Sometimes you want something cold to drink, but the usual water, soda, or iced tea just won't do. You want something rich, creamy and thick. This is the perfect occasion for a milkshake.

Milkshakes are available at your local fast-food joint, but these made-from-a-mix milkshakes don't offer much in the way of flavor.

You can make your own delectable and sophisticated versions of this classic dessert drink at home. The only tool you'll need is a blender.

With homemade milkshakes, you can express your creativity when it comes to flavorings. You also have the control when it comes to what type of milk you use, the amount of sugar and other additions you include, and all other aspects of the milkshake formula.

This is great if you have food allergies or sensitivities, are watching your weight, or just want to enjoy the unmatched flavor of a milkshake made from scratch.

The main ingredient in a milkshake is, of course, milk. To reduce fat and calories, opt to make your milkshake from reduced fat milk.

For those who don't drink cow's milk, you can make your milkshake from alternative milks without sacrificing taste or texture. Some of these milk alternatives include:

• Soy milk
• Rice milk
• Almond milk

There are also ice creams made from these alternative milks that can be added to your milkshake.

There are recipes for yogurt milkshakes that are quite good and good for you, to boot. As you can see, milkshakes allow for lots of variety.

If you're using fruit in your milkshake, think fresh. Some people use fruit syrups in the shakes, but fresh fruit is better for you and produces the best flavor.

Be creative with your shake, but don't go crazy. If you have kids, they may want to unload half the candy drawer into the blender, but the result will probably be less appealing than they imagined. Stick to some basic ingredients that go well together and you can't go wrong.

A basic chocolate milkshake is a great place to start. It's simple, classic, and best of all; it can be used as a foundation for all kinds of chocolate milkshake creations.

Chocolate Shake Recipe

• 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
• 2 scoops vanilla or chocolate ice cream
• 1 cup milk

Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.

Now for some great variations:

• Add peppermint extract for a cool chocolate peppermint drink.
• Peanut butter, banana and chocolate make a great combination. Make sure to use smooth peanut butter.
• Cherries and chocolate go hand in hand. You can add maraschino cherries or regular fresh cherries.
• Add some cold brewed coffee for a heavenly mocha shake.
• You can add some malt powder to your mixture to create an old-fashioned malted milk.
  

If something fruity and tropical is more your style, you're in luck. Milkshakes are perfect for warm weather or anytime you want to feel that summertime vibe.

You can make a basic vanilla shake and add mango, coconut, papaya or other tropical fruits. Lime is also a great island favorite, and the following milkshake is full of that great, refreshing lime flavor.

Sublime Lime Milkshake

• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 scoop lime sherbet
• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
• Ice cubes (a handful)

In a blender, combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth.

Feel free to get some fancy glasses for your milkshake. It's traditional to serve milkshakes in tall glasses, topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

The original milkshake appeared in the 19^th century. It included eggs and whiskey and was considered a "tonic" or health drink. Those early milkshakes definitely wouldn't be considered a nutritious drink today, and modern milkshakes fair no better when it comes to fat, calories, and sugar.

However, there are ways to make a more healthful milkshake. Milkshakes do have the benefit of containing calcium as well as vitamin D. You can sneak in other nutrients if you add fruit to the mix.

Soy is a good source of lean protein. This shake is a lower-fat version of a classic strawberry shake. It includes soy milk in place of cow's milk and fresh strawberries for flavor and fiber. If you're a tofu fan, you know how good silken tofu is for blending in drinks. If you're not sure about tofu, this is a great way to give it a chance!

(Recipe adapted from Epicurious.com)

• 2 cups soft or silken tofu
• 2 cups fresh strawberries (washed and de-stemmed)
• 1/2 cup plain soy milk
• 1/2 cup ice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons strawberry jam

Throw everything in the blender and purée until smooth.

Another way to reduce fat and calories in a milkshake is to use gelato instead of ice cream. Gelato is an Italian frozen dessert that's a cross between ice cream and flavored ice. It comes in a large variety of flavors. It can be blended with 2% milk and whatever fruits you fancy to make a lighter, gourmet milkshake.

For a grown-ups-only treat, add a bit of liqueur in a flavor that complements the gelato. The result is perfect for a late-night summer drink with friends. Some suggestions include:

• Peach gelato with amaretto
• Cherry gelato with cherry Schnapps
• Chocolate or vanilla gelato with crème de menthe or Bailey's

If you enjoy the candy-studded milkshakes offered at some fast-food chains, you can duplicate them easily at home. You can also take them up a notch by using a higher-end candy.

A crumbled piece of special dark chocolate or chocolate-covered berries work wonderfully.

Remember that if you like chunky milkshakes, you'll either need to get some large straws, or keep a spoon on hand to scoop up the larger pieces. If young children will be drinking the shake, it's best to leave out the chunks as they pose a choking risk.

Homemade gourmet milkshakes are easy and fun to make, whether by yourself or with family or friends. You can even get creative and throw a make-your-own-milkshake station at your next get together.