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Classic Chocolate Milkshake

Cold · Classic

Classic Chocolate Milkshake

A thick, old-fashioned diner chocolate shake: three main ingredients, spoon optional.

Prep
5 min
Total
5 min
Serves
1
Calories
605

ColdClassicKid-friendlyDessert5 minutes

Jump to recipe

The ratio is everything: lots of ice cream, very little milk. Let the ice cream soften for 5 minutes so it blends without extra liquid.

Ingredients

1 serving

You’ll need: Blender

Method

  1. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.

  2. Add the milk, chocolate syrup and vanilla to the blender, then the ice cream.

  3. Blend on low just until smooth: overblending makes it thin.

  4. Pour into a chilled glass and top with whipped cream.

Tips

  • Chill the glass in the freezer for 10 minutes first.

  • Vanilla ice cream + 3 tbsp chocolate syrup also works.

Nutrition per serving, approximate

Calories
605
Protein
11g
Carbs
85g
Sugar
74g
Fiber
3g
Fat
26g
Caffeine
10mg

Estimated from standard USDA values for the ingredients listed; brands vary.

Variations

  • Malt: Add 2 tbsp malted milk powder: see our chocolate malt.

  • Mocha shake: Add 1 tsp instant espresso.

Nutrition at a glance

One serving has about 605 calories, 74 g sugar, 11 g protein and about 10 mg caffeine. Values are estimates from USDA data for the exact amounts listed; your chocolate brand and milk change them: check your version with our chocolate drink calorie calculator.

Storing and reheating

Cold chocolate drinks are best right away. Leftover chocolate milk or syrup-based drinks keep 2-3 days in the fridge; shake before serving. Milkshakes don’t keep: freeze leftovers as ice pops instead.

Choosing your chocolate

For drinks made with cocoa powder, Dutch-process gives a darker, smoother, mellower cup and natural cocoa a brighter, fruitier one. For melted chocolate, use a bar you’d enjoy eating: chips contain stabilizers that resist melting. See our cocoa and hot chocolate mix reviews and cocoa powder guide.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a milkshake thicker?

Use less milk and more ice cream, and blend briefly.

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Gear for this recipe

Godiva Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.4 · Best for the richest dark-chocolate cup from a tin

Velvety and deeply chocolatey without being too sweet: the mix that tastes closest to melted dark chocolate. It’s pricey and often sells out in winter.

Type
Hot cocoa mix
Size
14.5 oz tin
Cost
about $1.30 per oz
Make with
With milk
From $18.50Check price Full review

Ghirardelli 100% Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.4 · Best for the best all-purpose cocoa for scratch hot chocolate

A top pick in America’s Test Kitchen’s cocoa tasting for complex, layered chocolate flavor. Comes in natural and Dutch-process versions.

Type
Cocoa powder
Size
8 oz
Cost
about $1 per oz
Make with
Make from scratch
From $8Check price Full review

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