Ah, the holidays! It’s that magical time of year when everything feels a little brighter, and every treat seems to sparkle with festive cheer. One of my absolute favorite holiday delights has to be the peppermint milkshake. There’s just something so wonderfully refreshing and creamy about it that brings back memories of cozy nights by the fire, laughter with friends, and, of course, indulging in sweet holiday treats. I remember the first time I whipped one up for a holiday gathering—it was a hit! Everyone was coming back for seconds, and the smiles on their faces said it all. Trust me, once you try this milkshake, it’ll become a staple in your festive celebrations too!
Ingredients for Peppermint Milkshake
Gather these simple yet delightful ingredients to create your own refreshing peppermint milkshake. Trust me, this list is easy to tackle!
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (make sure it’s nice and creamy for that perfect texture)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can use your preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to your taste if you want a stronger minty flavor)
- 1/4 cup whipped cream (because who doesn’t love a fluffy topping?)
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling (let your creativity shine with how much you add!)
- Crushed candy canes for garnish (the festive touch that makes it all pop!)
How to Prepare a Peppermint Milkshake
Making this peppermint milkshake is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be sipping on holiday magic in no time! Just follow these simple steps to whip up a creamy, dreamy treat that’s sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab your blender and combine the 2 cups of vanilla ice cream, 1 cup of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Trust me, the peppermint extract is the key to that refreshing flavor!
- Now, blend everything together on medium speed for about 30 seconds or until it’s smooth and creamy. You want that perfect milkshake consistency—thick, but not so thick you can’t sip it through a straw!
- Next, it’s time to get fancy! Drizzle some chocolate syrup inside your serving glasses. I love to create a fun swirl pattern that looks as good as it tastes.
- Pour the milkshake mixture into the glasses, filling them up but leaving a little room for the whipped cream on top.
- Finally, top each milkshake with a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for that festive touch. Wow, just look at those colors!
- Serve immediately and enjoy the cheers from your friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Milkshake
- Festive Flavor: The refreshing minty taste combined with creamy vanilla is like a holiday hug in a glass!
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and a blender, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time.
- Visually Stunning: The swirls of chocolate syrup and vibrant candy cane garnish make it a showstopper at any gathering.
- Kid-Friendly: This milkshake is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it perfect for holiday parties.
- Customizable: Want to make it a bit more decadent? Add a scoop of chocolate ice cream or a splash of chocolate milk for extra indulgence!
- Perfectly Festive: It’s not just a drink; it’s a celebration of the season that brings everyone together.
Tips for Success with Your Peppermint Milkshake
Let’s make sure your peppermint milkshake turns out nothing short of spectacular! Here are my top tips to elevate your drink and ensure it’s a hit every time.
- Adjust the Peppermint Extract: If you’re a mint lover, feel free to add a bit more peppermint extract, but start with the recommended amount. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in!
- Chill Your Glasses: For that frosty effect, pop your glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving. It makes the milkshake feel even more refreshing!
- Blend to Perfection: Blend your ingredients just until smooth. Over-blending can make it too thin, and we want that deliciously thick texture that you can sip through a straw!
- Garnish Creatively: Get playful with your toppings! Consider adding mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of peppermint syrup for that extra wow factor.
- Make It Vegan: Swap the vanilla ice cream for a dairy-free option and use almond or oat milk. Trust me, it’s just as delicious!
- Experiment with Flavors: Want to switch things up? Try adding a scoop of chocolate ice cream or a splash of espresso for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the ultimate peppermint milkshake that’ll have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Nutritional Information for Peppermint Milkshake
Let’s dive into the deliciousness of this peppermint milkshake! Here’s an estimated look at the nutritional values per serving. Of course, keep in mind that these can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
So, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this milkshake is a delightful way to indulge during the holidays! Enjoy every creamy sip, and feel good knowing it’s a festive treat worth every calorie!
Frequently Asked Questions about Peppermint Milkshake
Got questions about making the perfect peppermint milkshake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my answers to help you create your festive treat without a hitch.
Can I use different ice cream flavors?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, you can play around with flavors like chocolate or mint chocolate chip for an extra twist. Just remember that it’ll change the overall taste a bit, but hey, variety is the spice of life!
How do I make it dairy-free?
It’s super easy! Just switch out the vanilla ice cream for your favorite dairy-free ice cream and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. You won’t lose any of that creamy deliciousness!
Can I prepare this milkshake ahead of time?
While I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best flavor and texture, you can prep the ingredients (like blending the ice cream and milk) and store them in the fridge. Just give it a quick re-blend before serving to bring back that creamy goodness!
What can I use instead of crushed candy canes?
If candy canes aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for crushed chocolate cookies, sprinkles, or even crushed nuts. The key is to add a little texture and a touch of festive flair!
Is this milkshake suitable for kids?
Definitely! This peppermint milkshake is a hit with kids and makes for a fun holiday treat. Just keep an eye on the sugar content if you’re serving it to little ones, and they’ll be smiling from ear to ear!
Can I make this a shake for adults?
You bet! Add a splash of peppermint schnapps or your favorite liqueur for a grown-up twist. It makes for a delightful dessert cocktail that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
With these FAQs in hand, I hope you feel ready to whip up your own peppermint milkshake! No matter how you choose to make it, it’s bound to be a festive hit!
Serving Suggestions for Peppermint Milkshake
This peppermint milkshake is not just a delicious treat on its own; it pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday delights! Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions that can elevate your festive gatherings.
- Holiday Cookie Platter: Serve your milkshake alongside a festive assortment of cookies—think gingerbread, sugar cookies, or even chocolate chip! The sweet and minty flavors of the shake complement the rich cookie textures perfectly.
- Brownie Bites: Who can resist a fudgy brownie? Cut them into bite-sized pieces and offer them as a delightful pairing. The chocolate and peppermint combo is simply irresistible!
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate pairs wonderfully with the creamy milkshake. It creates a lovely contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Mini Cheesecakes: For a more elegant touch, serve your milkshake with mini cheesecakes. The rich creaminess of the cheesecake combined with the minty freshness of the milkshake is a match made in dessert heaven!
- Fruit Skewers: Add a refreshing element by offering fruit skewers with berries and bananas. The fruity sweetness makes a light contrast to the indulgent milkshake, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Why not turn your gathering into a cozy hot chocolate bar? Guests can enjoy a peppermint milkshake alongside rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, and even a sprinkle of crushed candy canes!
With these serving suggestions, your peppermint milkshake will shine even brighter at your holiday celebrations! Enjoy the festive flavors, the laughter, and the memories you’ll create with each sip and bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious peppermint milkshake, and now you have some leftovers? No worries! Here’s how to store it properly to keep that creamy goodness intact for later enjoyment.
First off, if you have any milkshake left, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the freezer. This way, it’ll stay fresh and ready for your next indulgence. Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container, as the milkshake will expand when frozen. Trust me, you don’t want any messy surprises!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, take it out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes. This will make it easier to re-blend without turning it into a liquid puddle. Then, transfer it back into your blender and give it a whirl for about 15–20 seconds. You want to achieve that thick, luscious texture again—just like it was freshly made!
And voilà! You’re all set to sip on your peppermint milkshake once more. Enjoy every delightful, minty sip, and don’t forget to garnish with whipped cream and crushed candy canes if you’re feeling festive!
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Peppermint Milkshake: 5 Steps to Festive Bliss
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy peppermint milkshake perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup whipped cream
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup inside serving glasses.
- Pour the milkshake into the glasses.
- Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the peppermint extract to taste.
- Use dairy-free ice cream for a vegan option.
- Chill glasses for a frosty effect.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: peppermint milkshake, holiday drink, dessert