Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake

The air conditioning had broken during the hottest July week I can remember, and my brother suggested milkshakes for lunch. Why not We blended up mint chocolate chip versions that afternoon, sitting on the kitchen floor in our underwear, cups sweating onto the linoleum, cooling ourselves from the inside out with every sip.

Last summer my neighbor's daughter ran through our sprinkler while I made these on the back porch. She pressed her nose against the screen door, watching the blender spin green, and I handed her a frosted glass through the door. She drank the whole thing standing on the patio, drips running down her chin, asking if I could make one every day forever.

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream: Creates the perfect creamy base that lets the mint shine through without competing flavors
• Whole milk: Essential for the right consistency though any milk works in a pinch
• Pure peppermint extract: A little goes a long way so start conservative and taste as you go
• Mini chocolate chips: Distribute more evenly than regular chips and blend beautifully
• Green food coloring: Totally optional but that signature green makes it feel more authentic
• Heavy whipping cream: Fresh whipped cream makes all the difference versus the canned stuff
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream perfectly

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 firm up while you make the shakes.

Blend the base:

Combine vanilla ice cream milk peppermint extract and food coloring in a blender and mix until completely smooth and spearmint green.

Add the chocolate:

Toss in the mini chocolate chips and pulse just once or twice so they stay chunky and visible throughout.

Pour and crown:

Divide between two tall glasses and top each with a generous cloud of that chilled whipped cream.

Finish with flair:

Sprinkle extra chocolate chips or shavings on top plus a fresh mint leaf if you have one then serve immediately.

Save

My grandmother kept mint in her garden but never once used it for milkshakes. She dried it for tea or pressed it into sugar for shortbread cookies. I sometimes wonder what she would say about this electric green version probably something kind about how times change but good things stay the same.

Getting the Texture Right

The ratio of ice cream to milk matters more than you might think. Too much milk and you are drinking flavored milk. Too little and the straw collapses under the pressure. I have found that two cups of ice cream to one cup of milk hits the sweet spot every single time.

Making It Dairy Free

Plant based ice creams have come such a long way and the oat milk versions blend up surprisingly creamy. The trick is letting the ice cream soften on the counter for about five minutes before blending or you will end up with a sad thin situation that nobody asked for.

Serving Suggestions

Tall glass milkshakes deserve proper presentation but do not overthink it. A wide straw makes all the difference especially when those chocolate chip chunks start floating up.

• Chill your glasses in the freezer for ten minutes beforehand
• Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of the whipped cream
• Serve immediately because time is the enemy of perfect texture

Save

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that stick with you longest a five minute treat that can turn an ordinary Tuesday afternoon into something that feels like a tiny celebration.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use dairy-free alternatives for this shake?

Yes, you can substitute plant-based ice cream and milk, along with coconut whipped cream, to make a dairy-free version.

→ How do I achieve the best whipped cream texture?

Chill your mixing bowl and beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form for fluffy, stable whipped cream.

→ What is the role of peppermint extract in this drink?

Peppermint extract provides the refreshing mint flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate chips and creamy base.

→ Can I add food coloring for a visual effect?

Yes, a few drops of green food coloring can enhance the shake’s minty appearance without affecting flavor.

→ How do I keep the chocolate chips evenly distributed?

Pulse the chocolate chips briefly in the blender after the base is smooth to maintain small, delightful chunks.