The milkshake is a classic staple of American cuisine, but these concoctions take it to the next level. Instead of a cherry on top, these Insta-worthy shakes have goodies like cakes, brownies, and doughnuts piled on. If you’re looking to satisfy your most monstrous sweet tooth craving, these NoVA spots offer some of the most extreme shakes in the region.
Carnegie Diner & Cafe
The Carnegie Diner may have just opened, but its milkshakes bring the same extreme flavors popular at its New York locations to Vienna. The crazy milkshakes come in five different varieties. Try the Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich or Chocolate Pancake Strawberry selections for a perfect brunch treat. Oreo Cookie Cake is the ultimate after-dinner dessert with a towering presentation featuring a massive slice of Oreo chocolate cake atop layers of delectable ice cream and drizzled with rich chocolate syrup. 501 Maple Ave. W., Vienna
The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
The 22 specialty shakes here have delectable garnishes such as lollipops, waffles, popsicles, toasted marshmallows, and a whole banana split. All shakes are served in mason jars with seasonal designs. Check out seasonal offerings like this summer’s refreshing Crazy Colada shake filled with tropical flavors and topped with a giant slice of coconut cake and fresh pineapple. 716 King St., Alexandria
The Battlefield Country Store
Every visit to this store guarantees a new surprise. Each week, the Battlefield team creates a new over-the-top specialty milkshake concoction. Though the flavors vary, the deliciousness stays the same. This week’s featured shake is Meet Pixie! A unicorn shake with starlight sprinkles, cotton candy fluff, and a lollipop. The store also offers customizable milkshakes year-round with 22 hand-spun ice cream flavors and 25 toppings. 6150 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg
The Yard Milkshake Bar
Possibilities are endless at this ice cream shop. Choose from 24 signature milkshake concoctions or create your own. The menu offers 50 types of toppings ranging from classic sprinkles to entire slices of cake, brownies, donuts, and more. Get a taste of home with the exclusive Virginia flavor equipped with cookie dough hearts and red-striped whipped cream. The Yard offers gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan options too. 20352 Exchange St. Unit 103, Ashburn
T.Zone Dessert Bar
This hidden gem has a menu full of sugary concoctions topped with sweet treats. T.Zone’s Sugar Land collection takes its classic ice blends and elevates them to the next level. Take a sip of the Cotton Candy Cloud for a taste of summer. The cotton candy ice blend is adorned with a tower of marshmallows, rock candy, and fluffy cotton candy. For a bolder flavor experience, try the Salted Caramel Pretzel selection — it’s topped with pretzels, a decadent chocolate bar, and not one but two mouth-watering donuts.45999 Regal Plz., Sterling
Feature image courtesy The Yard Ashburn
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