As far as I'm concerned, a Bourbon Chocolate Milkshake is the summer equivalent of a Hot Toddy. Instead of keeping you warm, the purpose of a toddy, this shake keeps you cool (in more ways than one) and still offers that delicious bourbon taste.

Warning: Post milkshake workout not included.

Step 1: Supplies

2-3 pints* of high quality chocolate ice cream (I used Three Twins brand = YUM!)
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup whole milk
bar of solid chocolate (either milk or dark, whichever is your favorite!)

blender
peeler
serving glasses

*How much ice cream you'll use depends on how many milkshakes you need. Depending on the size of your serving glasses, you will get 2-3 shakes per pint.

Step 2: Chocolate Garnish

Use a hand peeler to make about 1 tbsp of chocolate shavings from the chocolate bar.

Set aside to be used as shake sprinkles.

Step 3: Liquid Prep

Measure our 1/2 cup of both whole milk and bourbon.

You will most likely not end up using all of both. You'll be using these to achieve a custom thickness and level of booziness.

Step 4: Chocolate + Chocolate + Spirits

Into the blender, put the ice cream, 4 squares of chocolate, and 1/4 cup of the bourbon.

Step 5: Blend & Test

Blend well and test the milkshake for thickness and bourbon-ness. If you'd like it thinner, but the booze level is good, add a bit of milk to thin it out. If you want more booziness, add the remaining 1/4 cup of bourbon and blend again. Repeat until it's perfect for you.

This part is hard work. All that chocolate testing...

PRO TIP: If you want your shake boozier AND thicker, once everything is blended, stick the blender top (not the motor) into the freezer for 1-2 hours and then re-blend. This = thicker, frosty, crystal-ly goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once you've reached your desired levels of everything, pour into serving glasses and sprinkle a generous amount of chocolate shavings on top.

Now be prepared to receive all the adoration and gratitude from your friends. This is seriously THE most delicious.