7 of the Most Instagram-Worthy Freakshakes You Have to Try
From towering piles of candy to giant brownies and slices of cake, these milkshakes sure know how to pack a sugar-powered punch while maintaining that perfect Instagram-ready look.
The extreme milkshake, or “freakshake” first took over the social media scene in 2015, but the demand for these sugar-rush-inducing treats is still greater than ever. The freakshake— a souped-up, decked out milkshake often stacked with piles of candy, cakes, cookies and more — craze got its start in Sydney, Australia, and then exploded into a full-blown cultural phenomenon soon after. No matter the city, people can always be found lining the streets to get a taste and snap a pic of the next big freakshake star. From cafés and bakeries to burger joints and bars, here are seven of the most Instagram-worthy freakshakes from around the world.
1: Marylou's Bakehouse, London
Formerly known as Molly Bakes Cafe, Marylou's Bakehouse is the pride of London's freakshake scene. A tiny café located in the borough of Hackney just outside central London, Marylou’s is always packed with customers lined up to get their hands on one of their prized shakes. When the craze first came to England in early 2016, Marylou’s quickly stole the hearts of the city, with demand so high that they often had to announce on social media that they had sold out for the day. For just 7 pounds, you can grab a chocolate, raspberry, peanut butter or caramel freakshake, beautifully topped with brownies, syrups, cakes, candies and pretty much anything else your heart could desire.
2: Black Tap, New York City
Known by some as NYC’s most-Instagrammed restaurant, Black Tap has been on top of the freakshake game since 2015. The brainchild of owner and Michelin-starred chef Joe Isidori, Black Tap’s “Crazy Shakes” can be found at any of its four Manhattan locations, and as of this summer, can be seen traveling around the city in one of the brand-new milkshake trucks. From the decadent chocolate-smothered Brooklyn Blackout to the rich and creamy Cake Shake, Black Tap has a treat for every kind of sweet tooth. If $15 is too big of a price tag for you, you can also check out their Classic Shakes, which come with all of the same great flavors, just less toppings and at half the price.
3: Patissez, Canberra, Australia
Located just three hours outside of Sydney, Patissez is often credited with kick starting the entire freakshake craze back in June 2015. Created by cafe owner Anna Petridis, these decadent shakes were truly the first of their kind, taking the social media world by storm in just a short amount of time. With more than 15 crazy alternating flavors, this Australian eatery knows just how to make a true freakshake lover happy. From their chocolate and marshmallow “Michael Jackson” to the minty masterpiece that is the “Mint Condition,” Patissez has something to offer no matter what your milkshake tastes are. Each shake is offered in two sizes: the original larger FreakShake for $13.90 or the smaller Baby Freak for just $8.90.
4: Boston Burger Company, Boston
With three locations in Boston, Cambridge and Somerville, the Boston Burger Company throws a unique spin on freakshakes with their very own "Freak Frappes." Each frappe comes smothered in delicious syrups, mounds of whipped cream and topped with anything from giant s'mores to full slices of cake. With treats ranging from $7 to $12, you can satisfy your cravings with "The King," an Elvis-inspired peanut butter and banana frappe, or check out their official Instagram for one of their decked out limited edition creations.
5: Coney Waffle, Belmar, New Jersey
Located on the world-famous Jersey Shore, Coney Waffle ice cream shop has recently made a big name for itself with its gravity-defying freakshake. Coney Waffle has called the Asbury Park boardwalk home since 1946, and is owned and operated by Joseph D'Esposito, the original owners' son. Towering nearly two feet tall, the Coney Waffle Sideshow Shake is truly one of a kind. By allowing customers to choose what kind of ice cream they want blended into the shake, it ensures that the Coney Waffle freashake experience is truly unique even before its mounds of cotton candy, signature Coney Waffle sandwich, chocolate covered pretzel, Ring Pop and lollipop are piled on top.
6: Café Nuna, Toronto
Formerly known as Niche Coffee and Tea, Cafe Nuna is home to Toronto's newest and most tasty freakshakes. Owner and operator Kris Lugo acquired the business about one year ago with a desire to create a milkshake bar, but didn't have enough space to do so. Thus, the Cafe Nuna freakshake was born. Averaging about $12 per shake, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with one of five delicious flavors, ranging from the chocolate-chip-covered "Cookie Monster," or the caffiene-packed and brownie-topped "Sip a Coffee."
7: Naughty Boy Cafe, Melbourne
Another tasty gem from the land down under, Australia's Naughty Boy Cafe is Melbourne's number one source for over-the-top freakshakes. Appropriately named InstaShakes for their Instagram fame, their chocolately "Kinder Surprise," salted "Caramel Eclair" and fruity "Berry Cheesecake" shakes are the stars of the show, all coming in at about $14 a pop. In addition to the classics, they also feature a special guest shake each week, which can be found on their social meda pages or the blackboard inside the cafe. Past guest shakes have included fan favorites like the "Truffle Trouble" and "Bailey's Apple Pie."