For weekend treats and celebrations we recommend bold, mixable add ins that match the occasion: chunky cookies and brownie bites for a party feel, swirly fruit purées for a lighter treat, and crunchy cereals or toasted nuts when you want texture contrast. At Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream in Herriman, Utah, we mix those add ins into thick milkshakes and serve them with theatrical presentation that makes any gathering feel special.
What we mean by shake add ins
Shake add ins are the mix ins and toppings folded or blended into a milkshake to change flavor, texture and visual impact. Add ins range from soft mix ins, like cookie dough and marshmallow, to crunchy elements, like pretzel crumbles and candied nuts, and to sauces, swirls and whole fruit pieces that keep a shake lively.
We design our milkshakes so add ins complement the base ice cream, not mask it. For examples of base flavors we commonly use, see our page on ice cream flavors, and for how we build different shake types visit our milkshakes page.
Why add ins matter for weekends and celebrations in Murray
Celebrations are about memory and experience. In Murray, Utah, families and groups choose treats that are shareable, Instagram friendly, and kid approved. Add ins change a simple milkshake into a centerpiece, a birthday treat, or a family dessert to split.
For weekend visits, add ins let you order something new each time without switching base flavors. For parties, we recommend add ins that travel well and hold up during presentation, like thick brownie chunks and large cookie pieces.
Key concepts for choosing add ins
- Texture matters. Combine soft, smooth ice cream with a crunchy or chewy element to keep each sip interesting.
- Balance intensity. Use strong flavors like peanut butter or espresso sparingly with sweeter bases.
- Size and bite. Big chunks read dramatic in photos, while finely chopped mix ins blend into a uniform flavor.
- Temperature and melt. Wet add ins, like fruit purée, change melt rate. Sturdier items hold texture longer at celebrations.
- Allergies and dietary needs. Offer clear choices for nut free and dairy free guests. See our dairy free options for alternatives.
Popular add in categories and when to use them
Below are practical categories we use at the shop, with examples and when to pick each.
- Cookie and brownie pieces. Use for birthdays and photo friendly shakes. Works well with chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel bases.
- Candy and chocolate chunks. Great for teen parties and casual weekends. Choose larger pieces for texture, or finely chopped for a uniform flavor.
- Fresh and macerated fruit. Perfect for lighter celebrations and summer weekends. Pair with vanilla or lemon bases.
- Cereals and toasted grains. Add crunch and nostalgia, ideal for family outings with kids.
- Caramel, fudge and fruit swirls. Add visual drama and layered flavor. Best for large format shakes where presentation matters.
- Sauces and spreads. Peanut butter, Nutella and fruit compotes add richness and depth. Use sparingly with sweet bases.
How we build a celebration shake at Brooker's
We follow a simple process when creating a shake intended for a weekend treat or celebration. That process keeps texture, flavor and presentation consistent for groups and events.
- Choose the base. We start with a super premium small batch ice cream flavor that matches the mood. For party shakes we commonly choose vanilla, chocolate, or one of our chunky signature flavors.
- Pick primary add ins. These are the big players, like cookie chunks, brownie bites, or large candy pieces.
- Add a secondary element. A sauce, a sprinkle, or a toasted nut for contrast and balance.
- Test the texture. We check that the shake holds up in the glass and that large pieces do not block the straw or make the shake hard to enjoy for kids.
- Prepare for presentation. For celebrations we stage the garnish and any theatrical elements so they arrive intact.
Pro tip: If you want a shareable shake for a group, choose one sturdy add in and one saucy add in. Sturdy pieces give texture and saucy swirls keep the flavor moving through every sip.
Comparison of common add in types
| Add in type | Texture | Best base flavors | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cookie and brownie pieces | Chewy to chunky | Vanilla, chocolate, salted caramel | Birthdays and large format shakes |
| Fresh fruit and compotes | Soft and juicy | Yogurt, vanilla, lemon | Summer weekends and lighter celebrations |
| Candy and chocolate chunks | Crunchy or soft depending on size | Chocolate, peanut butter, vanilla | Teens and photo friendly shakes |
Checklist for planning shake centered celebrations
Event shake checklist
- Decide on a base ice cream flavor that appeals to most guests.
- Pick one bold add in and one supporting element for balance.
- Consider texture for kids and older guests. Avoid choking hazards for small children.
- Plan presentation and serving method, especially for outdoor events.
- Check dietary restrictions ahead of time and include a dairy free or nut free option.
Related services and pages to help plan your visit
We support celebrations with several dessert offerings that pair well with shake add ins. Explore our cakes for coordinated desserts, our large format desserts for group sharing, and our party dessert planning tips when you are organizing an event.
For people visiting from Murray and surrounding neighborhoods, our locations and hours page lists where and when we serve the greater Salt Lake region.
At Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream, Herriman UT, we focus on small batch ice cream and bold mix ins, so our shakes keep their texture and flavor during presentation. If you are planning a group event, telling us about preferred add ins ahead of time helps us stage the dessert for maximum impact.
Key takeaway
Choose one dominant add in for texture, one supporting element for balance, and pick a base ice cream that complements both. That combination creates a memorable weekend treat or celebration shake that travels well and photographs nicely.
Frequently asked questions
What add ins hold up best for a party serving?
Sturdy pieces like brownie chunks, cookie halves, and large candy pieces hold up best during transport and presentation. Sauces in squeeze bottles that we add at the venue help keep the shake looking fresh when it is served.
Do you offer dairy free or nut free add ins?
Yes, we offer dairy free base options and nut free mix ins. Let us know dietary needs in advance and we will recommend add ins that avoid cross contamination when possible. See our dairy free options page for more details.
Which add ins are most popular with kids?
Kids usually love colorful cereals, sprinkles, marshmallow pieces and cookie bits. Those options are playful, familiar, and easy to eat for little hands.
Can you make large shakes for sharing at parties?
We create large format desserts and over the top shakes that are meant to be shared. Browse our large format desserts page to see examples and pairing ideas.
How do you keep add ins from making the shake too thin or too thick?
We balance solids to liquids by testing shake viscosity with the chosen add ins. Softer add ins need less blending. Chunky items are folded in after a partial blend so they keep texture without breaking the straw.
Find us and learn more
See what customers say and get directions on our Google Business Profile. To read more about how we choose flavors and mix ins, visit our pages on shake add ins, our milkshakes menu, and our locations.