From colourful candyfloss toppers to nostalgic sweet-shop throwbacks, these funfair-style milkshakes are all about going big. Whether you’re building a classic strawberry shake or a full-blown freakshake, this collection is your go-to for over-the-top inspiration.
Makes 1 large milkshake – approx. 350–400ml.
1. Scoop the ice cream into a blender
Use approx. 100g (2 scoops)
2. Add milk — start with 100–150ml depending on how thick you want it
3. Blend until smooth and creamy
4. Taste and tweak — add syrup, fruit, or flavour boosters as needed
5. Pour into a tall glass or mason jar
6. Top it off with whipped cream, drizzle, and your chosen fairground extras
*Pro tip:* Chill your glass first for extra thickness and drama.
Don't Forget the Drizzle Stripes
Drizzling a stripe of syrup inside the glass before pouring the milkshake creates those visually stunning ribbon-like streaks along the glass walls. When you pour the thick shake in, it clings to the syrup, forming beautiful patterns that are not only eye-catching but also hint at the flavour—perfect for photo-ready treats!
🎨 How it works
Choose a thick syrup (e.g., chocolate, caramel, strawberry, or fruit-flavoured) so it stays in place.
Drizzle it in vertical lines—or swirl patterns—inside the empty glass.
Slow-pour the milkshake in gently so the syrup isn’t washed away.
- Pour into Centre: Gently pour the milkshake into the middle of the glass, allowing it to rise up and preserve the syrup stripes. This gives a clean, defined look.
- Pour Down the Sides: Slowly pour the shake against the inside wall for a more blended, marbled effect. Great for creating a messier, indulgent style. striped or marbled effect.
Here are our top picks of creamy milkshakes to blend with fairground favourites:
🎠 1. Candyfloss Milkshake
Sweet, light and utterly nostalgic — this is a shake with a wow factor!
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 200ml milk
- A generous handful of pink (or blue) candyfloss
- Optional: a drop of strawberry or raspberry syrup
To serve: Top with extra candyfloss, whipped cream, and rainbow sprinkles.
🧁 Tip: Add a stripe of syrup inside the glass before pouring to create a striped effect.
🍩 2. Mini Donut & Cinnamon Shake
This shake brings together the sugary crunch of mini donuts with a hint of warming spice.
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops cinnamon or vanilla ice cream
- 200ml milk
- 1 or 2 mini ring donuts (break them up and blend!)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
To serve: Top with a mini donut on a skewer, whipped cream, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
🍫 3. Chocolate Fudge Bumper Shake
Rich, indulgent, and totally over the top — like the best fairground rides!
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops chocolate ice cream
- 100ml milk
- 1 tbsp chocolate fudge sauce
- A few chunks of brownie or chocolate bar
To serve: Drizzle fudge sauce down the sides of the glass, add whipped cream, crushed chocolate flakes, and a piece of chocolate on top.
🍌 4. Banana & Toffee Apple Shake
Inspired by two fairground favourites — the toffee apple and the classic banana treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops banana ice cream
- 1 banana
- 100ml milk
- 2 tbsp toffee sauce
- Crushed toffee pieces (optional)
To serve: Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of toffee, and a slice of red apple.
🍓 5. Strawberry Sauce & Marshmallow Shake
Think strawberry sauce from the ice cream van and gooey marshmallows from toasting stations.
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops strawberry ice cream
- 150ml milk
- 1 tbsp strawberry sauce
- A handful of mini marshmallows
To serve: Top with toasted marshmallows, more sauce, and a funfair-style wafer.
Build-Your-Own Fairground Shake Station
Hosting a party or family night? Set up a DIY milkshake bar with:
- Ice creams: vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, banana
- Mix-ins: chopped fudge, sprinkles, popcorn, mini biscuits
- Toppings: candyfloss, marshmallows, fruit, whipped cream
- Sauces: chocolate, toffee, strawberry
🍿 More Funfair-Inspired Milkshake Recipes
Toffee Popcorn Shake
Base: Classic vanilla milkshake
Toppings: Toffee popcorn, caramel drizzle, whipped cream
Extras: Line the rim with caramel and crushed popcorn for crunch
Pick ’n’ Mix Shake
Base: Neutral vanilla or strawberry shake
Toppings: Fizzy belts, gummy bears, rainbow drops
Extras: Dip the rim in sherbet and stick sweets vertically into whipped cream
Choc Banana Bumper Shake
Base: Chocolate milkshake + 1 ripe banana blended in
Toppings: Chocolate buttons, banana slices, chocolate sauce drizzle
Extras: Add a whole chocolate-dipped banana piece on top for drama
Slushie-Top Shake
Base: Strawberry or blue raspberry milkshake
Toppings: Whipped cream, dome of frozen slushie on top, cherry garnish
Extras: Serve with a twisty straw and striped paper cup for fairground flair
🍒 Toppings & Styling Ideas (Preview)
Whipped cream, candyfloss clouds, and colourful sprinkles — there are so many ways to give your milkshake a proper fairground glow-up. We will soon be creating a full toppings guide to help you build the ultimate shake bar.
🎡 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a fairground-themed party or just craving a bit of milkshake goodness and madness, these recipes are designed to be fun, flexible, and overflowing with flavour. Now go grab your jars, prep your toppings, and bring the funfair home!
