A nut-led version

Hazelnut butter and a small amount of cocoa give a different balance from a sweet chocolate-hazelnut spread. The nut flavour remains prominent and you can decide whether any extra sweetener is needed. Vanilla ice cream still supplies sweetness, so this is not a sugar-free drink.

Choose a smooth butter and stir it thoroughly if oil has separated. A gritty nut butter stays somewhat gritty after blending; a domestic blender cannot always refine it further.

Cocoa should support the hazelnut

One teaspoon of cocoa provides a background chocolate note. Adding a large quantity changes the drink into a chocolate shake with a little hazelnut rather than the reverse. Taste the first batch before increasing it.

Making a cocoa paste first prevents dry specks from floating above the milk. The nut butter then loosens into that paste, making it easier to distribute around the blades without an extended blend.

When using a sweet spread instead

A chocolate-hazelnut spread usually contains different proportions of sugar, fat and nuts, so it is not a direct equivalent. If that is what you have, begin with 30 g spread, omit cocoa and maple syrup, and taste the result. It will generally be sweeter and less nut-forward.

Keep toppings simple. Whole hazelnuts are awkward in a milkshake and unsuitable for a narrow straw. If you want a little crunch, offer a small separate portion of chopped nuts rather than dropping a handful into the drink.

What you'll need

  • 30 g smooth hazelnut butter
  • 260 g vanilla ice cream
  • 190 ml cold milk
  • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 tsp maple syrup, optional

Let's make it

  1. Mix cocoa with a tablespoon of milk to form a paste. Stir in hazelnut butter and another tablespoon of milk.
  2. Blend this mixture with remaining milk until no streaks remain.
  3. Add scoopable ice cream and pulse to combine. Taste before adding optional syrup.
  4. Divide between two glasses and serve straight away.

Make it your own

For a plain hazelnut shake omit cocoa.

A dairy-free frozen dessert and plant drink may be used if suitable; check nut butter and all other labels.

Keeping it fresh

Serve fresh. Refrigerate an untouched portion promptly, covered, and use within 24 hours. Stir before drinking if the nut mixture separates.

Allergen notes

Contains hazelnuts and milk. Check ice cream and spreads for egg, soya and other nuts.