Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake

My youngest daughter discovered mint chocolate chip milkshakes at a roadside ice cream stand during our summer road trip through the California coast. She spent the entire three hour drive home describing exactly how the whipped cream melted into the minty creaminess. That next weekend, we recreated the experience in our kitchen, and now it is become our Friday night tradition when the weather turns warm.

Last summer our neighbor boys came over after baseball practice and I made a double batch of these milkshakes. Watching their eyes widen when I topped each glass with that cloud of freshly whipped cream was absolutely priceless. One of them actually asked if I worked at an ice cream parlor, which might be the best compliment I have ever received in my kitchen.

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream: Creates the perfect creamy base that lets the mint shine through without overwhelming your tastebuds
• Whole milk: Essential for achieving that drinkable consistency, though any milk works in a pinch
• Peppermint extract: A tiny bit goes an incredibly long way, so start with less and taste as you go
• Mini chocolate chips: Distribute evenly throughout the shake so every sip has those delightful chocolatey moments
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped fresh, it transforms this milkshake into something that feels completely special

Instructions

Whip the cream first:

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form, then pop it in the fridge to stay fluffy while you make the shakes.

Blend the base:

Combine vanilla ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring in your blender and puree until completely smooth and streak-free.

Add the chocolate:

Toss in those mini chocolate chips and pulse just a couple of times so they stay chunky and dispersed throughout.

Assemble with care:

Pour the minty shake into two tall glasses, then crown each one generously with your prepared whipped cream.

Finish it beautifully:

Sprinkle extra chocolate chips or shavings on top, maybe add a fresh mint leaf, and serve immediately with colorful straws.

Save

My grandmother used to say that some desserts are meant to be messy affairs enjoyed with good company. These milkshakes have brought more laughter to our kitchen table than almost anything else I make, especially when everyone leans in at once for that first sip.

Getting the Perfect Consistency

After making countless milkshakes, I have learned that starting with slightly softened ice cream makes all the difference between a silky smooth drink and one with frustrating icy chunks. Leave your ice cream on the counter for about five minutes before scooping, and you will achieve that professional texture every single time.

Making It Dairy Free

One of my dearest friends is lactose intolerant, and we have perfected a dairy free version that actually rivals the original. Coconut milk based ice creams blended with oat milk create an incredibly creamy result, and coconut whipped cream is surprisingly easy to make at home with just a can of full fat coconut milk chilled overnight.

Presentation Secrets

The most memorable milkshakes are always the ones that look as good as they taste, and I have picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference in how special these feel.

• Chill your glasses in the freezer for at least ten minutes before pouring to keep everything icy cold longer
• Drag a little chocolate syrup down the inside of the glass before adding the milkshake for that classic soda shop look
• Use a piping bag to add the whipped cream in pretty swirls instead of just spooning it on top

Save

There is something almost magical about how a simple milkshake can turn an ordinary afternoon into a tiny celebration, and I hope this recipe brings as many joyful moments to your kitchen as it has to mine.