Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when everything feels a bit brighter, the air is filled with the scent of pine, and our hearts are warmed by the joy of togetherness. And what better way to celebrate than with a festive Christmas Peppermint Milkshake? Trust me, this drink is not just a treat; it’s an experience! It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with that classic peppermint flavor we all crave during the holidays. The vibrant red and white swirl from the crushed peppermint candies gives it a gorgeous visual appeal that’s bound to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in just a few minutes! So, gather around, and let’s dive into this delightful holiday beverage that will surely bring smiles all around!
Ingredients for Christmas Peppermint Milkshake
Before we get blending, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need for this festive delight:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (softened for easy blending)
- 1 cup milk (you can use whole milk or your favorite milk alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste if you like it minty!)
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (plus additional for garnish—because who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle?)
- Whipped cream for topping (the fluffier, the better!)
Having everything ready to go makes the process so much smoother, and trust me, you’ll want to enjoy this milkshake as soon as it’s made! So let’s make some holiday magic happen!
How to Prepare the Christmas Peppermint Milkshake
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this festive drink to life! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be sipping on a delicious Christmas Peppermint Milkshake in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Blending the Base
First up, grab your blender and toss in the softened vanilla ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract. Blend everything together on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 30 seconds. You want that perfect milkshake consistency, so don’t rush it! If it’s too thick, feel free to add a splash more milk.
Adding Peppermint Candies
Next, it’s time for the fun part! Add your crushed peppermint candies to the blender. Pulse gently just a few times—this way, you’ll keep some of that delightful texture while incorporating the minty crunch. Trust me, those little bits make every sip a holiday delight!
Serving the Milkshake
Now, pour your beautifully blended milkshake into festive glasses. I love using chilled glasses for that frosty presentation, but that’s totally up to you! Top each one with a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle some additional crushed peppermint on top for that extra holiday flair. Serve immediately, and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy!
Tips for Success with Your Christmas Peppermint Milkshake
To make sure your Christmas Peppermint Milkshake turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t be shy about adjusting the peppermint extract to suit your taste—if you love that minty kick, add a little more! Also, chilling your glasses before serving makes a world of difference; it keeps your milkshake frosty and refreshing. If you’re looking for a vegan option, simply swap out the vanilla ice cream and milk for your favorite dairy-free alternatives. There are so many delicious coconut or almond milk ice creams these days! And if you want to make it a bit more festive, consider adding a splash of chocolate syrup to the mix—yum! Trust me, these little tweaks will take your milkshake to the next level!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
When it comes to nutrition, it’s important to keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. The nutritional information provided here is an estimate, so it’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re tracking those numbers closely. Typically, each serving of this delightful Christmas Peppermint Milkshake contains around 400 calories, with 20g of fat, 30g of sugar, and 6g of protein. Carbohydrates usually clock in at about 50g, along with a sprinkle of sodium around 150mg. Remember, these values can change depending on your choices, like using low-fat ice cream or alternative milk, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for you! Enjoy your festive drink without worry, and just savor the joy of the season!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Peppermint Milkshake
- Quick to Prepare: You can whip this milkshake up in just 10 minutes—perfect for when you need a last-minute festive treat!
- Festive Flavor: The classic combination of peppermint and vanilla instantly transports you to a winter wonderland with every sip.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a fantastic addition to any holiday gathering.
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant colors and whipped cream topping make it not just delicious, but also a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite toppings or add a chocolate twist—there’s no limit to how you can make it your own!
- Perfect for All Ages: This milkshake is a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy, making it a great option for family celebrations.
FAQ about Christmas Peppermint Milkshake
Can I make this milkshake vegan?
Absolutely! Making a vegan Christmas Peppermint Milkshake is super simple. Just swap out the vanilla ice cream for a dairy-free version—coconut or almond milk ice creams are fantastic options! For the milk, you can use any plant-based milk you enjoy, like almond, oat, or soy milk. This way, you can still enjoy that creamy texture and delicious peppermint flavor while keeping it vegan-friendly. Trust me, it’ll taste just as festive!
How should I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can store your milkshake in an airtight container in the freezer. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as it might get a bit icy. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, try to consume it within a day or two for the best flavor and texture. Just remember, it’s always better when it’s freshly made!
Can I add alcohol for an adult version?
Oh, you bet! For an adult twist, you can definitely add a splash of peppermint schnapps to your milkshake. Just mix in about 1 to 2 ounces, depending on your preference, right before blending. It’ll give your milkshake a delightful kick and make it perfect for holiday parties. Just be sure to keep a few non-alcoholic versions on hand for the kiddos, so everyone can join in on the festive fun!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Peppermint Milkshake
To truly elevate your Christmas Peppermint Milkshake experience, consider pairing it with some delightful treats that capture the spirit of the season! I love serving these milkshakes alongside freshly baked gingerbread cookies—they’re a match made in holiday heaven! The warm spices of the cookies complement the cool, minty flavor of the milkshake beautifully. You could also whip up some fluffy chocolate chip muffins for a cozy combo that everyone will adore.
If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, some rich chocolate cake or a festive yule log cake can harmonize perfectly with the peppermint! And for a lighter touch, some peppermint bark or candy cane popcorn can add a festive crunch that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, these pairings will make your holiday gathering even more special, leaving everyone wanting more!
Christmas Peppermint Milkshake: 5 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and refreshing drink perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Whipped cream for topping
- Additional crushed peppermint for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add crushed peppermint candies and pulse a few times to mix.
- Pour the milkshake into glasses.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle additional crushed peppermint on top.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste.
- Use dairy-free ice cream and milk for a vegan option.
- Chill glasses beforehand for a frosty presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 milkshake
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Christmas, Peppermint, Milkshake, Holiday Drink