This bourbon chocolate milkshake is the perfect adult shake. It combines vanilla ice cream, your favorite bourbon infused with vanilla, and baking cocoa for a dessert that doubles as a nightcap.
This recipe is an old favorite from the time I worked as a brand ambassador for Rodelle, a company known for high-quality baking extracts and gourmet spices. I first developed it after winning the Windy City Bloggers/Rodelle contest with my take on Rodelle’s carrot cake. That experience led to a series of recipe collaborations, and this boozy bourbon chocolate milkshake remains my top pick.
Rather than using vodka like the original Rodelle recipes that inspired this—Rodelle’s Boozy Cocoa Shakes and their Vanilla Bean–infused vodka—I swapped in bourbon. If you enjoy the depth and warmth of bourbon, this version will appeal to you.
To make the most fragrant bourbon, infuse it with vanilla the day before you plan to make the shakes. Split two vanilla beans lengthwise, place them in a mason jar, cover them with bourbon, seal the jar, and give it a good shake. Let it sit at least 24 hours so the vanilla flavor develops. If you know you’ll make this again in the future, prepare the bourbon in advance and store it for later use.
Bourbon Chocolate Milkshake
This boozy bourbon chocolate milkshake blends vanilla, cocoa, malted milk powder and a coffee liqueur with vanilla-infused bourbon for a rich, adult treat. It’s simple to prepare and yields a creamy, chocolate-forward milkshake with a warm bourbon finish.
Start by sifting the dry ingredients—baking cocoa and malted milk powder—into a small bowl. Sifting helps remove lumps and makes blending smoother, so use a bowl large enough to avoid spills.
Combine the ice cream, sifted dry ingredients, Kahlua (or another coffee liqueur), and one ounce of the vanilla-infused bourbon in a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into chilled glasses. The result is creamy, boozy, and perfectly balanced between chocolate and vanilla with a hint of coffee.
This recipe is quick to make and indulgent enough to become a go-to for warm days or as a dessert cocktail. If you’re planning ahead, remember to infuse the bourbon with vanilla beans at least one day before serving.
Boozy Bourbon Chocolate Milkshake
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5 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
Desserts
American
2 milkshakes
788kcal
Ingredients
- 2 vanilla beans
- 1 cup bourbon
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 tablespoon baking cocoa
- 3 tablespoons malted milk powder
- 1 ounce Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
Instructions
- Split the vanilla beans lengthwise, being careful not to scrape out the seeds. Place the beans in a mason jar, cover with bourbon, seal tightly, and shake. Let infuse at least 24 hours before using.
- Sift the baking cocoa and malted milk powder into a small bowl. Add the vanilla ice cream, sifted dry ingredients, Kahlua, and 1 ounce of the vanilla-infused bourbon to a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into glasses.
Nutrition
Calories: 788 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 62 g |
Protein: 9 g |
Fat: 24 g
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If you enjoy bourbon cocktails, consider trying other bourbon drinks such as a raspberry sweet tea cocktail or a hibiscus honey mint julep for more seasonal variations.