Smooth, sweet, cold and just the ticket for contracting a case of brain freeze on a sweltering summer day. There’s a reason milkshakes are a staple of American childhood.

But why should the kids have all the fun? Try these shakes — 21 and older, only.

*** PURPLE VELVET MILKSHAKE

Purely for adults, this silky smooth milkshake is perfect for an after dinner treat. The deep, rich flavors of black raspberry ice cream combine with the barrel-aged smokiness of bourbon to make a dark, silky indulgence.

Start to finish: 10 minutes

Servings: 2



1 cup black raspberry ice cream

½ cup vanilla ice cream

2 ounces bourbon

1 ounce Chambord liqueur

Fresh blackberries

Fresh mint leaves



In a blender, combine both ice creams, the bourbon and Chambord, then blend until smooth. Divide between 2 glasses, then garnish each with fresh blackberries and mint leaves.



Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 290 calories; 80 calories from fat (28 percent of total calories); 9 g fat (6 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 35 mg cholesterol; 31 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 1 g fiber; 65 mg sodium.

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TOASTED MALT MILKSHAKE

This milkshake combines the creamy richness of the classic malted milkshake with the flavor of a toasted almond cocktail. The result is a toasty, malty, frothy treat. Malted milk powder can be found in the grocer’s baking aisle, or sometimes with the coffee and tea.

Start to finish: 10 minutes

Servings: 2



¼ cup Ovaltine Classic Malt

1 cup vanilla ice cream

1 ounce amaretto liqueur

1 ounce Kahlua liqueur

1 ounce Frangelico liqueur

Finely chopped toasted almonds, to garnish



In a blender, combine the malted milk powder, vanilla ice cream, amaretto, Kahlua and Frangelico. Blend until smooth. Slightly moisten the rims of 2 glasses, then overturn them and dip the rims in the toasted almonds. Pour the milkshake into the center of the glasses without disturbing the rims.



Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 370 calories; 70 calories from fat 19 percent of total calories); 8 g fat (4.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 30 mg cholesterol; 53 g carbohydrate; 5 g protein; 1 g fiber; 130 mg sodium.