When it comes to making delicious milkshakes at home, the Mason jar you use can make all the difference. Mason jars are a popular choice for blending and serving milkshakes because of their durability, leak-proof lids, and old-fashioned charm. However, not all Mason jars are created equal when it comes to milkshake making. The width of the jar, material, size of the opening, and other factors can determine how well the jar blends thick milkshakes and how enjoyable they are to drink straight from the jar.
What to Look for in a Mason Jar for Milkshakes
Here are some key considerations when selecting a Mason jar for blending and serving creamy milkshakes:
- Wide mouth opening. A wide mouth jar allows you to easily add ingredients and spoon thick milkshake out of the jar. Look for jars with at least a 3-inch opening.
- Durable glass. Thick, durable glass is less likely to break when blending. Look for Mason jars made from tempered glass.
- Leak-proof lid. You want a tight seal to prevent spills and leaks while blending and drinking. The best lids have a rubber gasket for a tight seal.
- 16-32 ounce capacity. This gives you enough room to blend a good amount of shake but still allows it to blend well and be drinkable from the jar.
- Includes handle. Handles make the jars easier to pass around and drink from.
- Pint or quart size. Pints (16 oz) or quarts (32 oz) are ideal sizes for single servings or sharing.
The Best Mason Jars for Milkshakes
Based on the criteria above, here are my top picks for the best Mason jars for blending and serving creamy, dreamy milkshakes:
Weck Tulip Jar
My top choice is the Weck Tulip Jar. These European glass jars are designed specifically for drinking and dining and they are perfect for milkshakes. Here’s why:
- Tulip shape is perfect for drinking from straight out of the jar.
- Wide mouth 3.4 inch opening makes adding ingredients easy.
- Leak-proof metal lid creates an airtight seal.
- 16 and 25 oz sizes work great for single or double shakes.
- Durable tempered glass.
- Elegant look complements any shake creation.
The Weck Tulip jar ticks all the boxes for the ideal Mason jar milkshake experience. It blends shakes thoroughly while retaining the perfect thickness, and lets you enjoy every creamy sip straight from the stylish jar.
Le Parfait Super Jars
Le Parfait Super Jars are another excellent choice for blending and serving milkshakes. These French jars are a favorite of food bloggers and recipe developers. Reasons to consider:
- Wide mouth 3 inch opening.
- Round shape still allows for easy drinking.
- Tempered glass won’t break from blending.
- Tight rubber gasket forms leak-proof seal.
- 16, 24, and 32 oz sizes to choose from.
- Classic ball Mason jar look.
Le Parfait Super Jars are ideal for evenly blended shakes that stay cold and delicious while you drink. The 24 oz size lets you make shakes for two in one jar.
Anchor Hocking Jars
For an affordable option, Anchor Hocking glass Mason jars are a great choice. They’re available at most grocery stores and online. Here’s what makes them suitable for shakes:
- Durable soda-lime glass.
- Wide mouth options up to 4 inches.
- Sizes range from 4 oz to 128 oz.
- Many include a handle for easy lifting.
- Lids create an airtight seal.
- Very affordable pricing. Often sold in multi-packs.
Anchor Hocking Mason jars get the job done for blending and drinking milkshakes while being easy on your wallet. The 32 oz wide mouth jar works particularly well.
How to Make Milkshakes in Mason Jars
Once you’ve selected the perfect Mason jar, it’s easy to whip up amazing milkshakes. Here is a simple process:
- Assemble ingredients – ice cream, milk, chocolate syrup, etc.
- Scoop some ice cream into the jar (about 1/3 full).
- Pour in a splash of milk.
- Add any additional ingredients like syrups or fruit.
- Place the metal lid on top and screw the ring tightly.
- Blend the jar using a regular or immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
- Add whipped cream, cherry, and sprinkles on top if desired.
- Insert a reusable straw and enjoy your shake!
Blending the shakes directly in the jars eliminates extra dishes and preserves the perfect thickness. Be sure to leave a bit of room at the top so the shake can blend smoothly.
Mason Jar Milkshake Recipes to Try
Mason jars allow you to create indulgent, creative milkshakes at home. Here are some delicious milkshake recipes to try in your new jars:
Classic Chocolate Milkshake
This quintessential flavor combo never goes out of style. Just add chocolate ice cream, milk, and chocolate syrup to the jar and blend.
Cookies and Cream
For this popular shake, combine vanilla ice cream, milk, Oreo cookies, and chocolate chips. Top with whipped cream.
S’mores Shake
Channel the campfire treat with chocolate and marshmallow ice cream, graham crackers, chocolate syrup, and toasted marshmallows.
Peanut Butter Blast
Satisfy your sweet tooth with peanut butter ice cream, milk, peanut butter cups, peanut butter, and chocolate shavings.
Salted Caramel Pretzel
Indulge in the sweet and salty combo of salted caramel ice cream, pretzels, milk, caramel, and sea salt.
Mint Chip Milkshake
Keep it cool and refreshing with mint chip ice cream, milk, mint extract, and chocolate chips.
Raspberry Cheesecake
Silky and tangy blended cream cheese, raspberry ice cream, graham crackers, raspberries and whipped cream.
Tips for Making the Best Mason Jar Milkshakes
Follow these tips and tricks for milkshakes that impress from the first sip:
- Use very cold ice cream for an ultra thick shake.
- Let the blended shakes chill in the fridge for 1 hour before drinking for optimal consistency.
- Layer ingredients instead of blending everything together for a fun parfait effect.
- Swap in frozen yogurt or sorbet for lower fat shakes.
- Dress it up with whipped cream, candy pieces, cookies, sprinkles and more on top.
- Add 1/4 cup milk if shake is too thick to drink through a straw.
With the right Mason jar and recipes, you can treat yourself to old fashioned milkshake shop flavors at home! Be creative with your favorite ice cream flavors, mixins and toppings. Your Mason jar milkshakes will be thick, sip-able, and simply delightful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should Mason jars for milkshakes have handles?
Handles on Mason jars are not a necessity for milkshakes, but they can make the jars easier to hold and pass around while you’re drinking. If you want to be able to easily pass your Mason jar shakes from person to person, look for ones with handles.
Can regular Ball Mason jars be used?
Regular Ball Mason jars can definitely be used to make milkshakes at home. Just make sure to select the wide mouth jars so you can easily add ingredients and drink the shake. Ball’s wide mouth quart jars work great.
Do Mason jars for milkshakes need to be refrigerated?
It’s best to keep your Mason jar milkshakes refrigerated both before and after blending. Storing the jars in the fridge helps keep the ice cream chilled and solid before blending. Then refrigerating again after blending lets the shakes thicken up to the perfect creamy consistency before drinking.
How long do Mason jar shakes last?
Mason jar milkshakes will typically last 2-3 days when stored in the fridge. Make sure you seal them with an airtight lid. The shakes may soften over time but you can blend briefly again before drinking to restore thickness.
Can you blend Mason jars in a regular blender?
Yes, regular household blenders are powerful enough to blend Mason jars filled with ice cream and milkshake ingredients. Just be sure the blender is big enough to accommodate the size of Mason jar you are using. Blend on a low setting first to avoid breaking the jar.
Conclusion
Mason jars take milkshakes to the next level, letting you whip up artisanal shakes with the perfect texture for sipping from the durable, vintage-style jars. When selecting Mason jars for milkshake making, look for wide mouth openings, leak-proof lids, 16-32 oz capacity, and durable tempered glass. Top choices include Weck Tulip Jars, Le Parfait Super Jars, and Anchor Hocking jars. With the right jar and recipes, you can easily create amazing milkshakes at home.