Sharjah Shake Recipe – Step-by-Step Guide to Make Classic Banana Milkshake

The Sharjah Shake, often called the Sharjah banana milkshake, is a popular chilled drink in South India, especially in Kerala. Known for its rich, creamy texture and natural sweetness, it’s made using ripe bananas, chilled milk, and a mix of dry fruits. This shake is often found in local juice bars, served frothy and cold, making it perfect for hot and humid weather.

If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate the taste of a Sharjah shake at home, this recipe offers a step-by-step guide using simple ingredients. No preservatives, no artificial flavors – just wholesome ingredients blended into a flavorful drink.

What Is Sharjah Shake?

Sharjah shake is a banana-based milkshake that’s different from your usual banana shake. What makes it unique is the inclusion of dry fruits like cashews and dates, chilled milk, and sometimes a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s often blended with a touch of boost or horlicks for an energy kick, giving it a slightly malty flavor that sets it apart.

This shake originated from juice shops in Calicut and gained popularity across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Now, it’s a household favorite for its taste, nutrition, and easy preparation.

Ingredients for Sharjah Shake

To prepare two glasses of Sharjah banana milkshake, you’ll need:

• 2 ripe bananas (preferably robusta or small Kerala bananas)
• 1½ cups chilled milk (full cream or toned)
• 4 to 5 cashew nuts (soaked for 15 minutes)
• 2 soft seedless dates (chopped)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons boost or horlicks (optional)
• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (optional for richness)
• ½ to 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional, based on banana sweetness)
• 3 to 4 ice cubes

Make sure the bananas are ripe but not overripe. Overripe bananas can overpower the flavor and change the texture of the shake.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Sharjah Shake

Step 1: Soak the Cashews

If using raw cashews, soak them in water for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps them blend better and gives the shake a smoother consistency.

Step 2: Prep the Bananas

Peel and slice the bananas into chunks. Use fresh ripe bananas with a light yellow skin and brown spots for best flavor.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to Blender

In a blender jar, add banana slices, soaked cashews, chopped dates, and chilled milk. Add boost or horlicks for that classic Sharjah shop taste. If using ice cream, add a scoop now. Include ice cubes and sugar if needed.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Blend everything on high speed for 30 to 45 seconds until you get a thick, creamy, and smooth milkshake. Avoid over-blending as it can affect the texture.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Pour into tall glasses. You can garnish with chopped cashews or a light dusting of horlicks powder for presentation. Serve immediately while cold and frothy.

What Makes Sharjah Shake Different?

• Uses robusta bananas, which are creamier than regular bananas
• Often includes boost or horlicks for a malted, energy-rich flavor
• Combines dates and cashews, adding natural sweetness and thickness
• Served extra chilled, sometimes slightly icy or slushy

This shake stands out for its satisfying richness without needing artificial syrups or excess sugar. It’s filling enough to be a mini-meal.

Vegan Sharjah Shake Option

To make a vegan version, follow the same recipe but replace:

• Milk with almond milk or oat milk
• Ice cream with a plant-based vanilla ice cream or skip it entirely

Make sure your energy drink powder (if using) is also dairy-free. The shake still tastes rich and creamy, thanks to the bananas and cashews.

Health Benefits of Sharjah Shake

While Sharjah shake is indulgent, it also packs nutritional value:

• Bananas: Provide potassium, fiber, and natural sugars for energy
• Cashews: Rich in healthy fats and magnesium
• Dates: Add natural sweetness and iron
• Milk: Offers protein and calcium (or plant-based nutrients in vegan version)
• Boost/Horlicks: Adds B-vitamins and extra energy when needed

It’s a good post-exercise drink, especially if you need to recover and rehydrate after a workout.

When to Enjoy Sharjah Shake

• Mid-morning snack: Gives lasting energy through the day
• Pre-workout drink: Fuels you with natural carbs and protein
• Evening refreshment: Satisfies cravings and keeps you cool
• Children’s favorite: Naturally sweet and nourishing without packaged sugar

Tips to Perfect Your Shake

• Use chilled milk and ice for that café-style coolness
• Don’t overuse ice or it will water down the flavor
• Avoid overripe bananas for the best texture
• If not using ice cream, you can increase dates or soaked oats for more thickness
• Always serve immediately as banana shakes tend to darken with time

Storage Advice

Sharjah shake is best consumed fresh. However, if you must store it, refrigerate for no more than 4 to 6 hours in an airtight container. Stir well before drinking as some separation may occur. Avoid freezing.

Conclusion

Sharjah shake is more than just a banana milkshake. It’s a nostalgic, energy-rich, and flavor-packed drink that’s deeply rooted in South Indian juice bar culture. With a balanced mix of natural ingredients, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking to recreate that iconic chilled drink at home without fuss.