Sip on history! Harlem Shake’s Sweet Lena Shake is a rich and creamy tribute to Lena Horne—born in Brooklyn, made legendary in Harlem.

There is something undeniably nostalgic about a milkshake. The way it lingers on the tongue, thick and indulgent, its sweetness settling in like a favorite melody. But the Sweet Lena Shake at Harlem Shake is no ordinary milkshake. It is a tribute, a celebration, a sip of history wrapped in swirls of strawberry cheesecake richness.

Created in honor of Women’s History Month, this limited-time shake is a nod to Lena Horne, the Brooklyn-born icon whose elegance, resilience, and groundbreaking career forever shaped American entertainment. And just like the woman who inspired it, this shake is bold, sophisticated, and impossible to forget.

📍 Harlem Shake | 119 5th Avenueat Sterling Place—Park Slope | 100 West 124th StreetAt Lenox Avenue—Harlem

The Legacy Behind the Shake: Lena Horne’s Timeless Grace

Brooklyn-born but forever linked to Harlem’s electrifying cultural landscape, Lena Horne was more than a jazz singer and actress. She was a movement. With a voice that could stir souls and a presence that demanded attention. She shattered Hollywood’s glass ceilings as one of Hollywood’s first Black leading ladies. And refused roles that diminished her worth. Instead, she used her platform to champion civil rights and challenge injustice.

After spending her early years in Brooklyn, she moved to Harlem to live with her grandmother, immersing herself in the neighborhood’s creative energy. Harlem was not just a backdrop. It was the heartbeat of her artistry, shaping her into the trailblazer the world remembers today.

It is fitting, then, that Harlem Shake—a spot deeply embedded in the fabric of the Harlem neighborhood and now Brooklyn’s Park Slope—chose to honor her legacy with something as sweet and timeless as she was.

The Sweet Lena Shake: A Love Letter to Strawberry Cheesecake

At first glance, the Sweet Lena Shake is almost too pretty to drink. The pink hue is warm and inviting, swirling together with the creamy depth of cheesecake. It arrives topped with an airy, pink swirl marshmallow. Delicate yet playful, and crowned with an Oishii Strawberry, a rare, jewel-like fruit known for its luxurious sweetness.

The first sip is a revelation—rich, velvety, and indulgent, yet balanced. The strawberry is not cloying. Instead, it melds seamlessly into the cheesecake base, offering just the right amount of tang to cut through the creaminess. It is the kind of shake that coats your lips, forcing you to slow down and savor every last drop. Even for those who are not typically drawn to strawberry flavors, this one is different. It is refined, sophisticated, and layered. Like Lena herself, it carries a depth beyond what is expected.

With every sip of this indulgent 16oz strawberry cheesecake milkshake, you are not just treating yourself. You are also supporting a powerful cause. For every shake sold, $2 will be donated to Figure Skating in Harlem, the only organization in the U.S. dedicated to empowering Black and Brown girls through the art of figure skating.

But to truly experience the Sweet Lena Shake, one must go beyond the shake alone—pairing it with Harlem Shake’s best hits for a meal that is as indulgent as it is unforgettable.

Excellent Pairings: Burgers, Fries & A Shake That Steals the Show

If you are going to do it, do it right. Harlem Shake has mastered the art of fast casual comfort food with a touch of nostalgia. And when paired with the Sweet Lena Shake, these dishes take on an even more decadent allure.

• Hot Mess Burger: A classic burger turned all the way up. This beauty is stacked with a luscious bacon relish that is smoky, sweet, and just a little indulgent. But the real kicker? Pickled cherry peppers, add a bold, fiery bite that cuts through the richness, giving the burger a vibrant, mouthwatering heat. Juicy, messy, and packed with flavor, it is the kind of burger that demands napkins—and every single bite is worth it.
• Mama Fried Chicken Sandwich: A crispy, golden-fried chicken breast sits atop an impeccably fried green tomato, adding a subtle tang and crunch that sets this sandwich apart. The magic, though, is in the sauce—a velvety homemade ranch kissed with Mama’s hot sauce, delivering just the right balance of cool and heat. With every bite, it is a contrast of textures and flavors: the crispiness of the chicken, the creaminess of the ranch, and the gentle heat that lingers just long enough to keep you coming back for more.
• Cheese Fries or Jerk Fries: A shake and fries is a classic duo, but Harlem Shake’s Jerk Fries take it up a notch. Crisp, golden fries dusted in warm, smoky jerk seasoning provide an excellent contrast to the creamy shake, with just enough spice to make each sip of strawberry cheesecake even more satisfying. Do you prefer something more traditional? The Cheese Fries, with their gooey, melty allure, offer a luxurious, buttery complement to the Sweet Lena.

A Harlem Shake Must-Try: More Than Just a Milkshake

The Sweet Lena Shake is more than just a dessert—it is a moment. Its history swirled with indulgence, culture blended into creaminess. It is a sip of Harlem’s and Brooklyn’s past and present, tied together in a cup that demands to be savored.

And just like Lena Horne, it leaves a lasting impression.

Whether you are a Harlem local, a Brooklynite, or a visitor looking for an experience that feels like a love letter to the neighborhood, this shake belongs on your list. But do not wait too long—this tribute is only available for Women’s History Month, making it a fleeting indulgence worth every sip.

So, grab a shake, take a seat, and toast to Lena and the sweet taste of legacy well served.