Classic Chocolate Milkshake
A quintessential sweet treat, the Classic Chocolate Milkshake blends velvety chocolate ice cream with cold milk and a generous drizzle of chocolate syrup. It's a timeless favorite for its simple yet deeply satisfying flavor profile. Perfect for all ages, it delivers a thick, creamy texture and a rich chocolate taste that is both comforting and refreshing.

Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Classic Chocolate Milkshake is a quintessential example of a non-alcoholic milkshake. It is categorized as a sweet, creamy beverage perfect for dessert or as a standalone treat for all ages.
Serving
Served ice-cold in a tall, chilled milkshake glass, this is a substantial, non-alcoholic beverage enjoyed for its creamy thickness.
Serving size
350-400 ml / 12-14 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
Milkshakes became popular in the early 20th century with the invention of the electric blender. Initially, the term referred to alcoholic whiskey drinks. The modern, ice cream-based version we know today emerged around the 1920s and quickly became a beloved staple in soda fountains and diners across America.
Origin
United States, early 20th century.
Classic Chocolate Milkshake
This beverage is widely known as a Classic Chocolate Milkshake. It is also commonly shortened to "Chocolate Shake" or the more playful "Choco-Shake" in casual settings and diner menus.
Original name
Classic Chocolate Milkshake
Alternative names
- Chocolate Shake
- Choco-Shake
Characteristics overview
This is a thick, velvety shake with a rich chocolate flavor and a sweet dairy aroma, offering a purely sweet taste profile. It's a non-fizzy, opaque brown beverage that is refreshing any time of year.
Flavor
Chocolatey, creamy, sweet, rich, milky, velvety
Aroma
Chocolate, vanilla, sweet dairy
Taste balance
Sweet
Aftertaste
Sweet, chocolatey, creamy
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Brown, opaque, thick
Texture
Thick, creamy, smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season
Flavor intensity & Experience
A very creamy and intensely sweet drink with a pronounced chocolate flavor. It has no alcohol, saltiness, sourness, or carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need three core ingredients: good quality chocolate ice cream, whole milk, and chocolate syrup. Optional toppings like whipped cream and a cherry complete the classic look.
- Chocolate Ice Cream3 large scoopsGood quality, full-fat ice cream provides the best texture and flavor.
- Whole Milk120 ml / 4 ozUse less milk for a thicker shake, more for a thinner one.
- Chocolate Syrup30 ml / 1 ozAdds extra chocolate flavor and sweetness.
- Whipped CreamFor topping(optional)A classic garnish for a diner-style presentation.
- Maraschino Cherry1(optional)The final touch for a classic look.
Ice type
- None
Mixing equipments
A powerful blender is the only essential piece of equipment needed to achieve the perfect thick and smooth consistency of a milkshake.
- Blender: for blending the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Instructions
Simply blend the ice cream, milk, and syrup until smooth and creamy. Then, pour into a chilled glass and finish with your favorite toppings like whipped cream and a cherry.
1. Place your serving glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to chill it.
2. Combine the chocolate ice cream, milk, and chocolate syrup in the pitcher of a blender.
3. Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and has reached your desired consistency.
4. Pour the milkshake into the pre-chilled glass.
5. Top with a generous amount of whipped cream, drizzle with more chocolate syrup, and place a maraschino cherry on top.
6. Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon.
Garnishing
Garnish generously with a swirl of whipped cream, an extra drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a single maraschino cherry for a picture-perfect presentation.
- Whipped Cream: Add a generous swirl on top of the milkshake.
- Chocolate Syrup: Drizzle over the whipped cream.
- Maraschino Cherry: Place one on the very top of the whipped cream.
Dietary Information
This vegetarian drink contains dairy and may contain soy from the ice cream or syrup. While typically egg-free and nut-free, it contains a small amount of caffeine from the chocolate.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✕ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is an indulgent, high-calorie treat that is very high in carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the ice cream and syrup.
Calories
Averagely 550-700 kcal / 2301-2929 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 70-90 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 65-85 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This milkshake is perfect as a decadent dessert, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a fun celebratory drink. It serves as a comforting treat that evokes nostalgia and simple pleasures.
- Dessert
- Snack
- Celebration
- Comfort Food
Pairing suggestions
This milkshake is a classic pairing for American diner fare like a juicy burger and crispy fries. The sweet and creamy profile beautifully contrasts with salty snacks. For a pure dessert experience, it's wonderful alongside warm cookies or a rich brownie.
- Burger and Fries
- Salty Snacks (like Pretzels or Popcorn)
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- A warm Brownie
The Ultimate Classic Chocolate Milkshake
The Classic Chocolate Milkshake is a timeless American dessert drink, beloved for its rich, creamy texture and deep chocolate flavor. It is incredibly easy to make, requiring just ice cream, milk, and syrup blended to perfection in under five minutes. Served cold in a tall, frosted glass and often crowned with whipped cream and a cherry, it's a nostalgic and indulgent treat suitable for any occasion that calls for something sweet and satisfying.