Candy Cane Milkshakes Recipe

Candy cane milkshakes have always brought me back to the cozy nights right before the holidays, when everything seems to slow down just a little. There’s something magical about sipping on a sweet, peppermint-flavored shake with a swirl of whipped cream on top, especially when there’s candy cane dust sprinkled over it. It’s like a winter wonderland in a cup! I love making this milkshake for holiday get-togethers or even as a little indulgence while decorating the tree. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up. You’ll be sipping one before you know it!

Now, let me tell you why you absolutely need this milkshake recipe in your life. If you love the classic combo of vanilla ice cream and peppermint, this shake hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, festive, and just the right amount of sweet. The little bits of crushed candy canes add the perfect crunch, and it’s got this dreamy pink color that just feels like the holidays in a glass. Trust me—this is a treat that will bring a smile to anyone’s face, young or old.

this RECIPE

A sweet memory in every sip 🌟

The first time I made these candy cane milkshakes was a few years ago, during a particularly snowy December. My friends and I were stuck inside after a long day of sledding, and we wanted something fun and festive to warm up (well, metaphorically—milkshakes aren’t exactly warm!). I had a few candy canes left over from decorating and a tub of vanilla ice cream in the freezer. It was a happy accident, but let me tell you, this became a tradition instantly! We threw everything together, crushed up the candy canes, and made milkshakes that turned out so delicious. Now, every year when I make this, it brings back memories of that cozy night.

Candy cane milkshakes: a festive treat with history

Milkshakes have been around since the late 1800s, originally as a more “adult” drink with whiskey! But over time, it evolved into the creamy, sweet concoction we know today. Peppermint, on the other hand, has long been associated with the holiday season, dating back to the 17th century in Europe. Candy canes, with their iconic red and white stripes, have become a holiday staple over the years. By blending these two elements—classic vanilla milkshake and peppermint candy—you get a dessert that’s both nostalgic and oh-so-festive. It’s like a modern twist on old traditions!

Let’s talk ingredients: sweet, simple, and versatile

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a few ingredients, and you’ve got something magical. Here’s a breakdown:

• Vanilla ice cream: This is the creamy base of your milkshake. Any brand will do, but make sure it’s one you love since it’s the main flavor. You can even go for a dairy-free option if needed.
• Milk: This thins out the ice cream just enough to make it perfectly sippable. I usually use whole milk for a richer texture, but almond or oat milk can be a great substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Peppermint extract: The star of the show! I suggest using 2 teaspoons for a bold peppermint flavor, but if you prefer just a subtle hint, start with 1 teaspoon and see how it goes.
• Candy canes or peppermints: These are for that extra crunch and festive flair. If you don’t have candy canes, peppermint hard candies work just as well.
• Pink food coloring: Totally optional, but it adds that fun pop of color that makes these milkshakes even more festive.
• Whipped cream: For topping, of course! Because what’s a milkshake without a fluffy swirl of whipped cream?

The tools you’ll need in the kitchen

You don’t need much for this recipe, which is one of the reasons I love it. However, a few kitchen tools will make things a bit easier:

• Blender: You’ll definitely need a blender to get that smooth, creamy texture for your milkshake. If you don’t have one, you can try using a hand mixer or immersion blender, but it might not be as smooth.
• Food processor (or rolling pin): Crushing up the candy canes can be done in a food processor for a fine, dust-like texture. If you don’t have one, you can also place the candy canes in a plastic bag and smash them with a rolling pin. (Trust me, this can be quite fun!)
• Frozen mugs or mason jars: Freezing your serving glasses beforehand will keep your milkshake cold for longer and make it feel like a frosty treat. Plus, the presentation is super cute!

How to make candy cane milkshakes: step-by-step guide

Making these candy cane milkshakes is as easy as can be! Here’s how to do it:

1. Blend the base ingredients
   Start by tossing your vanilla ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract into the blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. You want the mixture to be thick but sippable, so if it’s too thick, add a little more milk and blend again.
2. Add the pink food coloring
   Now for the fun part—add about 3 drops of pink food coloring. You don’t need much, just enough to give the shake a soft, rosy hue. Blend it up again until the color is evenly mixed. (Tip: You can leave the coloring out if you prefer a more natural look, but pink really makes it pop!)
3. Prepare the candy cane topping
   While your milkshake is blending, take your broken-up candy canes and either pulse them in a food processor or crush them with a rolling pin. You want them in fine, crumbly pieces, almost like snow. These will be the perfect topping for your shake.
4. Pour and garnish
   Once your milkshake is nice and smooth, pour it into your frozen mugs or mason jars. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, then sprinkle the crushed candy cane pieces over the top. (If you’re feeling fancy, you can even garnish the rim with a whole candy cane!)
5. Enjoy immediately!
   These milkshakes are best enjoyed right away, while they’re cold and frothy. Trust me, they won’t last long!

Variations to make it your own

If you want to switch things up, here are a few fun variations I’ve tried:

• Vegan or dairy-free: Use a non-dairy vanilla ice cream (like coconut or almond-based) and replace the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. You can find dairy-free whipped cream options too!
• Chocolate twist: For a chocolate-peppermint combo, add 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup to the blender. It’s like a peppermint hot chocolate but in milkshake form.
• Holiday spices: If you’re a fan of warm spices, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shake. It adds a cozy flavor that pairs well with the peppermint.
• Frozen peppermint hot chocolate: Want to get extra decadent? Add a scoop of hot chocolate mix or melted chocolate to the base blend. You’ll get a rich, chocolatey twist on the original milkshake.

How to serve and present it beautifully

If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, these candy cane milkshakes are a surefire way to impress your guests. Serve them in clear mason jars or cute holiday-themed glasses. For an extra touch, dip the rims of your glasses in melted chocolate and roll them in crushed candy canes before pouring in the milkshake. It adds a little something extra and looks so festive! Don’t forget to top each shake with a full candy cane sticking out of the glass—it’s both decorative and functional!

Pairing your milkshake with a drink (or two)

I love pairing this milkshake with a nice cup of hot chocolate or a peppermint mocha on the side. If you’re not feeling too chocolatey, a hot herbal tea like chamomile or mint is a great option to balance out the sweetness of the shake. Or, go with something lighter like a sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice for a refreshing contrast.

Storing and reheating (if you have any leftovers!)

Honestly, these milkshakes are best enjoyed right away, but if you do have leftovers, you can store them in the freezer. Just pour the remaining milkshake into an airtight container and freeze it. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then give it a good stir. It won’t be quite as creamy as freshly made, but it’s still delicious! Avoid storing it in the fridge as it tends to lose that thick milkshake texture.

Scaling the recipe for different sizes

If you’re making this for a crowd, it’s easy to double or even triple the recipe. Just make sure your blender can handle the extra volume! If it’s too full, you can blend in batches. For smaller servings, you can cut the recipe in half. Keep the ratios of ice cream to milk consistent, and you’ll be good to go.

Troubleshooting potential hiccups

• Too thick or thin: If your milkshake is too thick to blend, just add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add another scoop of ice cream to thicken it up.
• Candy cane clumps: If your candy canes don’t crush up finely enough, try using a sieve to filter out the larger pieces, so you only get the fine powder on top.

Ready to sip some holiday cheer?

I promise you, once you try these candy cane milkshakes, they’ll become a holiday tradition in your household too. They’re the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and pepperminty, and they just feel festive from the first sip. Feel free to tweak the recipe and make it your own—after all, that’s the best part of cooking at home! Let me know how yours turns out, and happy holidays!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make this milkshake without peppermint extract?
Yes! You can skip the peppermint extract if you’re not a fan or just want a more subtle flavor. The candy cane topping will still give it some peppermint flavor.

2. What can I use instead of candy canes?
Peppermint hard candies work just as well. You can also use crushed chocolate mints if you want a slightly different twist!

3. How can I make this shake thicker?
If you prefer a thicker milkshake, just reduce the amount of milk or add an extra scoop of ice cream.

4. Can I make this milkshake ahead of time?
These milkshakes are best fresh, but you can make them ahead and freeze them. Just let them thaw for about 10 minutes before serving.

5. What’s a good substitute for food coloring?
If you want to avoid food coloring, you can leave it out altogether. The milkshake will still taste delicious—it just won’t have the pink color!

Print