Green Mint Chip Milkshake

Standing in my kitchen during that July heatwave, I couldn't bear the thought of turning on the oven. The mint plant on my windowsill caught my eye, and suddenly I was transported back to childhood summers and the distinct rattle of chocolate chips hitting the blender jar. Within minutes, I was sipping on a bright green minty concoction that lowered the temperature of my entire being.

Last summer, my nephew declared he hated mint in any form until I challenged him to try just one sip of this milkshake. The skepticism on his face melted into wide-eyed wonder, and before I knew it, he was asking for the recipe to show his mom. Now its become our special thing whenever he visits, complete with exaggerated slurping sounds and green mustaches.

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream: Use the good stuff here, preferably with real vanilla beans visible, as it creates a richer base that lets the mint flavor shine without being overwhelming.
• Peppermint extract: I learned the hard way that mint extract and peppermint extract produce totally different results, with the latter giving that clean, cool finish rather than toothpaste vibes.
• Mini chocolate chips: These tiny morsels distribute better than regular chips and create the perfect chocolate-to-ice-cream ratio in each sip, preventing clogged straws.
• Green food coloring: Totally optional but adds that nostalgic visual cue that makes everyone smile a bit wider when you hand them their glass.

Instructions

Prep your blender:

Make sure your blender is completely dry before adding ingredients, as water droplets can affect the creamy texture we're aiming for.

Create your base:

Add the vanilla ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, and green food coloring to your blender. The ice cream should be firm but not rock-hard for the best texture.

Find the perfect consistency:

Blend until smooth but watch carefully, as overmixing can make it too thin. You want it to be spoonable but still drinkable.

Add the chocolate magic:

Gently pulse in the mini chocolate chips just 2-3 times. You'll hear them bouncing around, creating that perfect distribution without turning them into chocolate dust.

Pour with purpose:

Use a spatula to guide every last creamy drop into tall glasses. The green color should be vibrant and inviting against the glass.

Garnish gorgeously:

Crown your creation with a swirl of whipped cream, scatter additional mini chips, and tuck in a sprig of fresh mint. The contrast of textures makes each sip an adventure.

Save

On my sister's birthday last year, I served these shakes as a surprise after dinner, carrying them out with little paper umbrellas and striped straws. The look of childlike delight on her face, momentarily forgetting she was turning forty, reminded me how food can transport us through time and connect us to simpler moments of pure joy.

Customization Ideas

Through countless iterations in my kitchen, Ive discovered this shake transforms beautifully with small tweaks. Swapping dark chocolate chips for white chocolate creates a more delicate flavor profile, while a splash of coffee liqueur (for adults only) adds sophisticated depth. For holiday gatherings, crushing candy canes as a garnish turns this into a festive treat that disappears faster than you can say peppermint.

Make It Dietary-Friendly

After my friend Sarah was diagnosed with lactose intolerance, I was determined she wouldnt miss out on our milkshake tradition. Substituting coconut milk ice cream and almond milk creates a version thats surprisingly comparable to the original, with a slightly tropical undertone that pairs wonderfully with the mint. The chocolate chips can be swapped for dairy-free versions without anyone noticing the difference.

Serving Suggestions

The presentation of this milkshake elevates it from casual treat to memorable dessert experience. I discovered this by accident when serving it at a summer dinner party alongside sliced strawberries, creating a stunning visual contrast that had guests reaching for their phones.

• Serve in chilled glasses with colorful paper straws and long spoons to encourage both sipping and spooning.
• For parties, offer a toppings bar with various sprinkles, chocolate sauces, and crushed cookies for customization.
• Pair with a simple butter cookie or chocolate wafer on the side for textural contrast and dunking opportunities.

Save

This milkshake reminds us that sometimes the simplest pleasures create the strongest memories. Whether youre cooling down on a hot summer day or creating a special moment with someone you love, there's something about that green glass of minty goodness that brings out the child in all of us.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this shake thicker or thinner?

Yes, adjust the milk quantity to your preference. Use less milk for a thicker shake or add more milk for a thinner consistency.

→ How do I keep the chocolate chips from breaking apart?

Pulse the chips just 2-3 times after adding them to the blender. This distributes them throughout without pulverizing them completely.

→ Is there a vegan version of this shake?

Absolutely. Substitute non-dairy ice cream and plant-based milk for the traditional versions to create a fully vegan milkshake.

→ What if I don't want the green color?

Simply omit the green food coloring, or use natural food coloring alternatives. The shake will be white or pale green from the peppermint extract alone.

→ What garnish options work best?

Top with whipped cream, extra mini chocolate chips, and fresh mint leaves for a classic presentation. These garnishes add both flavor and visual appeal.