Apple Date Milkshake Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Apple Date Milkshake Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, refreshing drink, especially when the Indian summer heat kicks in. This Apple Date Milkshake is my go-to – it’s unbelievably easy to make, tastes like a treat, and is surprisingly healthy too! I first made this when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to reach for something overly processed. It’s been a family favourite ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another milkshake. It’s a delicious blend of sweet apple, caramel-like dates, and creamy milk. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a light dessert. Plus, it comes together in under 10 minutes! Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some fruit and natural sweetness, and it’s naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful milkshake:

• 1 large apple (about 150-200g)
• 2-3 dates (about 60-90g), pitted
• 1-2 tablespoons honey (15-30ml) – adjust to your sweetness preference
• 1-1.5 cups (240-360ml) chilled milk

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Dates: Dates aren’t just delicious; they’re amazing for you! In Ayurveda, dates are considered warming and grounding. They’re a fantastic source of iron and fibre, and help with digestion. Medjool dates are my favourite for their soft, caramel-like flavour, but any variety will work.
• Apples: India boasts a huge variety of apples! From the crisp Royal Delicious to the tangy Granny Smith, feel free to experiment. I personally love using a local variety – they just taste better, don’t they?
• Milk: You can use any milk you like! Traditional cow’s milk gives it a lovely richness, but almond milk or soy milk work beautifully for a vegan option. Coconut milk will give it a tropical twist too!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, peel, core, and cube the apple. Don’t worry about making the pieces perfect – they’ll all get blended up anyway! Then, deseed and roughly chop the dates.
2. Now, into your blender goes the apple, dates, 1 tablespoon of honey, and about ½ cup (120ml) of chilled milk. Blend away until everything is beautifully smooth.
3. Add the remaining milk and blend again. Give it a taste! If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey or a date or two.
4. Want a thicker, frostier milkshake? Toss in 3-4 ice cubes and blend until it’s nice and frothy.
5. Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy immediately! A sprinkle of cinnamon on top is always a good idea.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Chill everything: Using chilled fruit and milk makes a huge difference in the milkshake’s texture.
• Soak the dates: If your dates are a little dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before blending. This will make them softer and easier to blend.
• Don’t overblend: Overblending can make the milkshake too liquidy. Blend just until smooth.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply swap the cow’s milk for your favourite plant-based milk – almond, soy, or oat milk all work wonderfully.
• Spice Level: My friend Priya adds a tiny pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to her milkshake. It adds a lovely warmth and complexity.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less refined sweetness, use jaggery instead of honey. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to taste.
• Summer Cooling Drink: Add a few fresh mint leaves to the blender for an extra cooling and refreshing twist. My mom always does this!

Serving Suggestions

This milkshake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it extra special:

• Serve with a side of fruit and granola for a complete breakfast.
• Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup on top.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a cinnamon stick.

Storage Instructions

This milkshake is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that it may separate, so give it a good stir before drinking.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this milkshake suitable for diabetics? While dates are a natural sweetener, they still contain sugar. It’s best to consume this milkshake in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional.
• Can I use frozen apples? Yes, you can! Frozen apples will make the milkshake even thicker and colder.
• What kind of dates are best for this recipe? Medjool dates are my favourite, but any soft, pitted dates will work.
• Can I make this milkshake ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients (chop the apple and dates) ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
• How can I adjust the consistency of the milkshake? Add more milk for a thinner milkshake, or more ice cubes for a thicker one.

Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Apple Date Milkshake! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you.