Limoncello Milkshake

Creamy Limoncello milkshake in a glass garnished with fresh lavender, served with lemons and citrus zest.

This Limoncello Milkshake is a creamy, boozy lemon dessert drink made with vanilla ice cream, fresh lemon juice, zest, and a splash of limoncello. Bright, smooth, and refreshing, it’s the perfect adult milkshake for warm evenings or after-dinner indulgence.

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Boozy Limoncello Milkshake Recipe

Hey, folks — today we’re blending up something cheerful and slightly indulgent. While classic milkshakes are always comforting, adding limoncello transforms this one into a vibrant, grown-up treat. It’s rich yet refreshing, citrusy yet creamy, and wonderfully simple to prepare. So, let’s dive into this Limoncello Milkshake.

Why You’ll Love This Limoncello Milkshake

  • Bright and Creamy: The combination of vanilla ice cream and fresh lemon juice creates a luscious yet refreshing texture.
  • Perfectly Boozy: Limoncello adds warmth and depth without overpowering the milkshake.
  • Quick to Make: Everything blends together in under a minute.
  • Customizable: Adjust the alcohol level, sweetness, or thickness to suit your taste.
  • Great for Entertaining: It feels festive and elegant, yet requires minimal effort.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This Limoncello Milkshake is smooth, velvety, and slightly tangy. The lemon juice and zest bring freshness and brightness, while the limoncello contributes a gentle sweetness and aromatic citrus note. Meanwhile, the vanilla ice cream balances everything with creamy richness. As a result, the milkshake tastes like a frozen lemon dessert in a glass — indulgent but not heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Limoncello Milkshake

To prepare this Limoncello Milkshake, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that work beautifully together.

  • Vanilla Ice Cream (1 pint / about 400 g or 2 cups): Forms the creamy base. Let it soften slightly for easier blending.
  • Milk (½ to 1 cup / 120–240 ml): Adjust depending on your preferred consistency. Start with less and add more as needed.
  • Lemon Juice (¼ cup / 60 ml): Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness. You can also use a mix of lemon and lime juices for added complexity.
  • Limoncello (4 tablespoons / 60 ml, or more to taste): The key ingredient that turns this into a boozy dessert. Adjust according to preference.
  • Freshly Grated Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies citrus aroma and flavour.
Boozy Limoncello milkshake topped with whipped cream, lemon zest, and edible flowers in a glass.

Possible Additions and Variations

Although this milkshake with limoncello is already delicious, you can always make it even more exciting:

  • Stronger Version: Add an extra tablespoon or two of limoncello for a more pronounced boozy note.
  • Extra Zesty: Increase lemon zest slightly for a brighter citrus punch.
  • Thicker Shake: Use less milk for a spoonable consistency.
  • Lighter Version: Use 1% or skim milk to reduce richness slightly.
  • Elegant Garnish: Finish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of zest for visual appeal.

More Milkshake Recipes

Are you looking for more fun milkshakes, like this Limoncello Milkshake? Then be sure to check more recipes below:

I’d love for you to try this boozy Limoncello Milkshake. If you give it a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers!

Creamy Limoncello milkshake in a glass garnished with fresh lavender, served with lemons and citrus zest.
Limoncello Milkshake

Limoncello Milkshake

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

Creamy Limoncello Milkshake made with lemon liqueur and vanilla ice cream. A refreshing, boozy dessert drink perfect for summer evenings.

Course: Milkshakes
5.0 from 2 votes
Servings

2-3

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 pint (about 400 gr. or 2 cups) vanilla ice cream

  • 1/2 to 1 cup (120 to 240 ml.) milk (1%, 2% or even skimmed will work); the amount depends on the preferable consistency of the milkshake

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml.) lemon juice – or the mix of lemon and lime juices

  • 4 tbsp. (60 ml.) Limoncello, or even more to taste

  • 1 tsp. freshly grated lemon zest

  • whipped cream, optional, for garnish

  • lemon or lime zest, for garnish, optional

Directions

  • Let the ice cream sit out at room temperature until starting to soften, 10 to 15 minutes, for easy blending. In the meantime, chill the glasses in the fridge or even freezer.
  • Place in the cup of your blender the milk (starting with 1/2 cup), lemon juice and zest, Limoncello, and soften ice cream.
  • Blend until the milkshake is smooth and pourable, adding the remaining milk to thicken it up, as desired, for about 40-60 seconds. Try and add more of the Limoncello (or maybe lemon juice), if desired. Divide the milkshake between the chilled glasses, enjoy as desired (e.g., whipped cream, more zest, etc.) and enjoy right away!

Hi - I'm Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I'm glad you're here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.

18 Comments

  1. I’m 100% with Andrew here! What a beautiful and refreshing flavor for a milkshake. Might have to serve this for Sunday dinner dessert.

  2. You know, I don’t think I’ve ever had a boozy milkshake before. We have a bottle of limoncello in the freezer right now – it’s so good ice cold – so clearly it needs to be used to make a milkshake!!

  3. I love citrusy/lemony dishes. What an interesting combo with the limoncello!
    cheers
    sherry

  4. Hi Ben — sorry to have been MIA yet again! I love this milkshake idea — a small pour would make a lovely dessert!

  5. I so love this limoncello milkshake! I remember having limoncello crema when my daughter and I went to Italy and loved it. I recently found limoncello crema here in GA but it wasn’t quite like the one we had in Italy – but I am loving this idea of a boozy milkshake and I could make this dairy-free too!

  6. A boozy milkshake? wow…I always thought milkshakes are for kids…now I really would love this adult version.

  7. Andrew’s enthusiasm for a boozy milkshake is totally relatable! This sounds like a great way to unwind and enjoy the weekend. Cheers to sweet and citrusy indulgence!

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