Spiked Tagalong Milkshake: An Indulgent Peanut Butter & Chocolate Treat for Adults
A creamy, cookie-packed cocktail merging nostalgia and sophisticated indulgence.
Spiked Tagalong Milkshake: A Decadent Adult Dessert
There’s something unshakeable about the nostalgia of Tagalong Girl Scout cookies: crisp cookie base, creamy peanut butter, and a robust chocolate shell. But what if you could elevate that childhood treat into a luscious, grown-up milkshake—complete with bourbon? This guide uncovers the secrets to building the ultimate spiked Tagalong milkshake—rich, creamy, and irresistible for adults who crave a bit of whimsy with their indulgence.
Why Turn Tagalongs Into a Milkshake?
Tagalongs, or Peanut Butter Patties, are every bit as iconic as Thin Mints. The draw is that perfect trio: chocolate, peanut butter, buttery cookie. Adapting these flavors into a milkshake hits the ideal intersection of nostalgia and decadence. Adding bourbon (or your spirit of choice) is the grown-up twist that takes it over the top—ideal for dinner parties, special occasions, or whenever you need a sweet escape.
What Makes This Milkshake Special?
- Textural play: Buttery cookies add crunch that contrasts the creamy ice cream base.
- Balanced flavors: Peanut butter offers saltiness, chocolate brings bitterness and sweetness, and bourbon adds warmth and vanilla notes.
- Customizable: Adjust the spirit, cookies, and even the ice cream for new twists.
Ingredients Breakdown
To perfectly capture the Tagalong spirit, each ingredient has a starring role:
- Chocolate ice cream: Preferably a rich or Dutch-process variety for deep flavor.
- Peanut butter: Creamy and salty; natural is fine if well-stirred.
- Bourbon: Goes hand-in-hand with both chocolate and peanut butter, but rye whiskey, dark rum, or even peanut butter whiskey work.
- Butter pecan ice cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle nutty undertone to mimic the cookie’s buttery notes.
- Milk: Whole milk for richness, but feel free to use half-and-half for extra indulgence.
- Salt: Brings out the flavors, balancing sweetness and enhancing the peanut butter’s complexity.
- Tagalongs/PB cookies: Crushed as a mix-in and garnish for authentic flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step: Building the Spiked Tagalong Milkshake
- Chill Your Garnishes: For best results, chill your glass and keep cookies and toppings at hand.
- Blend the Base: Add chocolate ice cream, butter pecan ice cream, peanut butter, milk, salt, and bourbon to a blender. Purée until smooth and thick.
Tip: Use less milk for a spoonable shake; add more for a drinkable texture. - Layer in Cookies: Pulse in crushed Tagalongs or similar peanut butter cookies for crunch, or stir in by hand for larger cookie swirls.
- Pile on the Toppings: Pour the milkshake into chilled glasses. Top with whipped cream, more cookie pieces, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a dusting of cookie crumbs.
Essential Tips & Techniques
- Choosing Spirits: Bourbon delivers vanilla and caramel notes, but rye is spicier. Dark rum or peanut butter whiskey also work; use what you love.
- Blender Know-How: Freeze the blender pitcher before use for the coldest, thickest shake.
- Balancing Thickness: Start with less milk—you can always add more. For an ultra-thick shake, blend in extra ice cream.
- For Alcohol-Free Guests: Skip the bourbon and double up on cookie crumbles or chocolate chips for equal decadence with no booze.
Variations to Try
- Swap Spirits: Replace bourbon with coffee liqueur for a mocha-inspired shake, or go for dark rum for caramel notes.
- Chocolate Overload: Add chocolate chips, hot fudge, or swirl in chocolate syrup.
- Nutty Twists: Sub almond or cashew butter for peanut, or use different nutty cookies such as Do-si-dos or Nutter Butters.
- Vegan Version: Use non-dairy chocolate and nut-based ice creams plus oat milk and a vegan bourbon (check label).
Serving & Presentation
A spiked Tagalong milkshake is as much about presentation as flavor. Here’s how to make yours Instagram-worthy:
- Glasses: Chill tall parfait glasses or mason jars for a frosty effect.
- Toppings: Add extra whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate, and finish with crumbled cookie bits and a whole Tagalong on the rim.
- Straws & Spoons: Serve with wide straws and long spoons for thick shakes with chunky mix-ins.
What others are reading
Milkshake Garnish Table
| Garnish | Flavor Impact | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Whipped Cream | Light, creamy | Fluffy |
| Crushed Tagalongs | Salty-sweet, nutty | Crunchy |
| Chocolate Sauce | Rich, bittersweet | Smooth, sticky |
| Peanut Butter Drizzle | Salty, nutty | Velvety |
| Cookie on Rim | Visual appeal, extra bite | Crisp |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other Girl Scout cookies?
Yes! Try Do-si-dos for a peanut-forward, less chocolaty shake, or Thin Mints for a chocolate-mint riff. Swap nut butters as desired to complement cookie flavors.
How can I make this for a crowd?
Multiply ingredient quantities by the number of servings desired. Blending in batches keeps texture creamy; line up garnishes for a milkshake bar feel.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Absolutely. Substitute with non-dairy chocolate and butter pecan ice creams, oat or almond milk, and be sure your spirit is vegan (some bourbons use animal-based fining agents).
Which bourbon should I use?
Use a mid-shelf bourbon that’s smooth and mellow, not overly smoky—classic brands like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace work well. The bourbon should complement, not overwhelm, the dessert.
What if my shake is too melted?
Add more ice cream and blend briefly. Pour into a very chilled glass and top with extra ice cream scoops if necessary.
Tips for Building the Ultimate Spiked Milkshake Bar
- Set out multiple nut butters, cookie types, and spirits for mixing and matching.
- Offer a variety of garnishes: mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, sprinkles, and flavored syrups.
- Keep ingredients cold and blend shakes to order for maximum texture and freshness.
- Include alcohol-free mix-ins for guests who don’t drink.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 725
- Carbohydrates: 81g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 40g
- Sugar: 53g
- Alcohol: ~1.5 oz bourbon per shake
*Nutrition values may vary based on types and brands of ice cream, cookies, and peanut butter used.*
Recipe Card: Spiked Tagalong Milkshake
- 2 scoops chocolate ice cream
- 2 scoops butter pecan ice cream
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup whole milk (plus more as needed)
- 1 to 2 ounces bourbon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 4 Tagalong cookies, plus more for garnish
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce or fudge (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine both ice creams, peanut butter, milk, bourbon, salt, and 2 crumbled Tagalongs in a blender. Blend until just smooth; don’t over-blend.
- Add more milk if too thick. Pulse in the remaining Tagalongs for texture.
- Pour into a chilled glass, swirling in chocolate sauce if desired.
- Top with whipped cream, drizzle extra chocolate, and finish with a whole or broken cookie.
- Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Conclusion: Savoring Nostalgia with a Grown-Up Twist
The Spiked Tagalong Milkshake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience that fuses childhood nostalgia with the luxurious edge of bourbon. Rich chocolate, salty peanut butter, and a punch of good whiskey create a seriously crave-worthy treat. Whether you’re thinking up new ways to celebrate Girl Scout season or treating yourself at the end of a long week, this milkshake channels the flavor you love in a boldly adult form.
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