I have to say, there’s something truly magical about a candy cane milkshake. It’s like capturing all the fun of the holiday season in a single glass. Creamy vanilla ice cream blended with cool peppermint and a swirl of festive pink—what’s not to love? This milkshake is pure indulgence, but with that refreshing twist that keeps you coming back for more.

I first made this recipe one chilly December afternoon when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to bake (let’s be honest, holiday baking can be a bit overwhelming!). I had leftover candy canes from tree decorating, some vanilla ice cream, and a memory of a peppermint milkshake from my childhood. The result? This recipe, which has since become a go-to treat for cozy evenings watching Christmas movies or when hosting friends who need a little holiday cheer.

🎄 A festive twist that’s easy to whip up

What makes this candy cane milkshake a little extra special is how simple it is to make, while still feeling like a true treat. You don’t need fancy ingredients, and it’s one of those recipes that can easily be adapted to what you have on hand. Plus, the peppermint flavor just sings “holiday magic” without being too overpowering. You can adjust the peppermint extract to your taste, so if you’re just looking for a hint of mint or a full-on winter wonderland in a glass, this recipe has got you covered.

The time I first made this milkshake…

I still remember the first time I whipped up this candy cane milkshake like it was yesterday. It was the middle of December, and we’d just finished decorating our tree. My kitchen smelled of pine needles and cinnamon candles, and outside, the snow was gently falling—basically, it was straight out of a Hallmark movie! My little nephew, who was over to “help” with decorating, was eyeing the candy canes a bit too much, so I figured we could put them to better use. Out came the ice cream and milk, and before long, the blender was whirring away.

As soon as I poured the milkshake into mason jars and topped it with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, my nephew’s eyes lit up. He took one sip and said, “It tastes like Christmas!” That’s when I knew this recipe was going to be a regular part of my holiday rotation. It’s nostalgic, fun, and downright delicious!

A little history on candy canes

Now, we can’t talk about candy cane milkshakes without a nod to the humble candy cane itself. While candy canes are synonymous with Christmas now, they actually date back to the 17th century. Legend has it that a choirmaster in Germany bent the white candy sticks into the shape of a shepherd’s crook to keep children quiet during long church services (genius, right?). Over time, the candy evolved into the red and white striped treat we know today, and peppermint became the most popular flavor.

So, when you’re blending up this milkshake, you’re actually sipping on a bit of history—how fun is that?

Let’s talk ingredients: the good, the better, and the “oops I’m out of that”

Vanilla ice cream: The base of this milkshake is good ol’ vanilla ice cream. It gives the milkshake its creamy texture and balances out the minty flavor. For a richer shake, you can use premium ice cream, but honestly, regular works just fine. If you’re dairy-free, swap it with a coconut or almond-based vanilla ice cream, and it’s just as delicious!
Milk: I like using whole milk for the creamiest texture, but feel free to use 2% or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat. The milk helps to thin out the ice cream just enough to make it drinkable, but still thick enough to feel indulgent.
Peppermint extract: This is where the magic happens! Two teaspoons will give you a bold peppermint flavor, but if you’re more into subtle hints, one teaspoon will do the trick. Just be careful not to overdo it—peppermint extract is potent!
Candy canes (or peppermints): These give the milkshake its signature crunch. I love the look and texture of the little peppermint bits sprinkled on top of the whipped cream. No candy canes on hand? No problem! Peppermint candies work just as well.
Pink food coloring: It’s totally optional, but adding a few drops of pink food coloring just makes this drink feel even more festive. You could go without, but where’s the fun in that?
Whipped cream: This is non-negotiable in my book. That dollop of fluffy whipped cream on top just seals the deal. Plus, it gives the crushed candy canes something to cling to!

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

Making a milkshake is pretty straightforward, but a good blender is essential here. You want everything to blend together smoothly, especially if you’re using those hard candy canes. If you don’t have a blender, you can still make this by softening the ice cream a bit more and mixing by hand (though it’ll be more of a soft-serve situation).

If you don’t have a food processor for crushing the candy canes, don’t worry. A good ol’ rolling pin and a plastic bag do the trick. Just give those candy canes a good whack (therapeutic, right?) until they’re finely crushed.

Step-by-step: making the perfect candy cane milkshake

Blend the base: Start by tossing your vanilla ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract into your blender. Blend on high until smooth. Depending on how thick you like your milkshake, you might want to adjust the milk. For a thicker shake, use less; for a thinner one, add a splash more.
- Pro tip: If your ice cream is rock hard, let it sit out for a couple of minutes to soften slightly. This will make blending easier.
Add a pop of color: Next, add about 3 drops of pink food coloring to the blender. Blend again until the color is evenly mixed in. It should turn a light pink shade—so pretty!
Crush the candy canes: While the milkshake is blending, throw the candy canes into a food processor and pulse until they’re broken into fine pieces. No food processor? No problem! Just pop them into a zip-top bag and smash them with a rolling pin. It’s a bit messier, but just as effective.
Serve it up: Pour the milkshake into chilled mugs or mason jars. I love freezing my glasses for a few minutes beforehand—it keeps the milkshake colder for longer.
Top it off: Now for the fun part! Top each milkshake with a generous swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations and fun twists

Vegan-friendly: Use non-dairy ice cream (coconut, almond, or oat-based vanilla ice creams work beautifully) and substitute almond or oat milk. You can even find vegan whipped cream now, so no need to miss out on the fun toppings!
Chocolate peppermint milkshake: Feeling extra indulgent? Add a scoop of chocolate ice cream to the mix, or even drizzle some chocolate syrup into the glass before pouring in your milkshake. Think of it like a peppermint bark in shake form.
Boozy version: For an adults-only twist, add a shot of peppermint schnapps or vanilla vodka into the blender. It’s perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights by the fire.
Crushed cookie topping: Swap out the crushed candy canes for crushed peppermint-flavored Oreos. The cookie bits add a nice texture and flavor variation.

Serving and presentation ideas

When it comes to presentation, I love serving these milkshakes in frosty mason jars with festive paper straws. You could even dip the rim of the glass in melted chocolate and then into crushed candy canes for a little extra flair. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish each milkshake with a whole candy cane for stirring and an extra festive touch.

For a full holiday spread, I like serving these alongside some gingerbread cookies or shortbread on the side. The contrast between the warm spices in the cookies and the cool peppermint in the shake is absolute perfection.

Perfect drink pairings

Since this milkshake is already a dessert in itself, I like to pair it with something light if I’m going for a non-dessert drink. A hot cup of peppermint tea or even a classic hot chocolate (if you’re going all-in on the sweets) can be a nice warm counterpart to the cold shake. For a more sophisticated pairing, a glass of sparkling wine with a hint of sweetness works surprisingly well—it’s festive and light!

Storage and reheating tips (if there are leftovers!)

Let’s be honest—milkshake leftovers don’t happen often, but if you do end up with some, you can store it in the freezer for a short time. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to drink it again, let it thaw for a few minutes and give it a good stir. It won’t be quite as creamy as when fresh, but it’ll still taste delicious!

Scaling the recipe for a crowd

This recipe makes about 2 large milkshakes, but it can easily be scaled up for a holiday gathering. Just keep in mind that blending too much at once might overwhelm your blender. I recommend making the milkshakes in batches if you’re serving a crowd. One thing I’ve noticed when scaling up is that you might need to add a little extra milk to keep the consistency just right.

Troubleshooting potential issues

Milkshake too thick? Add a splash more milk and blend again until it’s the right consistency.
Peppermint overload? If you accidentally added too much extract, try adding a little more ice cream and milk to mellow out the flavor.
Candy cane bits sinking? If you want the crushed candy canes to stay on top of the whipped cream longer, make sure they’re crushed finely. Larger pieces tend to sink more quickly.

Give this festive treat a try!

There’s just something about a candy cane milkshake that brings the holiday spirit right into your kitchen. It’s easy, festive, and fun to make with family or friends, and you can always tweak it to suit your taste. Whether you’re sipping it while wrapping presents or sharing it after a holiday meal, this milkshake is guaranteed to bring some cheer to your day. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked!

FAQ

Q: Can I use peppermint candy instead of candy canes?
A: Absolutely! Peppermint candies work just as well—just crush them up the same way you would with candy canes.

Q: Is it okay to skip the pink food coloring?
A: Of course! The pink coloring is purely for fun. The milkshake will taste just as delicious without it.

Q: Can I make this milkshake dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and almond or oat milk, and you’re all set.

Q: What if I don’t have a blender?
A: You can mix the ingredients by hand, but it might be more of a thick, soft-serve consistency. Let the ice cream soften a bit first to make mixing easier.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for a short time. Let them thaw slightly before enjoying again.