The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
When the holiday season arrives, few flavors feel as instantly festive as peppermint. Cool, refreshing, and perfectly nostalgic, peppermint transforms simple desserts into something magical. This peppermint milkshake is the ultimate holiday indulgence — thick, creamy, icy-cold, and bursting with candy cane flavor in every sip.
Whether you’re serving it after a Christmas dinner, enjoying it during a cozy movie night, or treating yourself on a snowy afternoon, this milkshake delivers everything you want from a holiday dessert: comfort, sweetness, and a touch of playful decadence.
Unlike overly sweet store-bought versions, this homemade peppermint milkshake strikes the perfect balance. Real vanilla ice cream provides richness, peppermint extract adds clean, cooling flavor, and crushed candy canes bring crunch and sparkle. Finished with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, it’s a treat that feels festive and luxurious with minimal effort.
Why Peppermint Is a Holiday Classic
Peppermint has long been associated with winter celebrations, from candy canes to hot cocoa stirrers. Its cool, refreshing nature balances rich holiday desserts and cuts through sweetness, making it the perfect flavor for indulgent treats.
In milkshake form, peppermint becomes even more irresistible — creamy yet refreshing, nostalgic yet indulgent.
What Makes This Milkshake Truly “Ultimate”
- Thick, spoonable milkshake texture
- Balanced peppermint flavor (not overpowering)
- Real vanilla ice cream base
- Festive toppings for texture and flair
- Ready in under 5 minutes
This recipe is easy enough for kids to help with and impressive enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes (plus more for topping)
- Chocolate syrup (optional)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Chill glasses: Place serving glasses in the freezer for 5 minutes.
- Blend: Add ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and crushed candy canes to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and thick, scraping sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust peppermint extract carefully — a little goes a long way.
- Serve immediately in chilled glasses.
- Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and chocolate drizzle.
Peppermint Flavor Tips
- Start with less extract and build gradually
- Peppermint extract is stronger than mint
- Avoid spearmint for classic holiday flavor
Flavor Variations
Chocolate Peppermint Milkshake:
Add 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup or cocoa powder.
Peppermint Oreo Shake:
Blend in crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
White Chocolate Peppermint:
Add melted white chocolate for extra richness.
Adult Version:
Add peppermint schnapps or crème de cacao.
Serving Suggestions
- After Christmas dinner
- With holiday cookies
- As a festive party drink
- For winter birthdays
- Paired with brownies or biscotti
Make-Ahead & Storage
Milkshakes are best fresh, but you can:
- Freeze blended shake for 30 minutes and re-blend
- Prep toppings in advance
- Chill glasses ahead of time
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding too much peppermint extract
- Using low-quality ice cream
- Over-blending (melts shake)
- Skipping texture from candy canes
Why This Is the Ultimate Holiday Milkshake
This peppermint milkshake is festive, creamy, and irresistibly nostalgic. It captures everything we love about the holidays — sweetness, comfort, and celebration — all in one frosty glass. Simple to make, stunning to serve, and guaranteed to bring smiles, it’s a holiday tradition waiting to happen.
Peppermint Milkshake
Creamy holiday milkshake with vanilla ice cream, peppermint, and candy canes.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend all milkshake ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into chilled glasses.
- Top with whipped cream and candy canes.
Notes
Peppermint extract is strong—use sparingly.
