Spiked Trefoil Milkshake: Shortbread Bourbon Vanilla Bliss

Childhood comfort meets refined flavors in every luxuriously creamy sip.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 21, 2025

Childhood comfort meets refined flavors in every luxuriously creamy sip.

There’s something magically nostalgic about a cold vanilla milkshake and the humble, buttery crunch of a classic shortbread cookie. Now imagine the childhood treat made delightfully grown-up: bourbon melting into silky ice cream, subtle cookie undertones in every sip, and a spirited aroma that brings fresh energy to dessert. This Spiked Trefoil Milkshake captures that flavor alchemy, turning simple pantry staples into an elevated after-dinner treat suitable for cocktail hour, summer gatherings, or a twist on classic dessert.

Why This Recipe Works

Infused Cookie Milk: Toasting and blending Trefoil shortbread infuses the milk with richness and authentic cookie flavor, ensuring the shake tastes unmistakably like the cookie rather than just being garnished with it.
Bourbon for Balance: The addition of bourbon provides gentle, caramel warmth that balances the sweetness of vanilla ice cream and enhances the buttery profile of shortbread.
Thick, Creamy Texture: Generous scoops of premium vanilla ice cream create a thick, spoonable (but drinkable) texture that feels luxurious without being heavy.
Easy Customization: This method welcomes substitutions: switch out the liquor, swap in different shortbread cookies, or tweak the ice cream-flavor base for endless variation.

What Are Trefoils?

Trefoils, also known as Girl Scout Shortbread Cookies, are classic, crisp butter cookies beloved for their light, golden texture and pure, simple flavor. Their simplicity makes them ideal for infusing into milkshakes or other desserts: they blend cleanly and don’t overpower the primary flavors of milk and vanilla.

Recognizable by their delicate, floral trefoil shape and lightly golden color.
Moderate sweetness and a melting, buttery finish make them versatile beyond snacking: crumble into pie crusts, layer in parfaits, or swirl into milkshakes like this one.

The Inspiration: Girl Scout Cookies Meet the Grown-Up Milkshake

Milkshakes and Girl Scout cookies are a classic comfort-food pairing. Combining the two—especially with a spike of bourbon—offers a unique bridge between the nostalgic and the sophisticated. Recipes like the Spiked Trefoil Milkshake began as a playful twist on traditional desserts, adapting the much-loved qualities of childhood treats for an adult palate. Using infused milk with toasted cookies echoes techniques from modern dessert kitchens, especially those inspired by cereal milk creams popularized by pastry chefs.

Recipe: Spiked Trefoil Milkshake (Shortbread-Bourbon-Vanilla Shake)

Ingredients

6 Trefoil (shortbread) Girl Scout cookies, plus 2 more for garnish
3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
2 cups (about 320g) premium vanilla ice cream
2 ounces (60ml) bourbon (see notes for alternatives)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream (for topping, optional)

Special Equipment

Blender

Directions

Toast Cookies and Infuse Milk
Break 6 Trefoil cookies into small pieces. In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the broken cookies, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and place in a bowl with the milk. Let the cookies soak and infuse the milk for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cookies are mostly dissolved and the mixture is thickened.
Blend the Shake
Add the cookie-infused milk (including all cookie bits), vanilla ice cream, bourbon, and vanilla extract to the blender. Blend until completely smooth. If you prefer a thinner shake, add an extra splash of milk.
Garnish and Serve
Pour the milkshake into a chilled tall glass. Top with a large, billowy mound of whipped cream. Crush the remaining cookies and sprinkle them over the whipped cream for crunch and visual appeal. Serve immediately with a wide straw or long-handled spoon.

Yield:

Serves 2 adults (or 1 if you want an indulgent, supersized treat).

Step-by-Step: Visualizing the Process

Toasting Cookies: Coaxing the nutty aroma from the shortbread intensifies the flavor, lending browned-butter notes without extra ingredients.
Infusing Milk: Trefoils not only flavor but also thicken the milk, creating a rich base that gives the finished shake a body not possible with plain milk alone.
The Final Blend: The milk, now thick with cookie essence, binds perfectly with soft vanilla ice cream, bourbon, and an extra hit of vanilla.
Garnish is Key: The final flourish of whipped cream and cookie crumbles provides creamy, crunchy, and boozy in every bite and sip.

Expert Tips & Variations

Ice Cream Quality Matters: Use a high-fat, pure vanilla ice cream—French or New York-style brands work best for maximum creaminess and authentic vanilla bean flavor.
Bourbon Substitutions: Rye, spiced rum, or even a smooth Irish whiskey are excellent alternatives. For a lighter touch, try amaretto or hazelnut liqueur for added nuance.
Add a Caramel Drizzle: A ribbon of caramel sauce along the inside of the glass or drizzled on top of the whipped cream makes a beautiful and tasty upgrade.
More Cookie Flavor: For a more intense cookie effect, blend additional cookie crumbles straight into the shake instead of just soaking in milk.
Frozen Glass Trick: Freeze your serving glasses for at least 20 minutes before assembly—this keeps the shake thick and frosty to the last drop.

Why Toast the Cookies?

Just as browning butter or toasting nuts enriches their flavor, toasting Trefoils deepens their aroma and makes them taste freshly baked. This extra step unlocks subtle caramelization, enhancing both the milkshake’s fragrance and taste. Skip it if you’re in a rush, but for best results, take the time for a quick toast.

Flavor Pairing Table

Component	Flavor Notes	Potential Substitutions
Trefoil Cookies	Buttery, subtly sweet, vanilla	Any crisp shortbread
Bourbon	Caramel, oak, vanilla, gentle spice	Rye, Irish whiskey, spiced rum
Vanilla Ice Cream	Creamy, rich, vanilla bean	Custard-based, French vanilla, non-dairy vanilla
Milk	Fresh, clean, smooth	Oat milk, almond milk for dairy-free option
Whipped Cream	Light, airy, sweet	Omit or substitute coconut whip for vegan option

Other Girl Scout Cookie Milkshake Variations

Inspired by the milkshake method, you can riff on any favorite cookie using the same infusion and blend foundation. Here are some irresistible ideas:

Thin Mint Milkshake: Blend Thin Mint cookies with mint-chocolate chip ice cream, peppermint schnapps, and a hint of crème de cacao for a cool, chocolatey adult dessert.
Tagalongs (Peanut Butter Patties): Add a big spoonful of creamy peanut butter, a splash of bourbon, and extra peanut-butter cookie bits into your shake for a nutty, decadent delight.
Samoas: Infuse with toasted coconut, caramel drizzle, coconut milk, and a little dark rum for a tropically-inspired, chewy-caramel shake.
Do-si-dos: Stir Frangelico and cinnamon into your peanut butter cookie shake for added warmth and nutty complexity.
Savannah Smiles: Try lemon vodka, lemon zest, and extra tart lemon juice for a creamy shake that mimics the tangy brightness of the cookie.

Serving Suggestions & Presentation Ideas

Top with rainbow sprinkles for celebratory flair, or a maraschino cherry for retro style.
Serve alongside mini cookie sandwiches, where two Trefoils hug a swoop of vanilla buttercream.
Offer a snack board of various Girl Scout cookies for a fun milkshake tasting flight: create sampler portions in shot glasses so guests can try all flavors.
For parties, set up a milkshake buffet: bowls of chopped cookies, mini chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or caramel drizzle for DIY toppings.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Alcohol-Free Alternatives

Milkshake base (cookie-infused milk and ice cream) can be prepped in advance and frozen. Reblend briefly before serving to restore creamy consistency.
For a family-friendly version, simply omit the bourbon and add an extra splash of vanilla extract; all the buttery, nostalgic flavor remains.
Leftovers (if you have any) can be poured into popsicle molds and frozen for boozy milkshake popsicles, perfect for warm-weather gatherings.

Bourbon and Dessert: Why They Work So Well Together

Bourbon’s rich, caramel, and vanilla notes pair exceptionally with dairy and classic pastries. Its warmth cuts through the chill of ice cream, bringing depth without overwhelming. The combination creates a balanced dessert-cocktail hybrid that is both satisfying to sip and complex enough to linger in the mind. Spiking your shake with bourbon isn’t just about booziness: it makes every bite more interesting, amplifies the cookie flavor, and turns a childhood favorite into a sophisticated treat adults want to savor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this without alcohol?

A: Absolutely. The recipe works beautifully as a traditional cookie milkshake. Simply skip the bourbon and add another half teaspoon of vanilla extract for sweetness and complexity.

Q: What if I don’t have Trefoils?

A: Any crisp, all-butter shortbread cookie will work. Look for cookies without filling or strong additional flavors—classic Walker’s Shortbread or homemade butter cookies are an excellent substitute.

Q: Can I use a different spirit?

A: Yes! Rye whiskey, spiced rum, Irish cream liqueur, or even nutty liqueurs like amaretto give interesting twists. Adjust the quantity according to your desired strength.

Q: How can I make it vegan?

A: Use non-dairy ice cream and oat or almond milk, and substitute coconut whip for the cream. For cookies, use a vegan shortbread brand.

Q: Can I make it in advance for a party?

A: For best texture, assemble just before serving. You can store the infused milk mixture in the fridge overnight, blend with ice cream and bourbon just before guests arrive, and pour into pre-chilled glasses.

Conclusion: Dessert Redefined, Drinking Reimagined

The Spiked Trefoil Milkshake fuses nostalgia with new pleasures, bridging the line between childhood comfort and adult indulgence. It’s at once a drink, a dessert, and a conversation starter—showing that simple flavors, reimagined with a twist of flair, can feel brand new. Whether you serve it for special occasions or just as an end-of-week treat, this recipe invites creative tinkering, communal joy, and that magical moment when the familiar meets the unexpected. Enjoy responsibly, sip deeply, and savor the grown-up side of the milkshake revolution.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb