Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake

The moment I got my driver's license, I drove straight to the local ice cream stand and ordered their signature mint chocolate chip shake. It was midnight and the neon sign buzzed overhead as I sat on the hood of my car, milkshake in hand, feeling like I had conquered the world. Now whenever I make these at home, that same electric green swirl takes me back to that first taste of freedom and summer air thick with possibilities.

Last summer my nieces came over for a sleepover and demanded milkshakes. I accidentally doubled the peppermint extract and we all spent the next hour laughing through brain freeze and minty fresh breath. They still talk about "the night Auntie made the超强 milkshakes" every time they visit.

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream: The base that makes everything creamy and rich—let it soften for 5 minutes for easier blending
• Whole milk: Creates the perfect pourable consistency, though any milk works in a pinch
• Peppermint extract: A little goes a long way, so measure carefully
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Roughly chopped for those satisfying chunks throughout every sip
• Green food coloring: Optional, but somehow makes it taste more minty
• Whipped cream: Homemade or store-bought, the more the better
• Chocolate shavings: For that Instagram-worthy finish
• Fresh mint leaves: Makes it look fancy and tastes like a garden

Instructions

Gather your crew:

Scooping ice cream is always better with someone else in the kitchen

Blend the base:

Combine ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring until smooth and velvety

Add the chips:

Pulse briefly so chocolate stays chunky and scattered throughout

Pour and crown:

Divide between two glasses and pile on whipped cream like a cloud

Finish with flair:

Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and tuck in a mint leaf before serving

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My roommate in college would make these during finals week as a stress relief ritual. We would sit on the kitchen floor at 2 AM, sipping mint chocolate chip shakes and quizzing each other on flashcards. Somehow the mint cleared our minds and the chocolate gave us courage.

Getting the Perfect Texture

I have learned that milk thickness is personal. My grandmother preferred hers thin enough to drink through a straw, while my dad likes his so thick the straw stands up straight. Start with less milk and add more until it matches your mood.

Making It Fancy

Roll the rims of your glasses in crushed chocolate chips before pouring. It sounds excessive until you try it, then suddenly every milkshake needs this treatment. The tiny chocolate shards that fall into the drink as you sip are the best part.

Scaling for a Crowd

When my daughter turned eight, she requested a milkshake bar instead of cake. We set out bowls of different toppings and let kids create their own combinations. The mint chocolate chip station ran out first, and I have never seen so many green mustaches in one room.

• Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand
• Prepare all toppings before blending anything
• Blend in batches if making more than four servings

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Some days call for a milkshake for breakfast, and I have decided those are the best kind of days.

Recipe FAQs

→ What ingredients give the milkshake its mint flavor?

Peppermint extract is used to provide the refreshing mint taste, balanced by the vanilla ice cream and chocolate chips.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substituting regular ice cream and milk with non-dairy alternatives works well without sacrificing creaminess.

→ How can I make the milkshake thicker or thinner?

Use less milk for a thicker consistency or add more milk to thin it out according to your preference.

→ What is the purpose of adding green food coloring?

Green food coloring is optional and used to enhance the minty appearance without affecting the flavor.

→ How should I garnish this milkshake?

Top with whipped cream and sprinkle chocolate chips or shavings, and optionally add fresh mint leaves for a decorative touch.