For us, the holidays mean PEPPERMINT! It’s one of our favorite Christmas dessert flavors.
So, of course, we made a peppermint milkshake because who doesn’t love milkshakes?! We used vanilla ice cream and candy canes, but if you are lucky enough to snag a container of peppermint ice cream, that works just as well! Then either add extra mint and crunch with the candy canes or omit them.
This is such a simple treat, and one the kids LOVE to eat (they even whip it up themselves). If they want to change it up, they can add a chocolate punch with a drizzle of Chocolate Syrup or a few chocolate chips mixed in, or start with chocolate ice cream. Either way, this is sure to be a favorite festive drink!
Try Peppermint Brownies, Peppermint Fluff, Peppermint Chocolate Delight, and, of course, this peppermint shake for all things peppermint!
Why we think you’ll love it:
- For celebrations. Enjoy this holiday drink during special events, or make any night extra fun!
- Peppermint. We love this classic holiday season flavor and can’t get enough of all things peppermint!
- Ready to enjoy in minutes. There are literally two steps, and it only takes 5 minutes to whip up!
Peppermint Milkshake Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream (2 cups) – Creamy, sweet base that makes the shake thick. You can use store-bought or Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream. Allow the ice cream to soften a bit before scooping.
- Milk (½ cup) – Milk thins out the shake just enough for sipping. Whole milk makes a creamier shake, but any kind of milk works.
- Candy canes, crushed (¼ cup) – Adds crunch, festive color, and extra peppermint goodness inside the shake. You can also use peppermint candies.
- Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon) – A concentrated punch of peppermint flavor, so use sparingly since it’s strong. Add more or less depending on your flavor preference.
- Whipped cream – Makes it look and taste extra indulgent. Store-bought Cool Whip or Homemade Whipped Cream.
- optional garnish – more peppermint pieces, holiday sprinkles, or maraschino cherry, festive straw
How to Make Peppermint Milkshakes
BLEND. Add ice cream, milk, crushed candy cane pieces, and peppermint extract to a high-power blender. Mix until well combined.
SERVE. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and more candy cane pieces.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- If your store carries it, Peppermint Ice Cream can be used in place of vanilla. Be sure to reduce or omit the amount of peppermint extract you add so it isn’t overpowering.
- For a rich, creamy, and thick milkshake, use whole milk and a good quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream. To keep it creamy, do not over-blend.
- Too thin? Add another scoop or two of ice cream and blend again for a few seconds.
- Too thick? Add a small splash of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Peppermint Milkshake Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup candy cane, crushed
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- whipped cream
Instructions
- Add ice cream, milk, crushed cane pieces, and peppermint extract to a blender.
- Mix until well combined.
- Pour into glass and top with whipped cream and candy cane pieces.
Notes
- If your store carries it, Peppermint Ice Cream can be used in place of vanilla. Be sure to reduce the amount of peppermint extract you add so it isn’t overpowering.
- For a rich, creamy, and thick milkshake, use whole milk and a good quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream. To keep it creamy, do not overblend.
- Too thin? Add another scoop or two of ice cream and blend again for a few seconds.
- Too thick? Add a small splash of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Another fun idea is to pour the milkshake into popsicle molds and freeze.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Combine your preferred dairy-free vanilla ice cream with its liquid milk counterpart. Blend in the non-dairy milk slowly until you reach the desired consistency.
Store for a short time in the fridge. To store for more than a couple hours pour it into an airtight container and freeze. Allow it to soften and re-blend, or eat it with a spoon. Another fun idea is to pour the milkshake into popsicle molds and freeze it!
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This recipe was originally published December 2015.
One of my son’s favorite ice cream flavor is peppermint so this is just perfect.
My kids loved helping make this & loved the flavor ! They just didn’t want to help me clean up ☺️
This peppermint milkshake is a family favorite!! They beg me to make it weekly! It’s so yummy and the perfect treat to sip on while watching Christmas movies!
This was way too much peppermint flavor with both the crushed peppermint and peppermint extract. I will cut the peppermint extract in half next time. I also added chocolate chips.
Thank you for trying it. Yes, you can totally lessen that amount.
Peppermint milkshakes are my favorite ice cream…ever. I love that I can now make them from the comfort of my own home and save money rather than driving and buying them from a restaurant. These are so good!
Wow wow wow!!!! So good!!! I wish i could have this every night snuggled up to a warm fire
Hi Lily,
These milkshakes all look so good. I can hardly wait to make one. Thank you Lily and have a fun day today.