Today, I’m thrilled to introduce the Earl Grey Vanilla Ice Cream Shake, a luxurious blend that combines the aromatic flair of Earl Grey tea with the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream.
Crafted for those who appreciate the finer things, this shake offers a delightful twist on classic favorites, presenting an elegant treat that’s both refreshing and decadent.
The Earl Grey Vanilla Ice Cream Shake is a must-try for anyone seeking a truly unique indulgence!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Refreshing Twist on Dessert: This recipe provides a refreshing alternative to traditional ice cream shakes, perfect for those looking to explore new dessert options while enjoying the cooling comfort of a shake.
- Perfect for Tea Lovers: If you love tea, this shake is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite flavors in a new and exciting format, making it a must-try for tea enthusiasts.
- Simple and Quick to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appeal, this shake is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and a blender, making it accessible for a quick indulgence.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve this shake as a decadent dessert, a luxurious afternoon treat, or a novel addition to a brunch menu, making it versatile enough to suit any occasion.
Ingredients
Choose your ingredients carefully when making this shake. It’s essential to have high-quality Earl Grey tea and creamy and delicious vanilla ice cream!
Here’s what to consider for each key ingredient:
Earl Grey Tea:
- Selection: Choose a premium Earl Grey tea that features a strong and clear bergamot flavor, which is the defining characteristic of Earl Grey. The aroma should be fresh and citrusy, and the tea should have a bright color.
- Importance: Earl Grey provides the distinctive flavor base for the shake. The quality of the tea can significantly affect the overall taste, ensuring the shake has the desired floral and citrus notes.
Vanilla Ice Cream:
- Selection: Opt for a premium vanilla ice cream that uses real vanilla beans rather than artificial flavoring. The ingredient list should be short, ideally containing cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Importance: The vanilla ice cream is central to the shake’s creamy texture and sweet flavor profile. A high-quality ice cream will give a richer taste and smoother texture.
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Milk:
- Selection: You can use regular dairy milk for its neutral and creamy texture or opt for a plant-based alternative like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk, which can add subtle flavor nuances. I recommend using full-cream dairy milk for the best result.
- Importance: Milk helps to adjust the shake’s consistency, making it more fluid and drinkable. The choice of milk can also influence the shake’s creaminess and overall flavor.
Vanilla Extract:
- Selection: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, rather than imitation vanilla. Look for extracts that are made from real vanilla beans.
- Importance: Vanilla extract enhances the vanilla flavoring of the ice cream, adding depth and complexity to the shake’s taste.
Optional Garnishes:
- Whipped Cream: Adds a luxurious, creamy topping that enhances the visual appeal and texture.
- Cinnamon, Chocolate Chips, or Lemon Zest: These can be used for garnishing and to introduce an extra layer of flavor to your shake.
Ingredients for 2 large portions of Earl Grey Vanilla Ice Cream Shake:
- 2 cups of vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup of strongly brewed Earl Grey tea, cooled
- ½ cup of milk (can use dairy or any plant-based alternative)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Optional garnishes: whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, chocolate chips, or a twist of lemon zest
How to Make Earl Grey Vanilla Ice Cream Shake
This Earl Grey Vanilla Ice Cream Shake is a perfect treat for tea lovers looking to indulge in a creamy, flavorful dessert that’s easy to make and wonderfully satisfying.
Instructions for making 2 large portions of Earl Grey Vanilla Ice Cream Shake:
- Brew the Tea:
- Brew the Earl Grey tea using hot water and allow it to steep for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s strong enough to stand out in the shake. Let it cool to room temperature or chill it in the refrigerator.
- Blend the Ingredients:
- In a blender, combine the cooled Earl Grey tea, vanilla ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Check Consistency:
- If the shake is too thick, you can add a bit more milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a little more ice cream and blend to your desired thickness.
- Serve:
- Pour the shake into serving glasses. If desired, top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or chocolate chips, or a twist of lemon zest for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.
- Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, creamy texture combined with the distinctive flavor of Earl Grey tea!
Tips & Variations
- Add Fresh Berries: Blend a mix of fresh or frozen berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries into the shake, or add them as garnish. The berries will complement the floral notes of Earl Grey and add natural sweetness and antioxidants.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the shake before serving. The sweetness and creaminess of white chocolate pair beautifully with the tang of Earl Grey and the richness of vanilla ice cream.
- Pop Rocks Topping: Sprinkle Pop Rocks candy over the whipped cream topping for a fizzy, crackling effect. This adds a playful element and a surprising texture that contrasts with the creamy shake.
- Earl Grey Caramel Swirl: Introduce a homemade Earl Grey-infused caramel sauce into the shake. Drizzle the caramel around the inside of the glass before pouring the shake and swirl some on top for a decadent finish. The caramel can be infused by simmering it with a few Earl Grey tea leaves before straining.
- Tea-Soaked Raisins: Plump up some raisins by soaking them in brewed Earl Grey tea, then blend them into the shake or sprinkle on top for a chewy texture and a burst of tea-infused sweetness.
Earl Grey Vanilla Ice Cream Shake
Ingredients
- 2 cups Vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup Earl Grey tea strongly brewed and cooled
- 1/2 cup Milk dairy or any plant-based alternative
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- Optional garnishes: whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, chocolate chips, or a twist of lemon zest
Instructions
- Brew strong Earl Grey tea and let it cool to room temperature or chill it in the refrigerator.
- Combine the cooled Earl Grey tea, vanilla ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- If the shake is too thick, you can add a bit more milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a little more ice cream and blend to your desired thickness.
- Pour the shake into serving glasses. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or chocolate chips, or a twist of lemon zest for an extra touch of flavor and decoration!