What are the classic milkshake toppings and garnishes?

What are common milkshake toppings?

• Whipped cream: the standard base garnish.
• Maraschino cherry: the classic finish on top.
• Sprinkles (called jimmies in some regions): colorful and popular with kids.
• Chocolate, caramel or strawberry syrup: drizzled on the cream or inside the glass.
• Crushed cookies: Oreo crumbs, graham crackers or shortbread.
• Candy pieces: chopped chocolate bars, peanut butter cups, mini marshmallows or gummy bears.
• Nuts: chopped peanuts, almonds or pecans.
• Shaved or grated chocolate, toasted coconut or malt powder.

Best toppings for a vanilla milkshake

Vanilla is a blank canvas. Try caramel and salted nuts, chocolate syrup and a cherry, crushed cookies, or fresh berries.

What are the cookie pieces in a milkshake called?

There is no single official name. They are usually called cookie crumbs, cookie pieces or mix-ins. Pieces blended in are mix-ins, pieces on top are toppings.

How do you garnish a milkshake?

1. Chill the glass first so the shake stays thick.
2. Swirl syrup inside the glass or dip the rim in syrup, then in sprinkles or crumbs.
3. Pour in the shake.
4. Pipe or spoon whipped cream on top.
5. Add a cherry, then a drizzle or crumbs.
6. Add a wide straw, and for height a cookie or wafer on the side.

Setting up a milkshake topping bar

Offer 3 or 4 sauces, 3 or 4 crunchy toppings and whipped cream. Use separate scoops for each, and label nuts, dairy, wheat and other common allergens clearly. Check packaged toppings for allergy warnings.

For flavors to match, see classic milkshake flavors.