This Black Milkshake is the perfect spooky treat for Halloween, and it’s super easy to make! It’s creamy, sweet, and has that cool dark color that makes it look like something right out of a fun Halloween party. The shake usually gets its color from black food coloring or crushed black cookies, which add a little crunch and flavor to every sip.
I love making this milkshake when I want something festive but quick. You basically just blend together vanilla ice cream, milk, and your black coloring or cookie mix, and you have a deliciously creepy drink in minutes. It’s a great way to impress friends without any fuss or fancy ingredients.
My favorite way to serve it is with whipped cream on top and maybe some candy eyes or sprinkles for a fun spooky touch. It’s an easy way to bring Halloween vibes to the kitchen and a guaranteed smile to everyone’s face. Whether it’s for a party or just a cozy night in, this black milkshake always hits the spot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vanilla Ice Cream: This is the base of your milkshake and gives it creaminess. If you prefer dairy-free, try using coconut or almond milk ice cream, which blends just as well.
Black Cocoa Powder or Activated Charcoal: These give the shake its striking black color. Black cocoa has a rich chocolate flavor, while activated charcoal is flavor-neutral but safe to use in small amounts. You can also blend in crushed black cookies for texture and color.
Milk: Whole milk works best for a creamy texture, but any milk or milk alternative will do. Just adjust the amount to get your preferred thickness.
Rimming Sugar or Crushed Cookies: Black sanding sugar or finely crushed chocolate cookies make the glass rim festive and add extra crunch. If you don’t have black sugar, crushed Oreos work great, too.
Black Chocolate Syrup: This adds sweetness and a fun drip effect. You can use regular chocolate syrup mixed with a drop of black food coloring as an easy substitute.
How Do I Get That Perfect Smooth & Dark Black Milkshake?
Getting the black color smooth and even is key to a spooky milkshake. Here’s how I do it:
- Use a high-speed blender to mix the ice cream, milk, and black cocoa (or charcoal) powder until smooth and creamy.
- Add the black powder gradually—start with one tablespoon, blend, then add more if you want a darker color.
- If the shake is too thick, add milk a little at a time until it’s easy to pour.
- Blend just enough to mix ingredients well, but not so much that the shake gets watery.
This method keeps the milkshake deliciously creamy with a bold black color that’s perfect for Halloween.
Equipment You’ll Need
- High-speed blender – I find it helps blend the ice cream smoothly and quickly for a creamy shake.
- Rimming dish or shallow plate – ideal for coating the glass rim with sugar or crushed cookies.
- Serving glass – a tall glass shows off the beautiful dark color and makes for a festive presentation.
- Spatula or spoon – handy for scraping down ingredients and pouring the shake.
- Straw – a fun striped paper straw adds a Halloween touch and makes sipping easier.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips or crushed cookies in the shake – add texture and extra chocolate flavor.
- Swirl in caramel or fudge sauce – creates tasty contrast and a richer treat.
- Use different ice cream flavors like mint or cookies and cream – change the flavor while keeping the look.
- Top with colorful sprinkles or Halloween-themed candies – adds a fun, festive finishing touch.
Black Milkshake Recipe (Super Easy Halloween Milkshake!)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Milkshake:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup whole milk (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1-2 tablespoons black cocoa powder or activated charcoal powder (food grade)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Glass & Topping:
- Black sanding sugar or crushed chocolate cookies (for rimming the glass)
- Black chocolate syrup or fudge sauce (for drizzling)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Optional: black sprinkles or edible glitter for garnish
- Orange and white striped paper straws (for a festive touch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5–7 minutes to prep and blend, plus a few minutes to decorate and serve. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a last-minute Halloween treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Lightly moisten the rim of your glass with water or chocolate syrup, then dip it into black sanding sugar or crushed chocolate cookies. This makes a festive, crunchy rim and sets the spooky tone. Set the glass aside.
2. Make the Black Milkshake:
In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, black cocoa or activated charcoal powder, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a little more milk if you want it thinner or blend a bit more ice cream for a thicker shake.
3. Drizzle and Pour:
Drizzle black chocolate syrup or fudge sauce down the inside edge of the rim-coated glass, allowing it to drip for a cool spooky effect. Pour the black milkshake carefully into the glass.
4. Top and Garnish:
Top generously with whipped cream. Add more black chocolate syrup over the whipped cream. Sprinkle black sprinkles or edible glitter for extra fun if you like.
5. Serve:
Add a festive orange and white striped paper straw, and your black milkshake is ready to enjoy! Perfect for Halloween parties or cozy, spooky nights in.
Can I Use Frozen or Non-Dairy Ice Cream?
Yes! Frozen ice cream is actually ideal for a thick shake. For non-dairy options, use coconut, almond, or soy-based ice cream — just make sure it’s firm and creamy for the best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Black Cocoa Powder or Activated Charcoal?
If you don’t have black cocoa or activated charcoal, crushed Oreo cookies work great to add both color and flavor. You can also add a few drops of black food coloring to regular cocoa powder or chocolate syrup.
How Do I Store Leftover Milkshake?
Milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir well before drinking, as the shake may separate a bit.
Can I Make This Milkshake Ahead of Time?
It’s best to make the milkshake right before serving to keep it cold and creamy. If you need to prep, blend the ingredients minus the whipped cream and toppings, then refrigerate and blend again briefly before serving.