A milkshake IPA is a sub-beer style of India Pale Ales (IPA) or New England IPAs (NEIPA). They are brewed with additions, such as milk, lactose (unfermentable milk sugar) and adjuncts, like vanilla and sometimes even fruit. Milkshake IPAs gained popularity within the beer community in the mid-2010s.
Milkshakes and smoothie beers pump up the volume on fruit additions, unfermentable sugars, and adjuncts such as vanilla. This creates a creamy, full-bodied texture and bold opacity that’s akin to what you slurp at a malt shop.