When most people walk into Cold Stone Creamery, they’re thinking of one thing: ice cream. But behind the counter, beyond the mix-ins and waffle cones, there’s a drink menu that’s equally indulgent—and far less talked about. From ultra-thick milkshakes to coffee-rich treats like the Cold Stone Frappé, these sippable creations are just as customizable, creamy, and over-the-top as their frozen counterparts. Whether you’re skipping the scoop or pairing your drink with your favorite Signature Creation™, here’s everything you need to know about the underrated drink lineup at Cold Stone Creamery.
Shakes That Go Way Beyond Basic
Let’s be clear: there are shakes… and then there are Cold Stone Shakes. These aren’t your average drive-thru drinks. Made with Cold Stone’s super-premium ice cream and your choice of mix-ins, these shakes are thick, rich, and completely customizable. Whether you’re into bold chocolate, fruity blends, or cookie-loaded sips, there’s a shake here that’ll hit the spot. Below are some of their standout options—and why they’re worth the straw.
Go With the Float
A nostalgic twist on the classic ice cream float—this drink blends fizzy soda with creamy ice cream for a cool, bubbly treat that feels like summer in a cup. Light, refreshing, and endlessly customizable.
Price: ~$6.29 (Medium)
Calories: ~500–700 (varies by soda/ice cream combo)
Mangonada Shake-Up
Tropical and tangy with a spicy kick. This unique blend mixes mango ice cream with chamoy and Tajín for a vibrant, sweet-and-savory shake that’s unlike anything else on the menu.
Price: ~$6.99 (Medium)
Calories: ~640
Choco-lotta Malt
For die-hard chocolate lovers. This shake combines chocolate ice cream, rich fudge, and classic malt flavor for a deep, velvety sip that’s as indulgent as it sounds.
Price: ~$6.49 (Medium)
Calories: ~780
Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream
A peanut butter lover’s paradise. Blended with Cold Stone’s chocolate ice cream and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this shake is thick, nutty, and perfectly sweet.
Price: ~$6.99 (Medium)
Calories: ~830
Chocolate Silk Shake
Smooth, rich, and ultra-decadent. Made with premium chocolate ice cream and a silky chocolate sauce that coats your taste buds with every sip.
Price: ~$6.49 (Medium)
Calories: ~720
Milk & OREO Cookies
It’s like dipping your favorite cookie into a milkshake. OREO cookies meet sweet cream ice cream for a cookie-loaded shake that’s crunchy, creamy, and addictive.
Price: ~$6.99 (Medium)
Calories: ~850
Very Vanilla
A classic done right. Cold Stone’s signature vanilla ice cream gets blended into a silky-smooth shake that’s anything but boring.
Price: ~$5.99 (Medium)
Calories: ~600
Oh Fudge!
This one’s for the chocoholics. A chocolate overload with extra fudge sauce that brings serious richness to every sip. It’s messy—in the best way.
Price: ~$6.49 (Medium)
Calories: ~790
Cake Batter ‘n Shake
Birthday cake in drink form. Made with Cold Stone’s famous Cake Batter ice cream, this shake is sweet, creamy, and full of party vibes—even without sprinkles.
Price: ~$6.99 (Medium)
Calories: ~770
Savory Strawberry
A fruity, refreshing shake that lets Cold Stone’s strawberry ice cream shine. Perfect if you want something lighter but still creamy.
Price: ~$6.49 (Medium)
Calories: ~620
Smoothies That Actually Taste Like Real Fruit (Because They Are)
Cold Stone’s smoothies aren’t just another sugar bomb—they’re made with real whole fruit and fruit juices, blended fresh for a drink that feels indulgent but fuels you up. Designed with active lifestyles in mind, these smoothies offer a good source of vitamins, natural sweetness, and fruity freshness in every sip. Whether you’re in the mood for something tropical, berry-rich, or balanced and creamy, there’s a blend for every kind of craving.
Strawberry Mango
Sweet meets tangy in this tropical favorite. Ripe strawberries blend perfectly with juicy mango for a smoothie that’s vibrant, refreshing, and just the right amount of tart.
Price: ~$6.49 (Medium)
Calories: ~360
Strawberry Banana
A timeless combo that never goes out of style. Smooth, creamy banana and sweet strawberries make this a go-to for fans of classic flavors.
Price: ~$6.49 (Medium)
Calories: ~390
Pineapple Blueberry
This bold blend brings together the bright punch of pineapple and the deep, slightly tart flavor of blueberries. It’s colorful, energizing, and packed with flavor.
Price: ~$6.49 (Medium)
Calories: ~370
Mango Pineapple
Like a tropical vacation in a cup. Sweet mango and zesty pineapple combine to create a light, refreshing smoothie with a naturally sweet finish.
Price: ~$6.49 (Medium)
Calories: ~350
Blueberry Banana
Creamy banana balances the rich, earthy sweetness of blueberries in this smooth blend. A great pick for a more mellow, satisfying smoothie.
Price: ~$6.49 (Medium)
Calories: ~380
Worth the Hype? Cold Stone Milkshake Review!
Sip Smarter at Cold Stone
1. Customize Any Shake
You’re not limited to the named shakes. You can create your own by choosing any ice cream flavor and adding mix-ins like brownies, Oreos, caramel, or fruit. This lets you build a flavor combo that’s not on the regular menu.
2. Control the Thickness
You can ask for your shake to be made thicker or thinner depending on your preference. Thicker for that classic milkshake spoonable feel, or thinner if you want it easy to sip through a straw.
3. Split One Shake Into Two
Cold Stone shakes are large by default. You can ask them to split a regular shake into two small cups — perfect for sharing or trying multiple flavors without overdoing it.
4. Add Mix-ins to Smoothies or Frappés
Even though it’s not advertised, you can customize smoothies and frappés with regular ice cream toppings. Chocolate chips, peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, or even cheesecake bites can take your drink to another level.
5. Turn Signature Creations Into Shakes
If you love a specific Cold Stone Signature Creation, you can ask to have it blended into a milkshake. For example, “Can I get a shake version of Birthday Cake Remix?” — they’ll blend all the same ingredients into drink form.
6. Modify the Whipped Cream
Whipped cream is usually added on top of shakes, but you can ask for it to be left off, doubled, or even blended into the shake itself for a smoother, creamier texture.
7. Seasonal Flavors Are Fair Game
If they have limited-time or seasonal ice cream flavors, you can use them in shakes and drinks even if they’re not shown on the drink menu. Just ask what seasonal flavors are in stock before ordering.
8. Use the App for Deals
While not a drink hack directly, ordering through the Cold Stone app can give you access to discounts, points, or surprise drink offers. It’s worth checking before you order.
What You Really Want to Know About Cold Stone (USA)
Q. How cold is the “stone” (granite slab)? Do they really chill it, or is it just cold by touch?
A. The mixing stone is actively cooled. It’s a granite slab resting on a cooling pad / cooling mechanism. Over time frost builds up, and crew members scrape it off before use.
Q. Do all stores make waffle cones / bowls fresh in‑store?
A. According to former employees, many Cold Stone locations do make waffle cones and bowls from batter daily. However, this may vary by store, depending on equipment and staffing.
Q. Are store hours uniform across all locations (e.g. open late, seasonal)?
A. No — hours vary by location. Some stores may close earlier or open later depending on local regulations, staffing, traffic, etc. Always check your local store’s posted hours. Also, some stores may close temporarily (renovation, permit issues, etc.).
Q. What about cultural / regional variations of flavors or ingredients?
A. In the US, while there is a broad range of “Signature Creations” and mix‑ins, certain ingredients (ex: certain candies, fruits, nuts) may or may not be available depending on regional supply and store size.
Also, local health or allergy regulations may affect whether some items are offered or how allergens are handled.
Q. How strict is their allergen management / cross‑contamination prevention?
A. Though Cold Stone offers allergen info, and some offerings like sorbets or plant‑based desserts (e.g. Chocolate Silk Almondmilk Frozen Dessert) help those with dietary restrictions, they do not guarantee a nut‑free or completely allergen‑free environment. Cross contact is possible.
Q. Do they ship ice cream nationally (or across states)?
A. Officially, they do not ship ice cream from their headquarters; however, individual stores might arrange shipping locally or regionally. It’s expensive (needs dry ice, fast/overnight shipping) and you’d need to confirm directly with the store.
Q. Franchise variation: Are all stores owned directly by Cold Stone / parent brand, or are some franchised?
A. Most Cold Stone Creamery locations are franchised. This means policies, hours, menu items, and even promotional offerings can differ from one franchisee to another. Corporate gives guidelines, but local owner discretion plays a role.
Q. Employee behavior / showmanship: Is there a “performance factor”?
A. Yes. One thing Cold Stone is known for is the “Entertainment Factor” — staff can perform some fun mix‑in “shows” or performative mixing on the stone. Some employees are “auditioned” for being good and enthusiastic to support this atmosphere.
Q. How do they stay relevant year‑round (not just in summer)?
A. Many stores engage the community via special events (e.g., ice cream socials, fundraisers), promotions, seasonal limited‑time flavors, etc. Also, dessert options like cakes and other treats help offset lower ice cream sales in colder months.
Q. What is the typical butterfat percentage, or how “premium” is their ice cream?
A. Cold Stone markets itself as “premium” ice cream. It’s made with relatively high butterfat content (often ~12‑14%) in many stores. Also, making the ice cream fresh or on‑site is part of the appeal.
Q. How many stores are there in the USA, and which states have the most?
A. As of ~early 2025, there are ~1,044 Cold Stone Creamery locations in the U.S.
California has the most (around 212), followed by Florida. Some states or territories don’t have any.
Q. What happens if a store is going to open soon (“Coming Soon”)? Are the dates fixed?
A. When a store is marked “Coming Soon” in the store locator, the date is estimated. It might open before or after the listed date depending on construction, permits, staffing, etc.
Q. Do they offer lower fat or “lite” options / plant‑based options?
A. Yes. They have things like sorbets (which are dairy‑free) and almond‑milk based frozen desserts, also “Vanilla Lite Ice Cream (No Sugar Added, Reduced Fat)”. But again, because of shared equipment, cross‑contamination is a concern.
Why Cold Stone’s Drinks Deserve Your Attention
Cold Stone Creamery’s drink lineup may not be the star of the show—but that’s exactly what makes it worth exploring. Tucked behind the fanfare of ice cream creations lies a menu of rich, creamy beverages that deliver the same over-the-top experience in every sip. Whether you’re a milkshake loyalist or curious about their frappé game, there’s more to Cold Stone than meets the eye (or cone).
So the next time you visit, skip the usual—or better yet, pair it with your go-to order. You might just find your new favorite treat comes with a straw.
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