Peppermint Milkshake Holiday Treat: A Festive Classic You’ll Crave All Winter

The holiday season has a way of awakening our senses — twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, nostalgic music, and flavors that instantly transport us back to childhood. Among those flavors, peppermint stands out as one of the most iconic. Cool, refreshing, and unmistakably festive, peppermint is synonymous with winter celebrations. This Peppermint Milkshake Holiday Treat captures that magic in a creamy, indulgent drink that feels both playful and luxurious.

Unlike heavy baked desserts that require hours in the kitchen, this holiday milkshake is refreshingly simple yet visually stunning. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up after dinner, serve at a Christmas movie night, or offer as a sweet surprise when guests stop by unexpectedly. With its pale pink hue, whipped cream crown, and candy cane crunch, it looks as festive as it tastes.

What makes this peppermint milkshake special is balance. The vanilla ice cream provides a rich, creamy base, the peppermint extract adds cool brightness without overpowering, and the crushed candy canes deliver texture and sparkle. Every sip feels nostalgic yet indulgent — like the holidays in a glass.

Why Peppermint Milkshakes Are a Holiday Favorite

Peppermint has been associated with winter celebrations for centuries. Candy canes, peppermint bark, and mint-flavored desserts became popular in Europe and North America during the 19th century, often enjoyed after hearty meals for their refreshing finish. Blending peppermint into a milkshake takes that tradition and gives it a modern twist.

Milkshakes themselves are timeless comfort drinks. When paired with peppermint, they become a seasonal indulgence that bridges generations. Kids love the sweetness and festive look, while adults appreciate the nostalgic flavor and creamy texture.

This Peppermint Milkshake Holiday Treat is also incredibly versatile. It can be made alcohol-free for family gatherings or dressed up with a splash of peppermint schnapps or crème de menthe for adult celebrations.

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whole milk (or milk of choice)
• Peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate syrup (optional)
• Extra candy canes for garnish

Each ingredient plays a specific role. The ice cream gives body and richness, milk controls the thickness, peppermint extract provides bold flavor, and candy canes add crunch and visual appeal.

Instructions

1. Add vanilla ice cream to a blender, followed by milk.
2. Add peppermint extract, starting with a small amount to avoid overpowering the milkshake.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk as needed for desired thickness.
4. Taste and add more peppermint extract if desired.
5. Pour into chilled glasses.
6. Top generously with whipped cream.
7. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top and drizzle with chocolate syrup if using.
8. Garnish with a mini candy cane or striped straw and serve immediately.

Texture, Flavor, and Presentation Tips

Achieving the perfect milkshake texture is all about ratios. Too much milk makes it thin, while too little makes it difficult to blend. Start with less milk and add gradually.

For flavor, peppermint extract is potent. A few drops go a long way. Always taste before adding more.

Presentation elevates this simple drink into a show-stopping dessert. Chill your glasses, use clear glassware to show off the color, and don’t skip the whipped cream — it creates height, contrast, and indulgence.

Creative Variations

• Chocolate Peppermint Milkshake: Add chocolate ice cream or cocoa powder.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and almond or oat milk.
• Adult Holiday Shake: Add peppermint schnapps or white chocolate liqueur.
• Extra Thick Version: Reduce milk and add more ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this milkshake after a holiday meal, alongside Christmas cookies, or as a dessert drink during gift exchanges. It pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts and buttery shortbread.

For parties, create a milkshake bar with toppings like crushed cookies, chocolate shavings, marshmallows, and sprinkles so guests can customize their drinks.

Fun Holiday Milkshake Facts

• Candy canes were originally straight and white before becoming red-striped.
• Peppermint is known to aid digestion, making it a classic after-dinner flavor.
• Milkshakes became popular in the early 1900s as soda fountains spread across America.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peppermint Milkshake Holiday Treat is fast, festive, and endlessly adaptable. It requires no baking, minimal cleanup, and delivers instant holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or treating yourself, this milkshake brings joy with every sip.

Peppermint Milkshake Holiday Treat

A creamy, festive peppermint milkshake topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for the perfect holiday dessert drink.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 2 glasses

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 380

Ingredients

  

Milkshake Base

• 3 cups vanilla ice cream
• 0.75 cup whole milk or milk of choice
• 0.5 tsp peppermint extract adjust to taste

Toppings

• 0.25 cup crushed candy canes
• 0.5 cup whipped cream
• 2 tbsp chocolate syrup optional

Equipment

• Blender
• Measuring cups
• Serving glasses

Method

 

1. Add vanilla ice cream and milk to a blender.
2. Add peppermint extract and blend until smooth.
3. Adjust thickness with additional milk if needed.
4. Pour milkshake into serving glasses.
5. Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and chocolate syrup if desired.
6. Serve immediately while cold and creamy.

Notes

Use chilled glasses and start with less peppermint extract, adding more to taste.