This Black Milkshake is a fun and spooky treat that’s perfect for Halloween. It’s a creamy, cold shake with a deep black color that makes it both eerie and exciting to drink. Made with simple ingredients like chocolate ice cream and a touch of black food coloring or activated charcoal, this milkshake looks impressive but comes together in no time.
I love making this milkshake because it’s so easy and always a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a playful twist on a classic chocolate milkshake with that cool dark color that fits right into Halloween vibes. I usually top it with whipped cream and maybe some spooky sprinkles or a little candy eye to make it extra festive.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this shake is while watching a Halloween movie or handing it out at a little spooky party. It’s a simple treat that makes the weekend feel special without requiring a lot of effort. If you’re looking to impress your friends or family with something quick but creative, this black milkshake is definitely the way to go.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Ice Cream: This is the base of your shake, giving it creaminess and rich flavor. You can use dairy-free or vegan chocolate ice cream if you want a dairy-free option—there are great ones made from coconut or almond milk.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but 2% or even plant-based milk (like oat or almond) works well too. Just pick what you like or what suits your diet.
Activated Charcoal Powder or Black Food Coloring: Activated charcoal is natural and gives that true black color. Food coloring is easier to find and works fine too. Use just enough to get the color you want, a little goes a long way!
Chocolate Syrup: Adds extra chocolate flavor and helps with the spooky drips on the glass. You can swap with homemade chocolate sauce or fudge for a richer taste.
Black Sanding Sugar or Crushed Oreos: Perfect for rim decoration! Black sanding sugar adds shine and crunch, while crushed Oreos give a cookie crumb texture and flavor.
How Do I Get That Perfect Black Color Without Changing the Taste?
Getting a deep black color is all about balancing your dark ingredients without overpowering the shake’s flavor. Here’s how:
- Start with a good quality chocolate ice cream for a strong base.
- Add the activated charcoal powder or black food coloring gradually. Mix and check the color after each addition.
- Avoid adding too much charcoal powder at once—it can affect the taste slightly.
- Blend well so the color is even throughout the shake.
- Use chocolate syrup on the rim and topping to enhance the dark look while adding sweetness.
Taking your time with the color will keep the milkshake both tasty and strikingly black—perfect for any Halloween celebration!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Blender – I find it easiest for mixing all ingredients smoothly and evenly.
- Small plate or shallow bowl – for rimming the glass with sugar or crushed Oreos.
- Shallow spoon or butter knife – helpful for spreading chocolate syrup on the glass rim.
- Straw – a fun, striped or spooky-themed straw makes it extra festive.
- Serving glass – a tall glass is perfect to showcase the dark color and for holding plenty of shake.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use vanilla or cookies & cream ice cream for a lighter, sweeter flavor with a hint of vanilla instead of chocolate.
- Add a splash of pumpkin puree or cinnamon for a seasonal twist—perfect for a fall Halloween party.
- Stir in crushed cookies, candies, or spooky sprinkles into the shake for added texture and fun toppings.
- Swap chocolate syrup for caramel or Halloween-themed colored syrup for different flavor profiles and visual effects.
Black Milkshake Recipe (Super Easy Halloween Milkshake!)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups chocolate ice cream
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 1-2 teaspoons activated charcoal powder or black food coloring (adjust to desired darkness)
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Black sanding sugar or crushed Oreos, for rimming the glass
- Optional: Halloween themed sprinkles or candy eyes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s quick blending and assembling, with no extra cooking or chilling time, perfect for a fun and fast Halloween treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by rimming your glass with chocolate syrup. Pour some syrup onto a shallow plate, then dip the rim of the glass into it. Immediately dip the rim into black sanding sugar or crushed Oreos to coat. Set the glass aside for now.
2. Blend the Milkshake:
In a blender, combine the chocolate ice cream, milk, chocolate syrup, and activated charcoal powder or black food coloring. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth and the black color is even throughout.
3. Assemble the Milkshake:
Slowly pour the black milkshake into the prepared glass, taking care not to disturb the decorated rim. This helps keep the spooky look intact.
4. Add Toppings and Garnish:
Top your milkshake generously with whipped cream. Drizzle some extra chocolate syrup on top and sprinkle with black sanding sugar or Halloween-themed sprinkles to add an extra festive touch.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Pop in a black and white striped straw (or any fun Halloween straw you like). Serve immediately and enjoy this spooky, delicious Halloween black milkshake!
Can I Use Frozen Ice Cream Instead of Refrigerated?
Use regular scoopable chocolate ice cream straight from the freezer—frozen is best to keep the milkshake thick and creamy. Avoid letting it soften too much before blending for the best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Activated Charcoal Powder?
If you don’t have activated charcoal, black food coloring works well to achieve the dark color. Start with a small amount and add more until you get the desired black shade without altering the flavor too much.
How Do I Store Leftover Milkshake?
Milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir well and add a little milk before reblending to refresh the texture.
Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free chocolate ice cream and your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. The shake will still be delicious and creamy with these substitutions.