How To Make The Absolute Best Milkshakes

Let 1 pint ice cream sit out at room temperature until starting to soften, 10 to 15 minutes.

Let 1 pint ice cream sit out at room temperature until starting to soften, 10 to 15 minutes.

Chill the glasses and prepare any mix-ins.

Chill the glasses and prepare any mix-ins.

If you have room in your freezer, stick 2 tall drinking or milkshake glasses in there, or else chill the glasses in the refrigerator.

If you have room in your freezer, stick 2 tall drinking or milkshake glasses in there, or else chill the glasses in the refrigerator.

Coarsely chop until you have ½ cup mix-ins of your choice.

Coarsely chop until you have ½ cup mix-ins of your choice.

Layer the ingredients in a blender in this order: ⅔ cup milk, flavor boost if using, and softened ice cream.

Layer the ingredients in a blender in this order: ⅔ cup milk, flavor boost if using, and softened ice cream.

Starting on the lowest speed and working your way up to medium speed, blend until the milkshake is smooth and pourable, about 1 minute.

Starting on the lowest speed and working your way up to medium speed, blend until the milkshake is smooth and pourable, about 1 minute.

Stop the blender and scrape down the sides or stir as needed.

Stop the blender and scrape down the sides or stir as needed.

If using mix-ins, add ½ cup to the blender and stir it in so that it’s submerged.

If using mix-ins, add ½ cup to the blender and stir it in so that it’s submerged.

Pulse a few times (6 to 8 pulses) to just combine.

Pulse a few times (6 to 8 pulses) to just combine.

If desired, drizzle some chocolate syrup or caramel sauce down the sides of the chilled glasses.

If desired, drizzle some chocolate syrup or caramel sauce down the sides of the chilled glasses.

Divide the milkshake between the glasses.

Divide the milkshake between the glasses.

Garnish with toppings as desired and serve immediately with straws.

Garnish with toppings as desired and serve immediately with straws.