Name: Shake Shack Pistachio Shake
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled and unsalted; 2 cups vanilla ice cream, preferably high-quality for creaminess; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 tablespoons sugar; you can adjust based on your sweetness preference; 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract for an extra layer of nutty flavor; A pinch of salt to enhance the flavors; Whipped cream, optional, for topping; Chopped pistachios for garnish.

Today, I’m thrilled to share a much-anticipated treat that has stirred excitement among food enthusiasts and shake lovers: a homemade version of the Shake Shack Pistachio Shake. If you’re anything like me, the mere mention of Shake Shack sets off cravings for rich, creamy shakes that perfectly blend nostalgia with a touch of gourmet.

What Is Shake Shack Pistachio Shake?

The Pistachio Shake from Shake Shack is a limited-edition seasonal milkshake made with their signature frozen custard blended with pistachio syrup. It’s creamy, rich, and has a sweet, nutty pistachio flavor that fans of the nutty green treat go for.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pistachios, shelled and unsalted
2 cups vanilla ice cream, preferably high-quality for creaminess
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons sugar; you can adjust based on your sweetness preference
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract for an extra layer of nutty flavor
A pinch of salt to enhance the flavors
Whipped cream, optional, for topping
Chopped pistachios for garnish.

Instructions:

Prep the Pistachios: Begin by blanching your pistachios to remove the skins. Boil water in a small pot, add pistachios for about a minute, then quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking. The skins should slip off easily when pinched. This ensures a smooth, vibrant green shake.
Pistachio Paste: Once skinned, dry the pistachios with a towel and grind them in a food processor with 2 tablespoons of sugar until you get a fine, grainy paste. This process releases the oils in the nuts, infusing the shake with a deep pistachio flavor.
Mixing It Up: In a blender, combine the freshly made pistachio paste, vanilla ice cream, whole milk, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. If your shake is too thick, add a bit more milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Taste your shake and adjust the sweetness or saltiness. Remember, the flavors will be slightly muted once fully chilled, so going a bit bolder on the sweet or salt can work well.
Serving: Pour the shake into your favorite cold glasses. Suppose you’re feeling extra indulgent; top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for that gourmet touch.

Tips:

Ice Cream Quality: The choice of vanilla ice cream significantly affects the shake’s creaminess and overall taste. Opt for brands with high-fat content and minimal additives for a smoother texture.
Chilling Glasses: Put your serving glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving. This step ensures your shake stays cold and thick while you savor every sip.
Customizing: Feel free to play around with the amount of pistachio paste to find your perfect level of nuttiness. Some may prefer a subtle hint, while others might enjoy a bolder pistachio presence.
For a Healthier Twist: Substitute regular vanilla ice cream with a low-sugar or non-dairy alternative and adjust the sweetness with a sugar substitute.
Texture Matters: The key to a smooth shake lies in the quality of your blender. A high-powered blender can pulverize the pistachio adequately, ensuring no gritty bits in your smooth shake.

What To Serve With

Sweet Treats:

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies: There’s something timeless about combining a cold, creamy shake and warm cookies. The richness of chocolate chips and the crunch of the cookies make each sip of your pistachio shake even more enjoyable.
Vanilla or Almond Pound Cake: A slice of moist pound cake, particularly with vanilla or almond flavors, pairs wonderfully with the nutty pistachio shake. The cake’s buttery richness and the shake’s creamy texture are a match made in dessert heaven.
Biscotti: If you prefer a bit of crunch, almond biscotti are a great choice. Dip them in your shake for an international café experience right from the comfort of your home.

Savory Snacks:

Salted Nuts: A bowl of mixed, salted nuts including almonds, cashews, and more pistachios can contrast nicely with the sweet shake, making each mouthful interesting and varied in flavor.
Cheese Board: An unconventional but delightful pairing, a small cheese board featuring milder cheeses like Brie or Camembert can wonderfully offset the sweetness of the pistachio shake.

Full Meal Options:

Gourmet Burgers: Emulate the whole Shake Shack experience by serving your homemade pistachio shake alongside a gourmet burger. Whether it’s a classic beef burger or a veggie alternative, the savory elements complement the sweet shake in a truly satisfying way.
Barbecue Foods: If you’re enjoying an outdoor meal or barbecue, the smoky flavors of grilled meats and vegetables can be a robust contrast to the creamy, sweet shake.

Fun Combinations:

Fresh Fruit Salad: For a lighter option, serve a fresh salad featuring seasonal fruits. The freshness of the fruits will refresh your palate between sips of the rich shake.
Pita Chips and Sweet Dip: Create a sweet dip from mascarpone or cream cheese mixed with honey and serve with cinnamon-sprinkled pita chips for dipping.

Burgers:

ShackBurger: The flagship cheeseburger of Shake Shack complements the Shake Shack pistachio shake with its simple yet perfect blend of a 100% all-natural Angus beef patty, ShackSauce, lettuce, tomato, and American cheese.
Shroom Burger: For a vegetarian option, the ‘Shroom Burger’ features a crisp-fried portobello mushroom filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheeses. It provides a rich, umami-laden counterpoint to the sweetness of the Shake Shack pistachio shake.

Chicken:

Chick’n Shack: The Chick’n Shack features a crispy chicken breast with lettuce, pickles, and buttermilk herb mayo. This combination of savory flavors and creamy textures mirrors the creamy richness of the Shake Shack pistachio shake.

Flat-Top Dogs:

Shack-cago Dog: The Shack-cago Dog can provide a more nuanced flavor experience when paired with the nutty sweetness of the Shake Shack pistachio shake.

Fries And Sides:

Cheese Fries: The gooey goodness of cheese fries, served with Shack-made cheese sauce, offer a salty, savory treat perfectly indulgent with the sweet Shake Shack pistachio shake.
Peanut Butter Bacon Cheese Fries: This side merges sweet, salty, and savory with crumbled bacon and peanut sauce drizzled over classic cheese fries for a more dynamic flavor profile.

Health Benefits

Antioxidants: Pistachios are high in antioxidants, which are critical to health. They help prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Heart-Health: Studies suggest that pistachios can positively affect heart health. They may lower harmful cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
Weight Management: Pistachios are a source of fiber and protein, two nutrients that can help with weight management by promoting feelings of fullness and reducing appetite.
Blood Sugar Control: Pistachios, with a low glycemic index, can help control blood sugar levels, making them a smart snack option for those watching their blood sugar.
Eye Health: Pistachios are a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants in high eye concentrations and known to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Final Thoughts

As we savor the last drops of Shake Shack’s delectable Pistachio Shake, let’s reflect on the fusion of indulgence and subtle merits this frozen concoction offers. While pistachios, the star ingredient, bring their impressive repertoire of health benefits to the table, they join forces with the indulgent richness of ice cream and the sweetness of sugary syrups in a dessert that’s more about treating the taste buds than boosting your health score.

More Recipes: