clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
A shake from HalfSmoke
A shake from HalfSmoke
Elena Besser/Official

Where to Find Boozy Milkshakes in D.C.

Just try not to get an ice cream headache in the process

View as Map
A shake from HalfSmoke
| Elena Besser/Official

At first glance, it can be tough locating boozy milkshakes on the menu. Is it a cocktail? Is it a dessert? But the trend is still gaining traction around town. It's been around for a few years now, but even more options have been popping up on local menus the past year or so. The "modern" diner trend is alive and well in D.C., and fancy shakes with a shot of booze are the perfect additions to their menus.

Although there's nothing at all wrong with mixing some chocolate ice cream with Kahlua, most of these restaurants are getting pretty creative with their shakes. Find flavors like mango, chocolate covered banana, and even pineapple coconut rum. These fruity flavors are particularly satisfying during these hot summer months. There's even a place for vegans to indulge in boozy milkshakes thanks to recent arrival Fare Well. And non-drinkers can usually order theirs without the alcohol.

Here are some standout options for spiked milkshakes in D.C. It looks like the treat isn't just for kids anymore.

Read More
If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Bobby's Burger Palace

Copy Link

Drinkers with a sweet tooth can count on celebrity chef Bobby Flay to mix some unique spiked milkshakes. The D.C. location of his burger chain makes them in flavors like vanilla caramel bourbon, pineapple coconut rum, mocha Kahlua vodka.

Burger Tap & Shake (Multiple Locations)

Copy Link

Both the Foggy Bottom and Tenleytown locations serve a boozy milkshake interpretation of s'mores. The Bad Cubmaster is made with Smirnoff marshmallow-flavored vodka, chocolate liqueur, graham crackers, and vanilla ice cream.

Official

Del Frisco's Grille

Copy Link

The adult milkshake cocktail here has Nocello Walnut Liquer, Creme de Cacao, chocolate liquer, and vanilla ice cream as its components.

Official

Fare Well

Copy Link

Vegans can now get in on the boozy milkshake trend with the dairy-free treats at this plant-based diner. Made with coconut ice cream, they come in flavors like s'mores, Neapolitan, cookie dough, and lemon ginger.

HalfSmoke

Copy Link

All the shakes at this new fast-casual restaurant can be ordered with or without alcohol (spike it with bourbon or marshmallow vodka). Shakes have hip hop-inspired names and ingredients like Fruity Pebbles cereal, vanilla frosting, and Rice Krispy treats.

Elena Besser/Official

Satellite Room

Copy Link

Grab a boozy shake named after a sitcom character at Satellite Room. The menu has six to choose from. The "Lucy Ricardo" is made with chocolate ice cream and Johnny Walker while tthe "Latka Gravas" is made with espresso, hazelnut, and cognac. Saved By the Bell fans will opt for the "A.C. Slater" with avocado and tequila.

Sip a spiked milkshake in an Art Deco-like setting at this updated diner. They'll happily add booze to flavors like Chunky Monkey, Heath Bar, coffee bean, Oreo, and peppermint patty for an additional cost.

Tasty Burger

Copy Link

This Boston burger chain recently opened a location in Shaw complete with their boozy milkshakes in flavors like the Grasshopper, the Monk (Melleti & green chartreuse), and White Russian.

Ted's Bulletin

Copy Link

This kid-friendly local chain also has a special treat just for adults. Choose from an array of spiked milkshake flavors like Irish caramel coffee, grasshopper, White Russian, Key lime pie, and toasted coconut.

The Hamilton

Copy Link

The sprawling bar, restaurant, and performance space in the basement of the downtown hotel has a huge selection of milkshakes with alcohol. Find mango with rum, red velvet with Tito's Vodka, chocolate covered banana with creme de cacao, and more.

Official

Trio Restaurant

Copy Link

This historic Dupont Circle restaurant was one of the first in D.C. to start the boozy milkshake trend. Head here vanilla or chocolate milkshakes spiked with Frangelico, Bailey's, or Grand Marnier.

Bobby's Burger Palace

Drinkers with a sweet tooth can count on celebrity chef Bobby Flay to mix some unique spiked milkshakes. The D.C. location of his burger chain makes them in flavors like vanilla caramel bourbon, pineapple coconut rum, mocha Kahlua vodka.

Burger Tap & Shake (Multiple Locations)

Both the Foggy Bottom and Tenleytown locations serve a boozy milkshake interpretation of s'mores. The Bad Cubmaster is made with Smirnoff marshmallow-flavored vodka, chocolate liqueur, graham crackers, and vanilla ice cream.

Official

Del Frisco's Grille

The adult milkshake cocktail here has Nocello Walnut Liquer, Creme de Cacao, chocolate liquer, and vanilla ice cream as its components.

Official

Fare Well

Vegans can now get in on the boozy milkshake trend with the dairy-free treats at this plant-based diner. Made with coconut ice cream, they come in flavors like s'mores, Neapolitan, cookie dough, and lemon ginger.

HalfSmoke

All the shakes at this new fast-casual restaurant can be ordered with or without alcohol (spike it with bourbon or marshmallow vodka). Shakes have hip hop-inspired names and ingredients like Fruity Pebbles cereal, vanilla frosting, and Rice Krispy treats.

Elena Besser/Official

Satellite Room

Grab a boozy shake named after a sitcom character at Satellite Room. The menu has six to choose from. The "Lucy Ricardo" is made with chocolate ice cream and Johnny Walker while tthe "Latka Gravas" is made with espresso, hazelnut, and cognac. Saved By the Bell fans will opt for the "A.C. Slater" with avocado and tequila.

Silver

Sip a spiked milkshake in an Art Deco-like setting at this updated diner. They'll happily add booze to flavors like Chunky Monkey, Heath Bar, coffee bean, Oreo, and peppermint patty for an additional cost.

Tasty Burger

This Boston burger chain recently opened a location in Shaw complete with their boozy milkshakes in flavors like the Grasshopper, the Monk (Melleti & green chartreuse), and White Russian.

Ted's Bulletin

This kid-friendly local chain also has a special treat just for adults. Choose from an array of spiked milkshake flavors like Irish caramel coffee, grasshopper, White Russian, Key lime pie, and toasted coconut.

The Hamilton

The sprawling bar, restaurant, and performance space in the basement of the downtown hotel has a huge selection of milkshakes with alcohol. Find mango with rum, red velvet with Tito's Vodka, chocolate covered banana with creme de cacao, and more.

Official

Trio Restaurant

This historic Dupont Circle restaurant was one of the first in D.C. to start the boozy milkshake trend. Head here vanilla or chocolate milkshakes spiked with Frangelico, Bailey's, or Grand Marnier.

Related Maps