S'mores Milkshake

The S'mores Milkshake is a tribute to the quintessential campfire treat, transforming its classic components into a sippable dessert. It blends creamy vanilla ice cream with milk, chocolate, and graham crackers to create a rich base. The signature element is the addition of toasted marshmallow flavor, often garnished with actual torched marshmallows, delivering a nostalgic and indulgent experience in a glass.
S'mores Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This is a non-alcoholic milkshake, placing it firmly in the dessert drink category. It's a blended beverage enjoyed for its rich, sweet, and creamy qualities rather than for refreshment or aperitif purposes.

Serving

Serve this substantial, non-alcoholic milkshake immediately after blending in a tall, decorated milkshake glass. It is best enjoyed ice-cold for the most refreshing experience.
Serving size
Approximately 450 ml / 15 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake Glass
Glass treatment
Rim the glass with crushed graham crackers and drizzle chocolate syrup inside.

Backstory

This milkshake doesn't have a single inventor but is a modern culinary creation inspired by the traditional American s'more. The s'more, a combination of toasted marshmallow, a piece of chocolate, and graham crackers, has been a campfire staple since the first recorded recipe appeared in a Girl Scout handbook in 1927. The milkshake version became popular in diners and ice cream parlors as a creative way to serve these beloved flavors.
Origin
The S'mores Milkshake is a modern American invention, originating in the United States. It's a direct descendant of the s'mores tradition, which dates back to the early 20th century. The milkshake adaptation likely emerged in the late 20th or early 21st century with the rise of gourmet and creative milkshakes.

S'mores Milkshake

The drink is universally known as the S'mores Milkshake, directly referencing the classic American campfire treat. Alternative names like "Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake" or "Campfire Milkshake" highlight its key flavor and nostalgic theme.
Original name
S'mores Milkshake
Alternative names
  • Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake
  • Campfire Milkshake

Characteristics overview

This milkshake offers a rich, creamy texture and a flavor profile dominated by sweet chocolate and smoky, toasted marshmallow. Its aroma is invitingly sweet, and it presents as a thick, light brown shake, perfect for any season when a decadent treat is desired.
Flavor
Sweet, Chocolate, Toasted marshmallow, Graham cracker, Creamy, Rich, Smoky
Aroma
Toasted sugar, Vanilla, Chocolate, Malt
Taste balance
Predominantly sweet
Aftertaste
Lingering sweetness, Creamy, Chocolate
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Light brown, Opaque, Thick, Often with swirls of chocolate and topped with whipped cream
Texture
Thick, Smooth, Creamy
Seasonality
All-season treat, Evokes summer campfire feelings

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely sweet and creamy, with no alcohol or carbonation. It has a slight bitterness from the chocolate and a hint of saltiness from the graham crackers to balance the overwhelming sweetness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients are vanilla ice cream and milk, which are blended with the classic s'mores trio: graham crackers, chocolate syrup, and toasted marshmallows. Whipped cream is an optional but highly recommended topping.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream4 large scoops (about 2 cups / 475 ml / 16 oz)
    A good quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream provides the best creamy base.
  • Whole Milk1/2 cup / 120 ml / 4 oz
    Adjust quantity for desired thickness.
  • Graham Crackers3 full sheets, crushed
    Reserve some for the rim garnish.
  • Chocolate Syrup2 tablespoons / 30 ml / 1 oz
    Use extra for drizzling inside the glass.
  • Large Marshmallows5, plus more for garnish
    Toasted before blending for authentic flavor.
  • Whipped CreamTo top(optional)
    Adds extra creaminess and a classic milkshake look.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

A high-powered blender is essential for a smooth consistency. You'll also need a kitchen torch or your oven's broiler to toast the marshmallows and unlock that signature s'mores flavor.
  • Blender: for combining all ingredients into a smooth shake.
  • Kitchen Torch or Broiler: for toasting the marshmallows.
  • Baking sheet: to place marshmallows on when broiling.

Instructions

The process involves preparing a decorated glass, toasting marshmallows to infuse a smoky flavor, and blending all components until smooth. The final step is to pour and garnish generously for the full s'mores effect.
1. Prepare the glass. Drizzle chocolate syrup along the inside of a tall milkshake glass. Dip the rim in a shallow plate of water, then into a plate of crushed graham crackers to create a rim.
2. Toast the marshmallows. Place 5 large marshmallows on a baking sheet and toast them under a broiler until golden brown, or toast them carefully with a kitchen torch. Watch them closely as they burn quickly.
3. Blend the milkshake. In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, 2.5 sheets of crushed graham crackers, chocolate syrup, and the 5 toasted marshmallows. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the drink. Pour the blended milkshake into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish and serve. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Garnish with more toasted marshmallows, a sprinkle of the remaining crushed graham cracker, and an extra drizzle of chocolate syrup. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

Garnishing is key to the s'mores experience; top the shake with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and freshly toasted marshmallows. A crushed graham cracker rim adds texture and visual appeal.
  • Toasted Marshmallows: Skewer and toast 2-3 large marshmallows and place on top.
  • Crushed Graham Cracker Rim: Dip the wet rim of the glass in crushed graham crackers before pouring.
  • Chocolate Syrup Drizzle: Drizzle extra syrup on top of the whipped cream and inside the glass.
  • Whipped Cream: A generous swirl on top.

Dietary Information

This milkshake contains dairy and gluten, and marshmallows often contain gelatin, making it unsuitable for vegans and some vegetarians. Note that soy may be present in the ice cream or chocolate syrup; check labels for specific dietary needs.
Contains alcohol
Caffeine-free
Dairy-free
Egg-free
Soy-free
Nut-free
Gluten-free
Vegan-friendly
Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a highly indulgent drink, very high in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar. It should be considered a dessert and enjoyed in moderation.
Calories
Approximately 700-900 kcal / 2930-3765 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 100-130 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 80-100 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This milkshake is perfect as a rich dessert or a special treat on a warm summer day. It's a huge hit at children's parties and serves as a delightful dose of nostalgia for adults.
  • Dessert
  • Summer treat
  • Children's party
  • Nostalgic indulgence

Pairing suggestions

Due to its richness, the S'mores Milkshake is best enjoyed on its own as a complete dessert. However, for a truly decadent meal, it can be paired with classic American comfort foods like a cheeseburger or salty french fries to balance the intense sweetness.
  • As a standalone dessert
  • Classic American diner food like burgers and fries
  • Salty snacks like pretzels to contrast the sweetness

The Campfire Classic in a Glass: The S'mores Milkshake

The S'mores Milkshake is the ultimate dessert in a glass, masterfully recreating a cherished campfire tradition. It's a thick, creamy, and incredibly sweet blend of vanilla, chocolate, graham cracker, and the unmistakable taste of toasted marshmallow. Easy to make at home, this non-alcoholic treat delights all ages with its rich flavors and nostalgic charm, making any day feel like a summer night by the fire.

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