As a native New Mexican, I’ve always been captivated by the bold and vibrant flavors that define our regional cuisine. One of the most iconic and beloved ingredients is the humble red chile pepper, which adds a delightful kick of heat and a depth of flavor to countless dishes. When I stumbled upon the idea of combining this fiery spice with the rich, velvety goodness of chocolate, I knew I had to create a dessert that would truly showcase the magic of this dynamic duo.
Enter the Chocolate and Red Chile Milkshake – a unique and indulgent treat that celebrates the best of New Mexican culinary traditions. This milkshake is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with the creamy vanilla ice cream and the bold, earthy notes of the red chile powder creating a familiar and exciting flavor profile.
The Inspiration
My inspiration for this recipe came from a recent visit to a local Albuquerque restaurant, The Cafe, known for its whimsical owl-themed decor and delectable New Mexican specialties. During our dinner, I was intrigued by their signature “New Mexico Red” milkshake, which combined the richness of chocolate with the heat of red chile. I knew I had to try to recreate this unique dessert at home.
As I began experimenting with different ingredient combinations, I found that the key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors was in the quality and proportion of the red chile powder. Too much, and the heat would overwhelm the chocolate; too little, and the chile would be lost in the sweetness. After several trials, I landed on a ratio that perfectly showcases the interplay between the two main components, resulting in an indulgent and refreshing milkshake.
Chocolate and Red Chile Milkshake Main Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup high-quality chocolate syrup
- 1/2 – 1 tsp Bueno red chile powder (or your preferred brand)
Instructions:
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Start with 1/2 tsp of red chile powder and taste.
- If you’d like a bit more heat, add up to 1/2 tsp.
- If desired, pour the milkshake into chilled glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of additional red chile powder.
Cooking Tips of This Recipe
- Use a high-quality vanilla ice cream for the best flavor and texture.
- Opt for a dark chocolate syrup to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate notes.
- Start with the lower red chile powder and gradually increase to your desired spice level.
- Remember, you can always add more, but it isn’t easy to tone down the heat once it’s been added.
- Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before pouring the milkshake to ensure an icy and creamy consistency.
- For a thicker, more indulgent milkshake, use fewer ice cream scoops and add an extra splash of milk.
- Experiment with different types of red chile powder, such as New Mexico, Chimayo, or Hatch, to find your preferred flavor profile.
- Garnish the milkshake with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or shaved dark chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve the milkshake with a spoon and a straw to allow your guests to enjoy every last drop.
- Add a splash of your favorite liquor, such as spiced rum or coffee-flavored liqueur, for a grown-up twist.
- Freeze any leftover milkshake in popsicle molds for a delightful frozen treat on a hot day.
Chocolate and Red Chile Milkshake Recipe Variations
Here are ten variations for you to try with the spicy milkshake recipe. These will be a new addition to your New Mexican dessert repertoire:
Chocolate and Cinnamon Red Chile Milkshake
Indulge in a delightful chocolate, cinnamon, and spice blend with this Chocolate and Cinnamon Red Chile Milkshake. The combination of creamy vanilla ice cream, rich chocolate syrup, and the warmth of red chile powder creates a unique and irresistible treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- Two tablespoons chocolate syrup
- One teaspoon red chile powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the milkshake into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Tip: For an extra creamy texture, use full-fat milk or half-and-half.
Mocha Red Chile Milkshake
Satisfy your coffee and chocolate cravings with this Mocha Red Chile Milkshake. Combining strong brewed coffee or espresso, chocolate syrup, and a touch of red chile powder creates a delightful and indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1-2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee or espresso
- Two tablespoons chocolate syrup
- One teaspoon red chile powder
Instructions:
Combine the ice cream, coffee/espresso, chocolate syrup, and red chile powder in a blender. Blend until well combined and smooth. Pour the milkshake into a glass and serve immediately.
Tip: Adjust the amount of coffee/espresso to your desired strength and flavor profile.
Peanut Butter and Red Chile Milkshake
Indulge in the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and a hint of spice with this Peanut Butter and Red Chile Milkshake. Combining vanilla ice cream, milk, and red chile powder creates a unique and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2-3 tablespoons creamy chocolate peanut butter
- One teaspoon red chile powder
Instructions:
Add the ice cream, milk, peanut butter, and red chile powder to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour the milkshake into a glass and enjoy.
Tip: For a thicker, more decadent milkshake, use less milk or add an extra scoop of ice cream.
Strawberry and Red Chile Milkshake
Indulge in the refreshing and slightly spicy combination of fresh or frozen strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and red chile powder with this Strawberry and Red Chile Milkshake.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- One teaspoon red chile powder
Instructions:
Place the strawberries, ice cream, milk, and red chile powder in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour the milkshake into a glass and serve immediately.
Tip: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the blender for a sweeter milkshake.
Mint Chocolate Red Chile Milkshake
Delight your taste buds with the refreshing and indulgent combination of mint, chocolate, and a touch of spice in this Mint Chocolate Red Chile Milkshake.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- Two tablespoons chocolate syrup
- One teaspoon red chile powder
- 2-3 drops peppermint extract
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients in a blender until smooth and well combined. Pour the milkshake into a glass and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Tip: Start with a small amount of peppermint extract and adjust to your desired level of mint flavor.
Salted Caramel Red Chile Milkshake
Indulge in the decadent combination of salted caramel and a hint of spice with this Salted Caramel Red Chile Milkshake. The creamy vanilla ice cream, rich caramel sauce, and red chile powder create a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- Two tablespoons caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- One teaspoon red chile powder
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce into the bottom of a glass. Add the ice cream, milk, two tablespoons of caramel sauce, and red chile powder to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the milkshake into the prepared glass and top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top, if desired.
Tip: Use high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor.
Vegan Red Chile Chocolate Shake
Satisfy your sweet and spicy cravings with this Vegan Red Chile Chocolate Shake. Made with dairy-free ice cream, almond or oat milk, and a touch of melted dark chocolate, this milkshake is a delicious and plant-based treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dairy-free vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk
- Two tablespoons melted dark chocolate
- 1-2 teaspoons red chile powder
Instructions:
Combine the dairy-free ice cream, milk, melted dark chocolate, and red chile powder in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the milkshake into a glass and enjoy.
Tip: For a thicker consistency, use frozen banana slices instead of some of the ice cream.
Spicy Hot Chocolate Milkshake
Indulge in a decadent and spicy twist on a classic with this Spicy Hot Chocolate Milkshake. The combination of rich dark chocolate, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a touch of red chile powder creates a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 ounces melted dark chocolate
- 1-2 teaspoons red chile powder
Instructions:
Combine the ice cream, milk, melted dark chocolate, and red chile powder in a blender. Blend until smooth and well combined. Pour the milkshake into a glass and serve immediately.
Tip: Top the milkshake with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Red Chile Milkshake
Elevate your milkshake experience with this Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Red Chile Milkshake. The combination of fresh or frozen strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and a touch of red chile powder is taken to new heights with melted dark chocolate and fresh strawberry garnish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- One teaspoon red chile powder
- 2-3 tablespoons melted dark chocolate for garnish
- Sliced fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions:
- Add the strawberries, ice cream, milk, and red chile powder to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the milkshake into a glass.
- Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the top and garnish with sliced fresh strawberries.
Tip: Dip the strawberry slices in the melted chocolate before garnishing for an extra indulgent touch.
Chocolate Malt Red Chile Milkshake
Indulge in the classic flavors of chocolate and malt with a spicy twist in this Chocolate Malt Red Chile Milkshake. Combining vanilla ice cream, malted milk powder, chocolate syrup, and red chile powder creates a rich and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2-3 tablespoons malted milk powder
- Two tablespoons chocolate syrup
- One teaspoon red chile powder
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients in a blender until smooth and well combined. Pour the milkshake into a glass and serve immediately.
Tip: For a thicker, more decadent milkshake, use less milk or add an extra scoop of ice cream.
Conclusion
The Chocolate and Red Chile Milkshake is a unique and delightful dessert that celebrates the bold flavors of New Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the region’s spicy specialties or want to try something new, this milkshake will surely delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
I encourage you to experiment with the recipe, adjusting the heat level and flavor combinations to suit your preferences. And don’t be afraid to get creative – the possibilities are endless when putting a unique spin on this classic treat. So grab your blender, fire up your taste buds, and get ready to indulge in a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
