choice of Baileys, Frangelico or Kahlua. Previous pours include the Pumpkin Whiskey shake and a Nuts and Berries frappe made with Frangelico and Chambord. 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. 323-857-6180
Seattle, WA: Tulio Ristorante
This award-winning Italian restaurant in downtown Seattle serves its elegantly infused shake at the sort of dark, polished wood bar that can only be called "handsome." Put on your dressing slippers and sidle up for the Shake of Life, made from Finlandia vodka, Giffard vanilla liqueur, Kahlua, Meletti Cioccolato liqueur, vanilla gelato and a shot of espresso for good measure. 1100 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA. 206-624-5500
Norfolk, VA: Belmont House of Smoke
Why mess with a classic? This bustling barbecue joint in coastal Virginia serves an array of highly popular boozy milkshakes, but the simple Guinness Float, made with vanilla ice cream and perfectly poured Guinness, is a consistent crowd-pleaser. 2117 Colonial Ave, Norfolk, VA. 757-623-4477
Las Vegas, NV: LBS
The "Bamboozled Shakes" at the Red Rock Casino's burger bar are so quintessentially Vegas, we're almost surprised they aren't served by Celine Dion. The Almond Joy, made from Malibu, chocolate syrup and toasted coconut flakes, is the boozy blizzard DQ forgot. And the Birthday Cake Shake, which includes sprinkles and cake-flavored, Three Olives vodka has bachelorette weekend written all over it. (Diet starts Monday!) 11011 West Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV. 702-835-9393
Lake Placid, NY: Freestyle Cuisine
A neighborhood favorite in the peaks of the Adirondacks, Freestyle Cuisine manages to be both a good place to take the kids and a great spot to tie one on. A strong argument for the latter is the Avocado Shake, a bright, boozy blend of ripe avocados, vanilla ice cream, tequila and plenty of fresh lime. 2126 Saranac Avenue, Lake Placid, NY. 518-837-5228
San Diego, CA: Chaplos
Some restaurants serve eggs at brunch. This bustling eatery in downtown San Diego pours mid-day milkshake cocktails that will put a spring in your step and a song in your heart. The Al Green-Fernet Milkshake is made with Tia Maria tequila, Fernet and Velvet Falernum, and the Kelis combines CatDaddy Moonshine, Cointreau and vanilla ice cream. Meow. 925 B Street, San Diego, SD. 619-798-3888
Portland, OR: The Original
Pastry Chef Sally Bowers works with the bar staff of this retro diner to create decadent drinks. The Triple B milkshake combines bourbon-bacon infused maple syrup, vanilla ice cream and a hefty shot of bourbon. If you only drink one bacon-infused milkshake this summer, let it be this one. 300 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR. 503-546-2666
Telluride, CO: SMAK Bar
Childhood favorites are reinvented at Hotel Madeline's swanky SMAK Bar. The boozy Bananas Foster milkshake blends house-made vanilla ice cream with dark rum, bananas and fresh cinnamon. And the Thin Mint shake, made from chocolate ice cream, peppermint schnapps and crème de menthe, is likely to bring all the boy [scouts] to the yard. 568 Mountain Village Blvd, Telluride, CO. 970-369-0880
Hammond, IN: Benny's Pub
Big winners at the Horseshoe Casino, a 400,000-square-foot complex about 20 minutes from Chicago, can trade in their chips for what might be the priciest milkshake on the market at the on-site Benny's Pub. Named for mob boss Benny Binion, the pub specialty is The King Louis, a $100 blend of vanilla ice cream, fresh bananas, 99 Bananas liqueur, peanut butter, bacon and Louis 13 Cognac. It's a hell of a way to end an evening. 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, IN. 219-473-7000
Milkshake recipes on Food Republic: