Where to Find the Best Milkshakes, Smoothies, and Specialty Drinks in Indian River County
When the Florida sun is shining and the temps are climbing, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a cold, creamy treat in a cup. Whether you’re in the mood for an over-the-top milkshake, a refreshing smoothie bursting with fresh fruit, or a specialty drink that blurs the line between beverage and dessert, Indian River County delivers. From locally loved cafés to creative dessert shops and smoothie bars, there’s no shortage of sweet, sip-worthy spots serving up something for every craving. Grab a straw and join us—we’re diving into the coolest drinks in town!
East Coast Boba Company – Vero Beach, FL
East Coast Boba Company, opened in December 2023, is serving up handcrafted boba drinks made from scratch using only the finest ingredients. Co-owned by Dave and Theresa, the shop is located near the high school in the same plaza as Quik Snak, just off 16th Avenue. While it may not stand out from the road, it’s just steps away and worth seeking out. Dave Bedford, previously known for owning Ono Luau, brings his culinary experience to this venture, focusing on quality and creativity. During our visit, we sampled two of their most popular drinks: a layered Vietnamese coffee topped with Thai tea, and a strawberry matcha latte—both as flavorful as they are visually striking. Whether you’re a seasoned boba fan or trying it for the first time, this locally owned spot is sure to impress with its fresh approach and bold flavors.
East Coast Boba Company
Address: 1418 16th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 400-7492
Nuno’s Ice Cream – Vero Beach, FL
Nuno’s Ice Cream, located in Downtown Vero, is a vibrant and colorful shop known for its over-the-top drinks and endless menu options. While the business has been around for a while, this location has only been open a couple of years. On my first visit, I’ll admit the menu was a bit tough to navigate as a non-Spanish speaker, but the friendly and helpful staff made the experience easy and enjoyable. With their guidance, we sampled two unique drinks—one water-based and one milk-based. The first featured housemade pineapple and mango, served in a Tajín-rimmed cup with the lid flipped upside down, loaded with fruit chunks, a Mexican worm candy, and an extra sprinkle of Tajín. The second, a creamy blend of horchata and strawberry milk, came rimmed with sweetened condensed milk and crushed peanuts, then topped with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a strawberry wafer cookie. These drinks were bursting with flavor and creativity, making Nuno’s a fun and memorable stop for anyone looking to sip outside the box.
Nuno’s Ice Cream
Address: 1859 20th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 217-3483
Quik Snak – Vero Beach, FL
Quik Snak, a beloved name in Vero Beach dining, has made a triumphant return after more than a decade away. Originally operating from 1962 to 2008 in the space now occupied by Nino’s Corner Italian Restaurant, the eatery reopened its doors in early 2024 at its new location on 16th Street, thanks to new owners Bill and Stewart Marshall. Known for their signature burgers and classic shakes, Quik Snak blends a laid-back, nostalgic vibe with fresh energy, making it a favorite for both longtime locals and new visitors alike. On a recent visit, I ordered their chocolate and peanut butter milkshake—and was instantly transported back to childhood memories of a similar shake I had over 30 years ago in a hospital cafeteria in Dayton, Ohio. Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced in flavor, this shake hit every note of my “Holy Grail” milkshake standard. It was so good, my wife and I found ourselves battling over the last few sips. If you’re a fan of timeless flavors done right, Quik Snak is a delicious blast from the past that’s well worth revisiting.
Quik Snak
Address: 1430 16th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 226-5402
Sunset Island – Vero Beach, FL
Sunset Island has become a go-to spot in Vero Beach for fresh, healthy, and flavorful fare. Owned by husband-and-wife team George and Jelena, the shop first opened in June 2021 with the goal of sharing their passion for wholesome eating with the local community. Their menu features build-your-own bowls, smoothies, crêpes, and popsicles—each made with quality ingredients and a commitment to freshness. During my visit, I tried two of their most popular smoothies: the Berry Nanas, a bright and fruity blend, and the Peanut Island, a creamy, protein-packed option. Both were refreshing and satisfying, making Sunset Island a perfect stop when you’re craving something that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Sunset Island
Address: 927 15th Pl, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 217-8375
