The best milkshake at Cookout is the Oreo Milkshake, praised for its rich flavor and creamy texture, making it a fan favorite among customers.
Cook Out’s legendary milkshake menu offers over 40 flavors, creating both excitement and decision paralysis for customers. From classic Oreo to unique banana pineapple, these thick, spoonable shakes have become a Southern institution.
Cook Out Milkshake Categories & Top Picks
The News & Observer’s comprehensive tasting revealed clear winners in each flavor category:
Oreo Shakes (Fan Favorite)
- Classic Oreo – Perfect balance of vanilla ice cream and cookie chunks
- Mint Oreo – Refreshing herbal twist (divisive “toothpaste” flavor to some)
- Peanut Butter Oreo – Rich but overwhelming for some palates
Cheesecake Shakes (Decadent Options)
- Strawberry Cheesecake – Tangy cream cheese with sweet berry swirls
- Chocolate Chip Cheesecake – Delicate fudge ribbons instead of hard chips
- Blueberry Cheesecake – Often disappoints with artificial berry flavor
Fruit Shakes (Refreshing Choices)
- Strawberry – Classic done right with real fruit flavor
- Pineapple – Surprisingly bright and tropical
- Orange Push-Up – Nostalgic flavor but polarizing texture
Pro Mixing Combinations
True Cook Out enthusiasts know the magic happens when you combine flavors:
| Mix | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Cherry + Peanut Butter | Like a liquid Reese’s with cherry notes |
| Banana Pudding + Oreo | Nilla wafer meets chocolate cookie crunch |
| Strawberry Cheesecake + Pineapple | Tropical cheesecake experience |
Equipment for Homemade Versions
To recreate Cook Out’s thick texture at home, you’ll need proper equipment. The best blender for milkshakes can achieve that perfect spoonable consistency. For fruit-forward versions, consider a high-powered commercial blender to fully incorporate fresh ingredients.
Regional Popularity & Cultural Impact
Cook Out’s milkshakes have become deeply embedded in Southern food culture. The chain’s unconventional pairing of shakes with items like quesadillas or corn dogs (as noted by The News & Observer) creates a uniquely regional fast food experience. Fans have even created dedicated ranking websites to document their shake adventures.
Texture & Serving Tips
Cook Out shakes stand out for their ultra-thick consistency:
- Always use a spoon – these aren’t straw-friendly drinks
- Let sit 5 minutes for ideal thickness if too liquid initially
- Mix-ins are unevenly distributed – dig to find flavor pockets
Seasonal Considerations
While most flavors are available year-round, fruit-based shakes like peach cobbler or blueberry may taste better during peak season when the syrups are formulated with riper fruit flavors in mind.
