McDonald’s Chocolate Shake Recipe

Thick, creamy, and decadent: that’s the McDonald’s chocolate shake recipe we all know and love.

But if you’re not in the mood to go out, you can always make a copycat at home. This recipe has you covered.

Besides, no matter how good Mickey D’s shakes are, nothing beats homemade.

This chocolate shake is thick and luscious, and arguably even better than the original. It’s more affordable, to boot.

And the great thing is, once you know the basic recipe, you’re free to make your own variations. Let your creative juices (or shakes) flow!

Make your lazy afternoon extra fun and chill with this McDonald’s chocolate shake recipe. Three ingredients are all you’ll need. 

McDonald’s Chocolate Shake Recipe 

McDonald’s isn’t just about the burgers and fries.

The world-famous fast-food chain also has a myriad of sinful beverages to offer, from lattes to macchiatos to shakes.

This copycat recipe for McDonald’s classic chocolate shake is pretty impressive.

It’s nothing fancy, in fact, it’s just a blend of ice cream, milk, and chocolate drink mix. But it’s scrumptious just the same.

It’s sweet, creamy, refreshing, and the perfect drink to beat the heat!

How Do You Make a McDonald’s Chocolate Shake?

It’s as easy as 1-2-3. You start by popping the serving glasses in the freezer.

This recipe makes two (12-ounce) shakes. The glasses need to chill for at least 15 minutes so that the shakes stay cold longer.

Now, place the ice cream, milk, and chocolate drink mix in the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Blending will take only about 20 or 30 seconds. 

Pour the shake into the prepared glasses and that’s it! You can top the shake with whipped cream and cherry for extra flair, but it’s fantastic as it is.

What are the Ingredients in a McDonald’s Chocolate Shake? 

The shake has just three ingredients, and they’re all basic:

Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic flavor that serves as a blank canvas for milkshakes. That’s the great thing about using vanilla. It’s so versatile, you can dress it up however you please. If you want your shake to be extra chocolatey, use chocolate ice cream instead. 

Milk – This recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups, but you can add more or less depending on how thick you want your shake to be. Also, the recipe says low-fat, but feel free to go full-fat for a thicker shake.

Nestle Nesquik chocolate drink mix – The key ingredient that turns the vanilla milkshake into chocolate. 

Tips for the Best Shake 

• No one wants a room temperature shake. If you want your shake to stay cold longer, freeze the serving glasses for at least 15 minutes. This way, you won’t have to sip in a rush.
• Don’t make the shake in advance. Shakes only take 5 minutes to make, and even with the tip above, they will still melt pretty quickly. Be sure you make it when you’re ready to serve.
• This recipe uses low-fat milk, you know, just to lessen the guilt. But if you like a thicker shake, opt for full-fat milk. If you really don’t mind the calories, go for heavy cream or half-and-half!
• If you want an extra-thick shake, add more ice cream or less milk. Keep adjusting until you reach your desired consistency.
• Use real ice cream. This is key to a thick, rich, and creamy shake. Also, besides vanilla, you can use whatever ice cream flavor you like. You’re free to make it your own.
• However, if you’re really craving shake but don’t want the added pounds, use frozen yogurt instead of ice cream. It won’t be as thick, so you’ll want to blend a cup of ice into the shake.
• Jazz up the shake by topping it with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and a maraschino cherry. You can also drizzle chocolate syrup on the sides of the glass before pouring the shake. 
• Once you know the basics, the sky’s the limit. You can switch things up by using different powder mixes, ice cream flavors, and toppings! Here are some variation ideas:
  • Strawberry milkshake – Instead of Nesquik chocolate mix, add 3 tablespoons of strawberry mix. Throw in fresh or frozen strawberries to the mix.
  • Classic vanilla milkshake – Instead of Nesquik, add 3 tablespoons of sugar.
  • Autumn shake – Add a dash of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to the vanilla shake variation.
  • McFlurry shake – Instead of Nesquik, add a tablespoon of sugar and 3 Oreo cookies.
  • Chocolate hazelnut shake – Add a tablespoon of Nutella or any hazelnut spread.
  • Chocolate peanut butter shake –  Add a tablespoon of your favorite peanut butter.
  • Chocolate banana shake – Add a whole frozen banana. Slice it into chunks for easier blending.
  • Butter pecan shake – Use butter pecan ice cream and add sugar instead of Nesquik. Top with crushed pecans.
• Topping Ideas:
  • Crushed cookies and candies  – Oreos, Heath bars, chocolate chip cookies, Skittles, peppermint candies, sprinkles
  • Chocolate chips – Dark, milk, white; also, butterscotch and peanut butter chips
  • Sauces – Chocolate, hot fudge, caramel, strawberry, blueberry
  • Crushed nuts – Toasted pecans, almonds, hazelnuts
  • Fruits – Sliced bananas and strawberries, blueberries, raspberries

How to Make a Milkshake Without a Blender

No blender, no problem. With a bit of ingenuity, you can do anything! 

If you read the recipe card, you’ll notice that most of the ingredients are pretty easy to combine. The only tricky part is the ice cream. 

Ice cream is too thick when frozen, so what do you do? Easy – pop it in the microwave!

In just, 15 to 30 seconds, it’ll melt enough that it’s easy to blend.

Drop the scoops of ice cream into a mason jar and microwave. Pour the milk and Nesquik mix or sugar and seal the jar.

Give the jar a good shake until the ingredients are well blended.

If there are a few lumps here and there, use a spoon to mix. Pour the shake into a glass and that’s it! Smart idea, huh?

Try these other McDonald’s copycat recipes with your shake for an at-home fast-food feast!