If there’s one dessert that can take you straight back to the fairground in a single sip, it’s a Cotton Candy Milkshake. This sweet and dreamy treat is like a carnival in a glass, blending the nostalgia of cotton candy with the classic indulgence of a milkshake. It’s playful, it’s colorful, and—most importantly—it’s ridiculously delicious. Whether you’re whipping this up for a special occasion or just because your sweet tooth is calling, this milkshake is bound to bring out your inner kid. I’ll walk you through every step to create this magical dessert at home, and trust me, it’s even easier (and more fun) than you think!

I still remember the first time I tried this milkshake. It was a summer afternoon, and my cousin and I were craving something sweet after a long day at the beach. We wanted something fun and over-the-top, so we decided to experiment in the kitchen. With some leftover cotton candy from a fair and a tub of vanilla ice cream, we threw caution (and moderation!) to the wind. The result? A thick, creamy, pastel-colored shake that felt like drinking a cloud! Every sip was packed with nostalgia, and from that moment, it became a go-to treat whenever we needed a little extra sweetness in our lives.

The whimsical origins of cotton candy

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the star ingredient: cotton candy. Did you know cotton candy was originally called “fairy floss”? It was invented in 1897 by a dentist (yes, really!) named William Morrison and confectioner John C. Wharton. Using a machine that melted sugar and spun it through tiny holes, they created the first version of the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth treat we know today. While it’s traditionally associated with carnivals and fairs, cotton candy has since found its way into all kinds of desserts, from cakes to cocktails—and now, this irresistible milkshake.

Let’s talk ingredients: the sweet stars of the show

The beauty of this milkshake lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a ton of ingredients to create something magical—just a few key items that play perfectly together:

Vanilla ice cream: This is the creamy base of the milkshake, providing that rich, smooth texture. I usually go for a classic vanilla bean ice cream because it has a deeper flavor, but any vanilla ice cream will do the trick. If you’re out of vanilla, a fun twist is to use cotton candy or birthday cake-flavored ice cream for an extra pop of sweetness!
Cotton candy: The star of the show! Half of the cotton candy gets blended into the milkshake, infusing it with that unmistakable sugary flavor, while the other half is saved for the fun, fluffy topping. If you’re ever out of cotton candy, marshmallow fluff can be a quirky substitute—it won’t be quite the same, but it’s a close cousin in texture and sweetness.
Sugar: A little extra sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the milkshake, but feel free to adjust the quantity if you want it a bit less sweet (or more, if you’re all-in on the sugar!).
Milk: This thins out the ice cream just enough to create that perfect milkshake consistency. You can use whole milk for a creamier result, but if you want to go lighter, 2% or even almond milk can work as well.
Food coloring: This is where the fun really starts! The food coloring gives the shake its eye-popping, Instagram-worthy hues. I love using pink and blue for that classic cotton candy vibe, but feel free to experiment with other colors—yellow and purple could make for a fun twist!
Sugar crystals (optional): If you’re feeling extra fancy, lining the rim of your glass with colorful sugar crystals adds a bit of sparkle. It’s totally optional, but it definitely makes the milkshake feel like a special treat.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can totally skip)

Good news: You won’t need any fancy equipment to make this cotton candy milkshake. Just a few kitchen basics, and you’re good to go:

Blender: This is the MVP for this recipe. It ensures the ice cream, cotton candy, and milk blend into a smooth, creamy mixture. If you don’t have a blender, a food processor or even an immersion blender could work in a pinch, though it might take a bit more effort.
Glasses: You’ll want some tall, clear glasses to show off those beautiful layers of pink and blue. Mason jars are a fun alternative if you’re going for a more rustic presentation.
Spoon or spatula: For scraping every last bit of that milkshake goodness out of the blender and into your glasses. (Trust me, you won’t want to waste any!)

Step-by-step: my foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

Alright, now for the fun part—let’s make this milkshake together!

Start blending the base: In your blender, combine half the tub of vanilla ice cream, ½ a container of cotton candy, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1½ cups of milk, and 6 drops of either blue or pink food coloring. I like starting with the blue because it creates a nice contrast against the pink later. Blend everything on high for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Prepare the glasses: If you’re going for the sugar-rimmed look, now’s the time! Wet the rims of your glasses (I usually just use a little water or milk) and dip them into a plate of blue or pink sugar crystals. It’s such a simple touch, but it really makes the milkshake look extra special.
First layer of milkshake: Pour the blue (or pink) milkshake into your glasses, filling them about halfway. Don’t worry if the layers aren’t perfectly even—it’ll still look gorgeous in the end.
Make the second batch: Now, rinse out your blender and repeat the process with the remaining ice cream, cotton candy, sugar, and milk, but this time use the other color of food coloring (pink, if you started with blue). Blend until smooth, then gently pour this batch into the center of each glass, filling them to the top.
Top with cotton candy: To finish, take the remaining cotton candy and fluff a generous amount on top of each milkshake. This is where it really starts to look like a carnival treat!

Variations: how to mix it up!

Feeling creative? Here are some fun ways to tweak this recipe:

Vegan option: Swap the vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free alternative (coconut or almond-based ice creams work great), and use almond or oat milk. The result is still creamy and delicious, and it’s perfect for those avoiding dairy.
Low-sugar version: You can cut back on the sugar by using a sugar-free ice cream and omitting the extra tablespoons of sugar. Cotton candy is still plenty sweet, so you won’t miss out on flavor!
Seasonal flavors: For a fall-inspired twist, try adding a few dashes of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the milkshake. In the summer, a handful of fresh berries blended in could add a fruity dimension.
Grown-up version: For a boozy take, add a shot of vanilla vodka or whipped cream-flavored liqueur to the mix. It’s a fun way to serve this at a summer barbecue or adult birthday party!

Serving and presentation: party-ready perfection

When it comes to serving, these milkshakes are definitely all about the presentation. Clear glasses really show off those gorgeous pastel layers, and the cotton candy fluff on top is the cherry on the sundae (or, in this case, the cloud on the milkshake). I love serving these with colorful straws for a playful touch, and if you want to get really fancy, you could even add a dollop of whipped cream and a few sprinkles for extra flair.

Drink pairings: something fun and fizzy

If you’re serving these at a party, pair them with something light and bubbly to balance the sweetness. A sparkling water with a hint of fruit flavor (like lemon or berry) works perfectly. If you’re going for the boozy version, a splash of champagne or prosecco on the side keeps the mood light and festive.

Storage and reheating tips (if you have any leftovers!)

Let’s be honest—there probably won’t be any leftovers. But if you do somehow have some milkshake left, you can store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just know that the texture may change a bit as the ice cream melts. For the best results, enjoy these milkshakes fresh out of the blender. If you need to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the blended milkshake and give it a quick blitz in the blender when you’re ready to serve.

Scaling the recipe: milkshake for a crowd

This recipe is pretty easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving. Just remember to keep the ratio of ice cream to milk at about 2:1 for the perfect thickness. One batch (as written) serves about 2-4 people, depending on how generous your servings are. If you’re making this for a party, double or triple the recipe, and you’re good to go!

Potential issues: what could go wrong?

One thing to watch out for is over-blending. If you blend the milkshake for too long, it can get too thin and lose that creamy, thick consistency. Another tip—make sure your ice cream is frozen solid when you start. Soft or melty ice cream will lead to a runny shake, and no one wants that!

Ready to bring some carnival magic into your kitchen?

There you have it—the ultimate Cotton Candy Milkshake recipe! It’s such a fun and whimsical dessert that’s perfect for any occasion (or no occasion at all). Whether you’re making it for a party, a special treat for the kids, or just indulging yourself on a lazy afternoon, this milkshake is guaranteed to bring smiles.

FAQs

Can I make this without a blender?
Yes! You can use a food processor or even mash the ingredients by hand, but the texture might not be as smooth.
What if I don’t have cotton candy?
You can use marshmallow fluff as a substitute, though it won’t have quite the same flavor.
Can I make this milkshake ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it and re-blend when ready to serve.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use less sugar or opt for a sugar-free ice cream.
Can I use food coloring gel instead of liquid drops?
Absolutely! Just use a toothpick to swirl in a small amount, as gel can be more concentrated than liquid food coloring.