Candy Cane Milkshakes Recipe

There’s something magical about the holiday season that brings out the best in peppermint-flavored everything. And this Candy Cane Milkshake is the ultimate festive treat to enjoy on a cozy winter evening, after a day of holiday shopping, or even as a fun family dessert. It’s sweet, creamy, and has just the right touch of peppermint to make it feel like a winter celebration in a glass. Plus, it’s a ridiculously easy recipe that takes only minutes to whip up. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

this RECIPE

A sweet holiday memory wrapped in a milkshake

When I was a kid, my family loved candy. My mom would put it out somewhere in the room and we would sneak it out when no one was watching. But after a while, we had so much candy leftover that we didn’t know what to do with it all. That’s when we got creative—crushing it up and adding it to everything from cookies to hot cocoa. One year, we decided to mix it into a milkshake, and it was an instant hit! Peppermint mixed with vanilla ice cream was the perfect combination. Now, it’s a tradition to make a candy milkshake every year, especially right before we decorate the tree.

A cool twist on a holiday classic

The great thing about this Candy Cane Milkshake is how it takes two beloved winter treats—peppermint candy and ice cream—and combines them into one frosty, indulgent drink. It’s refreshing yet rich, and the peppermint extract adds that unmistakable holiday flavor without being too overpowering. A few drops of pink food coloring give it a fun, festive look, making it perfect for winter gatherings or even just an afternoon pick-me-up during the holiday hustle and bustle. It’s a little bit of winter magic in a glass!

Let’s talk ingredients: minty and creamy goodness

This recipe only calls for a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a key role in creating that perfect milkshake texture and flavor.

• Vanilla ice cream: The base of this milkshake, vanilla ice cream brings that creamy, rich texture we all love. You can swap it out for dairy-free ice cream if you’re making a vegan version—coconut milk-based ice cream works wonderfully.
• Milk: Helps thin out the ice cream just enough to make it drinkable. You can use any kind of milk here, including almond milk or oat milk for a plant-based alternative.
• Peppermint extract: This is where the holiday magic happens! If you love a strong peppermint flavor, stick with the two teaspoons. If you prefer a milder taste, just use one teaspoon. And if you don’t have peppermint extract on hand, crushed peppermint candies can work in a pinch—just be sure to blend them well!
• Candy canes or peppermints: These give the milkshake an extra layer of minty crunch, both in the shake and sprinkled on top. If you don’t have candy canes, peppermints work just as well, or even peppermint bark if you have it lying around.
• Pink food coloring: Totally optional, but it gives your milkshake that fun candy cane-inspired look. You can skip it if you prefer, or swap it out for red if you want a deeper color.
• Whipped cream: This is the crowning glory of any milkshake, adding lightness and sweetness on top. For an extra touch, try making homemade whipped cream with a dash of vanilla extract.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

For this recipe, you really only need a few basic tools, which makes it even easier.

• Blender: You’ll need a blender to mix everything together smoothly. If you don’t have a blender, you can use a hand mixer, though you’ll need to soften the ice cream a bit first.
• Food processor or rolling pin: To crush the candy canes, a food processor is the quickest way to get fine crumbs. No processor? No problem! Just toss the candy canes into a resealable plastic bag and give them a good whack with a rolling pin.
• Frozen mugs or mason jars: Serving these shakes in chilled mugs or mason jars not only keeps them extra cold but also adds a bit of fun presentation. Simply pop the mugs in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

Ready to whip up the perfect Candy Cane Milkshake? Here’s how you do it:

1. Start with the basics: Add 3 cups of vanilla ice cream, 1 1/2 cups of milk, and 2 teaspoons of peppermint extract into your blender. Don’t be afraid to play with the peppermint extract amount here—if you’re not sure, start with just one teaspoon and give it a taste before adding more.
2. Blend it up: Blend everything on high until smooth. If it’s too thick for your liking, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, add an extra scoop of ice cream. I once made the mistake of blending it for too long, and the shake turned more into a thin peppermint soup—don’t do that! You only need about 30 seconds to get the right texture.
3. Add some color: Now, drop in about 3 drops of pink food coloring. Blend it again until the color is evenly distributed. I’ve found that a little food coloring goes a long way, so don’t overdo it unless you’re going for a hot pink milkshake!
4. Pour and chill: Pour your milkshake into frozen mugs or mason jars. Trust me, chilling the glasses ahead of time makes a difference. It keeps your milkshake cold longer and makes it extra refreshing.
5. Candy cane crunch: Throw your candy canes into the food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. If you’re using a rolling pin, just give the candy canes a few good smashes until they’re broken up into small bits.
6. Top it off: Top each milkshake with a generous swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle those candy cane crumbs over the top. This adds a satisfying crunch to each sip and really brings out the peppermint flavor.

Try these fun variations and twists!

This milkshake is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with it!

• Vegan version: Swap out the vanilla ice cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond milk-based ice cream. Use a plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy) and top with coconut whipped cream.
• Chocolate peppermint: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the blender for a chocolatey twist. It’s like drinking a peppermint-infused hot chocolate—only colder!
• Mint chip: Toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips or use mint chocolate chip ice cream instead of vanilla for a double minty treat.
• Peppermint mocha: Love coffee? Add a shot of espresso or a few teaspoons of instant coffee granules to the mix for a peppermint mocha milkshake that’ll keep you energized through all your holiday activities.
• Spiked version (for the grown-ups): Add a splash of peppermint schnapps or Bailey’s for a festive adult milkshake. You can leave out the food coloring if you want to keep it more subtle.

How to serve these candy cane milkshakes

If you’re planning to serve these milkshakes at a festive gathering or family get-together, it’s all about presentation! Serve them in frosted glasses with a whole candy cane hanging off the side for decoration. You can even rim the glasses with crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch—just dip the rim in water, then roll it in candy cane crumbs. These shakes pair wonderfully with a plate of holiday cookies, especially sugar cookies or chocolate chip!

Best beverages to pair with this shake

Since these milkshakes are already quite indulgent, you’ll want to keep the beverage pairings light and refreshing. Try a simple glass of sparkling water with a lemon wedge, or go for a refreshing herbal tea—peppermint tea pairs surprisingly well and enhances the flavor.

Storing and reheating (if you don’t finish it all)

While these milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in the freezer. Just pour the shake into an airtight container and freeze for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it sit out for about 10-15 minutes before giving it a quick stir or re-blend. It won’t be as thick as when it was first made, but it’ll still be delicious!

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about two servings, but you can easily scale it up or down. If you’re serving a crowd, just double or triple the ingredients. A tip: if you’re making a large batch, blend the ingredients in smaller portions so your blender doesn’t overflow. On the flip side, if you’re only making a single serving, just halve the ingredients—though I’ll be honest, this shake is so good you might regret making just one!

Troubleshooting: what could go wrong?

• Too thick? Add a splash more milk to thin it out. I’ve had this happen when I got overzealous with the ice cream.
• Too thin? Add another scoop of ice cream, or freeze the shake for 5-10 minutes to thicken it up.
• Peppermint overload? If you accidentally added too much peppermint extract, try balancing it with a bit more ice cream or milk.

Go ahead, give it a whirl!

This Candy Cane Milkshake is a fun, festive treat that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Whether you’re making it for a party, as a special family dessert, or just because you’re craving something sweet and minty, it’s a recipe that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Give it a try and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it—you might just find a new holiday tradition!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use regular peppermint candies instead of candy canes? Absolutely! Peppermint candies work just as well and taste almost identical.
2. Is it okay to skip the food coloring? Of course! The food coloring is just for fun and presentation. Your shake will taste the same without it.
3. Can I make this milkshake dairy-free? Yes, just swap the ice cream and milk for dairy-free alternatives. Coconut or almond milk ice cream works great.
4. How do I crush the candy canes without a food processor? Put them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or heavy object like a skillet.
5. Can I use a different flavor extract? Sure! Vanilla or almond extract could be fun alternatives, but it’ll change the overall flavor profile quite a bit.

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