When Whataburger unveiled this delectable shake, fans rushed to get a taste. But what if you could recreate that magic at home? In this blog post, I’ll show you how to whip up your own Dr Pepper Blackberry Shake from scratch—so you can skip the drive-thru and enjoy a refreshing, fizzy spin on an ice cream classic, anytime you crave it.
Table of Contents
How to make Dr Pepper Blackberry Shake
The Dr Pepper Blackberry Shake is a limited-time specialty milkshake offered at some fast-food chains (notably Whataburger in the U.S.).
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ¾ cup Dr Pepper soda
- ½ cup fresh or frozen blackberries
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons blackberry jam (optional)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Crushed cookies or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Blend the Blackberries: If you prefer a smooth shake, start by blending the blackberries alone, then straining them to remove seeds. If you like a rustic, chunky texture, you can skip straining.
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a blender, add the vanilla ice cream, Dr Pepper, milk, blackberry purée (or whole blackberries), and blackberry jam.
- Blend Until Smooth: Pulse until everything is combined and creamy. If it’s too thick, splash in a little more milk or Dr Pepper. If it’s too thin, add a scoop of ice cream.
- Taste and Adjust: Depending on your berries and ice cream, you may want to add a little more jam or a touch of sugar for balance.
- Pour and Top: Pour into chilled glasses and top with whipped cream. Add crushed cookies or chocolate shavings if you’d like, and top with a few extra blackberries for a pretty finish.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy right away, while the shake is cold and creamy!
Tips for the Perfect Dr Pepper Blackberry Shake
- Don’t overblend: excessive blending can thin out your shake.
- Chill your glasses: Pop your serving glasses in the freezer while you prep to keep your shake colder longer.
- Customize sweetness: Blackberries can be tart; taste before serving and add a dash of honey or jam if needed.
- Soda last: If your blender is powerful, you can add Dr Pepper at the end and give it a few gentle mixes for more fizz.
- Make it vegan: Use non-dairy vanilla ice cream and plant-based milk!
- Mix-ins: Love texture? Stir in mini chocolate chips, or swirl with a spoonful of blackberry jam before serving.
What to serve with
Pairing your homemade Dr Pepper Blackberry Shake with complementary foods can turn a simple treat into a memorable snack or meal.
- Beef Burger: Grill up juicy burgers with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
- Chicken Sliders: Try mini crispy chicken sandwiches for a bite-sized option.
- Meatless Patty: For a vegetarian pairing, use black bean or mushroom patties.
Ingredients Substitutes
One of the joys of making the Dr Pepper Blackberry Shake at home is the flexibility to customize ingredients for personal preference, dietary restrictions, or simply to use what you have on hand.
1. Dr Pepper Soda
Substitutes:
- Other Cola-Based Sodas: You can try Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or even Cherry Coke. While they won’t have Dr Pepper’s 23 flavors, they’ll still add that classic sweet, fizzy base.
- Root Beer: This brings a creamy, aromatic flavor—slightly different, but delicious!
- Diet Dr Pepper or Zero Sugar Dr Pepper: For fewer calories or less sugar, these versions do the trick.
- Club Soda with Flavor Syrups: Mix club soda with blackberry or cola syrup for a homemade soda base.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream
Substitutes:
- Frozen Yogurt: Adds tang and keeps it lighter.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: For a chocolaty twist that complements the berries and soda.
- Berry-Flavored Ice Cream (Blackberry, Raspberry, or Strawberry): Intensifies the fruity theme.
- Non-Dairy Ice Cream: Almond, coconut, oat, or cashew-based ice creams are great for vegan shakes.
3. Blackberries
Substitutes:
- Frozen Blackberries: Convenient and great for year-round use.
- Blackberry Jam or Preserve: If fresh berries aren’t available or for stronger flavor.
- Other Berries: Raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries work well and offer a different berry profile.
- Berry Syrup: For textured shakes with lots of flavor.
4. Milk
Substitutes:
- Non-Dairy Milks: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk; all work well and can change the flavor slightly.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: For extra richness—just be aware this increases the indulgence!
- Evaporated Milk: Adds a silky texture if you want to go ultra-creamy.
5. Blackberry Jam
Substitutes:
- Other Berry Jams (Raspberry, Strawberry): Great in a pinch and add similar fruity sweetness.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: If jam isn’t available, these can be used to sweeten and add flavor.
- Berry Compote or Sauce: For even more fruit density.
Ingredients Substitutes
One of the joys of making the Dr Pepper Blackberry Shake at home is the flexibility to customize ingredients for personal preference, dietary restrictions, or simply to use what you have on hand.
1. Dr Pepper Soda
Substitutes:
- Other Cola-Based Sodas: You can try Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or even Cherry Coke. While they won’t have Dr Pepper’s 23 flavors, they’ll still add that classic sweet, fizzy base.
- Root Beer: This brings a creamy, aromatic flavor—slightly different, but delicious!
- Diet Dr Pepper or Zero Sugar Dr Pepper: For fewer calories or less sugar, these versions do the trick.
- Club Soda with Flavor Syrups: Mix club soda with blackberry or cola syrup for a homemade soda base.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream
Substitutes:
- Frozen Yogurt: Adds tang and keeps it lighter.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: For a chocolaty twist that complements the berries and soda.
- Berry-Flavored Ice Cream (Blackberry, Raspberry, or Strawberry): Intensifies the fruity theme.
- Non-Dairy Ice Cream: Almond, coconut, oat, or cashew-based ice creams are great for vegan shakes.
3. Blackberries
Substitutes:
- Frozen Blackberries: Convenient and great for year-round use.
- Blackberry Jam or Preserve: If fresh berries aren’t available or for stronger flavor.
- Other Berries: Raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries work well and offer a different berry profile.
- Berry Syrup: For textured shakes with lots of flavor.
4. Milk
Substitutes:
- Non-Dairy Milks: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk; all work well and can change the flavor slightly.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: For extra richness—just be aware this increases the indulgence!
- Evaporated Milk: Adds a silky texture if you want to go ultra-creamy.
5. Blackberry Jam
Substitutes:
- Other Berry Jams (Raspberry, Strawberry): Great in a pinch and add similar fruity sweetness.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: If jam isn’t available, these can be used to sweeten and add flavor.
- Berry Compote or Sauce: For even more fruit density.
Final Thoughts
With these ingredients and tips, you can recreate the Dr Pepper Blackberry Shake at home—fun, fizzy, and fantastic, no fast food run required!
More Shake Recipes:

Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ¾ cup Dr Pepper soda
- ½ cup fresh or frozen blackberries
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons blackberry jam (optional)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Crushed cookies
Instructions
- Blend the Blackberries: If you prefer a smooth shake, start by blending the blackberries alone, then straining them to remove seeds. If you like a rustic, chunky texture, you can skip straining.
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a blender, add the vanilla ice cream, Dr Pepper, milk, blackberry purée (or whole blackberries), and blackberry jam.
- Blend Until Smooth: Pulse until everything is combined and creamy. If it’s too thick, splash in a little more milk or Dr Pepper. If it’s too thin, add a scoop of ice cream.
- Taste and Adjust: Depending on your berries and ice cream, you may want to add a little more jam or a touch of sugar for balance.
- Pour and Top: Pour into chilled glasses and top with whipped cream. Add crushed cookies or chocolate shavings if you’d like, and top with a few extra blackberries for a pretty finish.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy right away, while the shake is cold and creamy!