Step by step

Method

4 steps

1. 1

   Chill a tall glass in the freezer for a few minutes if you want the shake to stay cold longer.

2. 2

   Add 3 scoops chocolate ice cream (about 1½ cups), ½ cup cold milk (start here; use half-and-half for richer), and 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup to a blender.

3. 3

   Blend until smooth and thick, 20–40 seconds — it should look creamy and move slowly when you tilt the blender. Add more milk for a thinner shake, or another scoop of ice cream if it's too thin. Taste and blend in another tablespoon of chocolate syrup if you want it richer.

4. 4

   Pour into the chilled glass. Top with whipped cream if you like, and serve with a straw right away. You want a thick chocolate milkshake that barely climbs the straw — not a thin chocolate milk or an ice-cream brick that won't blend.