Peppermint Eggnog Milkshake

Peppermint Eggnog Milkshake arrived on my holiday table the first year I decided to combine nostalgic flavors with a touch of whimsy. I remember hauling out a battered recipe box, then improvising with what I had in the freezer and pantry. That first sip felt like a cozy blanket, cold and creamy with a bright peppermint whisper, and I kept thinking about how such a simple mashup could feel so festive. Over the years I’ve tweaked proportions so the balance between vanilla ice cream or eggnog ice cream and eggnog is just right, and I never skip the crunchy candy cane finish because that texture contrast elevates the whole thing.

Friends always ask for the recipe after tasting my version of Peppermint Eggnog Milkshake. I’ll confess I like a slightly thicker shake, so I usually start with a hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream and add a splash of eggnog to reach the mouthfeel I love. Sometimes I stir in a few Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips for surprise bites of minty chocolate. The candy cane garnish makes it feel celebratory, and it’s become my quick answer when someone wants something seasonal but fun. I enjoy serving this when guests arrive, because it’s fast to pull together and it gets everyone smiling.

Shopping List for Peppermint Eggnog Milkshake

These ingredients are straightforward, seasonal, and designed to work in harmony. The first two provide the creamy base, while the baking chips and candy cane elements add texture and peppermint lift. I treat vanilla ice cream or eggnog ice cream as the foundation and use the other components to fine tune sweetness and crunch.

• 1 cup vanilla ice cream OR eggnog ice cream OR peppermint ice cream: Chill and sweeten the base with creamy vanilla ice cream or a flavored alternative; provides body, cold texture, and rich dairy flavor to the shake. Combine with eggnog for a balanced, luscious mouthfeel and serve immediately to retain frosty consistency.
• 1 cup eggnog commercially prepared: Enrich and thin the shake with commercially prepared eggnog; adds spiced, custardy notes and contributes liquid for blending while reinforcing the holiday flavor. Use chilled eggnog to maintain a cold, creamy texture and enhance overall sweetness.
• 1/2 cup Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips: Introduce concentrated peppermint-chocolate crunch with Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips; offers bursts of minty chocolate and small crunchy bits throughout the shake. Stir or blend gently to distribute chips without overworking the ice cream base.
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract – for those who love peppermint (optional): Boost and intensify mint flavor with a small amount of peppermint extract; provides potent aromatic lift so only a tiny measure is needed. Add cautiously and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the delicate eggnog and ice cream balance.
• 1 candy cane stirrer: Garnish and add visual charm with a candy cane stirrer; imparts subtle mint aroma as it rests in the shake and provides a festive finishing touch. Use as a stirring implement or decorative element to enhance presentation and seasonal appeal.
• 1 candy cane crushed (optional): Add texture and a stronger mint accent by crushing a candy cane; sprinkles crushed pieces over the shake for crunchy contrast and bright peppermint flavor. Use the optional crushed cane as a rim garnish or topping to elevate both taste and appearance.

How to Make Peppermint Eggnog Milkshake

I like to think of this as a quick blending ritual that yields maximum festive payoff. The steps are few, but each one shapes the final texture and balance, so I move deliberately while keeping the pace brisk. Have your garnishes ready because the shake is best enjoyed immediately.

1. Combine ice cream, eggnog, baking chips and extract in blender.: The moment you blend these ingredients together you will notice the cold, creamy aroma rising as the blades start to whirl. The contrast between the dense ice cream and the pourable eggnog creates a thick slurry that becomes silkier as mixing continues. I like to let the Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips sit on top for a beat so they begin to chill against the frozen mass before they break down, which preserves little pockets of minty chocolate. One common mistake is adding too much liquid at the start, which makes the shake thin and watery; avoid that by starting with the amounts listed and adjusting after a brief blend. If your blender struggles, pulse first to combine and then increase to a steady speed so the mixture doesn't overheat the motor.
2. Blend until smooth.: As the blender runs, listen for a steady, even hum and watch the mixture transform from chunky to velvety. The sound will soften when everything has fully incorporated. You should see a uniform color with flecks of chocolate and bits of crushed candy moving through the mixture. This step is where texture is decided, because under-blending leaves lumps, while over-blending can make the shake too loose. A frequent error is blending too long at high speed, which warms the mixture and turns it runny; instead, use short bursts to reach the perfect creamy consistency. If the shake appears too thick to move, add a tablespoon of eggnog at a time until it reaches a pourable, spoonable texture.
3. Pour into glass, sprinkle with crushed candy canes and add candy cane stirrer.: When you pour, aim for a steady stream so the shake settles evenly in the glass and forms a smooth top. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy cane to ensure it sticks slightly to the cold surface rather than melting away. The contrast between the glossy, creamy surface and the crystalline candy pieces is part of the appeal. Placing a whole candy cane stirrer gives an inviting finishing touch and a minty aroma as guests sip. A tip from experience is to avoid crushing the candy cane into powder because very fine sugar will quickly dissolve, losing textural interest; keep the pieces slightly chunky for the best crunch.
4. Serve with a smile.: Presenting the glass with a small flourish makes a big difference, because people taste with their eyes first. I often wipe any dribbles from the rim and angle the garnish so the candy cane is visible. Encourage sipping through a straw or enjoying the thicker spoonable parts with a spoon. One mistake hosts sometimes make is assembling the shake too far in advance; it tastes best when cold and fresh, so plan to serve immediately. If you must wait a short while, keep the glasses chilled in the freezer to maintain the chill and texture.

Customization Ideas

If you want to make Peppermint Eggnog Milkshake your own, there are several easy ways to tweak flavor and texture. Below are ideas that range from subtle changes to more festive presentations, each written so you can pick one or combine a few.

• Boost the mint by adding a tiny amount of peppermint extract, start with a drop and taste before adding more to avoid overpowering the balance.
• Choose your base by swapping vanilla ice cream for eggnog ice cream or peppermint ice cream to push the shake toward creamier or more mint forward.
• Increase crunch by folding extra Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips into the finished shake so each sip has a chocolatey bite.
• Make it thicker by using more ice cream and less eggnog, spooning the result like a frozen custard for a spoonable treat.
• Garnish creatively with whole candy cane stirrers and a rim of crushed candy canes to amp up the holiday presentation.
• Control sweetness by choosing unsweetened or lightly sweetened eggnog if you prefer a more balanced finish against the ice cream.

Accompaniments for Peppermint Eggnog Milkshake

This shake pairs well with light sweets or can be the centerpiece of a festive drink spread. Here are thoughtful serving ideas, storage tips, and seasonal pairings to help you plan the perfect moment to serve it.

• Cookie pairing Serve alongside crisp sugar cookies or shortbread to complement the creamy texture with a buttery crunch.
• Holiday brunch Offer the shake at a holiday brunch as a playful beverage, pairing it with light pastries so it remains the sweet highlight.
• Kids party Present as a nonalcoholic festive treat for children at gatherings, with colorful straws and extra crushed candy cane on top to delight them.
• Seasonal timing This is a winter and Christmas friendly drink, making it ideal for holiday mornings, afternoon treats, or as an after dinner sweet bite during seasonal celebrations.
• Storage tip Make components ahead by keeping ice cream and garnishes chilled; assemble just before serving because the shake is best enjoyed fresh and cold.
• Presentation Serve in chilled glasses and add a festive napkin or small plate of cookies to complete the look for guests.

FAQ

Conclusion

This shake brings together creamy eggnog, smooth ice cream, and bright peppermint in a way that feels both nostalgic and playful. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd pleasing holiday treat that sparks smiles. Give it a try the next time you want a simple festive drink that reads like a celebration in a glass, and enjoy how a few pantry staples transform into something memorable.

Peppermint Eggnog Milkshake

Peppermint Eggnog Milkshake is a creamy, minty holiday treat that blends rich eggnog with smooth vanilla ice cream and crunchy peppermint chips for a festive sip. This easy to make shake is perfect for quick entertaining or a cozy winter day, delivering velvety texture and bright peppermint notes. Try it for holiday gatherings to add an instant seasonal favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Total Time 3 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup vanilla ice cream OR eggnog ice cream OR peppermint ice cream Chill and sweeten the base with creamy vanilla ice cream or a flavored alternative; provides body, cold texture, and rich dairy flavor to the shake. Combine with eggnog for a balanced, luscious mouthfeel and serve immediately to retain frosty consistency.
• 1 cup eggnog commercially prepared Enrich and thin the shake with commercially prepared eggnog; adds spiced, custardy notes and contributes liquid for blending while reinforcing the holiday flavor. Use chilled eggnog to maintain a cold, creamy texture and enhance overall sweetness.
• 1/2 cup Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips Introduce concentrated peppermint-chocolate crunch with Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips; offers bursts of minty chocolate and small crunchy bits throughout the shake. Stir or blend gently to distribute chips without overworking the ice cream base.
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract optional - for those who love peppermint Boost and intensify mint flavor with a small amount of peppermint extract; provides potent aromatic lift so only a tiny measure is needed. Add cautiously and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the delicate eggnog and ice cream balance.
• 1 candy cane stirrer Garnish and add visual charm with a candy cane stirrer; imparts subtle mint aroma as it rests in the shake and provides a festive finishing touch. Use as a stirring implement or decorative element to enhance presentation and seasonal appeal.
• 1 candy cane crushed - optional Add texture and a stronger mint accent by crushing a candy cane; sprinkles crushed pieces over the shake for crunchy contrast and bright peppermint flavor. Use the optional crushed cane as a rim garnish or topping to elevate both taste and appearance.

Equipment

• Blender
• measuring cup
• Glass

Method

 

1. Combine ice cream, eggnog, baking chips and extract in blender.: The moment you blend these ingredients together you will notice the cold, creamy aroma rising as the blades start to whirl. The contrast between the dense ice cream and the pourable eggnog creates a thick slurry that becomes silkier as mixing continues. I like to let the Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips sit on top for a beat so they begin to chill against the frozen mass before they break down, which preserves little pockets of minty chocolate. One common mistake is adding too much liquid at the start, which makes the shake thin and watery; avoid that by starting with the amounts listed and adjusting after a brief blend. If your blender struggles, pulse first to combine and then increase to a steady speed so the mixture doesn't overheat the motor.
2. Blend until smooth.: As the blender runs, listen for a steady, even hum and watch the mixture transform from chunky to velvety. The sound will soften when everything has fully incorporated. You should see a uniform color with flecks of chocolate and bits of crushed candy moving through the mixture. This step is where texture is decided, because under-blending leaves lumps, while over-blending can make the shake too loose. A frequent error is blending too long at high speed, which warms the mixture and turns it runny; instead, use short bursts to reach the perfect creamy consistency. If the shake appears too thick to move, add a tablespoon of eggnog at a time until it reaches a pourable, spoonable texture.
3. Pour into glass, sprinkle with crushed candy canes and add candy cane stirrer.: When you pour, aim for a steady stream so the shake settles evenly in the glass and forms a smooth top. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy cane to ensure it sticks slightly to the cold surface rather than melting away. The contrast between the glossy, creamy surface and the crystalline candy pieces is part of the appeal. Placing a whole candy cane stirrer gives an inviting finishing touch and a minty aroma as guests sip. A tip from experience is to avoid crushing the candy cane into powder because very fine sugar will quickly dissolve, losing textural interest; keep the pieces slightly chunky for the best crunch.
4. Serve with a smile.: Presenting the glass with a small flourish makes a big difference, because people taste with their eyes first. I often wipe any dribbles from the rim and angle the garnish so the candy cane is visible. Encourage sipping through a straw or enjoying the thicker spoonable parts with a spoon. One mistake hosts sometimes make is assembling the shake too far in advance; it tastes best when cold and fresh, so plan to serve immediately. If you must wait a short while, keep the glasses chilled in the freezer to maintain the chill and texture.

Notes

• Boost the mint by adding a tiny amount of peppermint extract, start with a drop and taste before adding more to avoid overpowering the balance.
• Choose your base by swapping vanilla ice cream for eggnog ice cream or peppermint ice cream to push the shake toward creamier or more mint forward.
• Increase crunch by folding extra Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips into the finished shake so each sip has a chocolatey bite.
• Make it thicker by using more ice cream and less eggnog, spooning the result like a frozen custard for a spoonable treat.
• Garnish creatively with whole candy cane stirrers and a rim of crushed candy canes to amp up the holiday presentation.
• Control sweetness by choosing unsweetened or lightly sweetened eggnog if you prefer a more balanced finish against the ice cream.

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Meet Sophie Chen

I’m the texture and flavor obsessive. I can’t stand mushy vegetables or bland sauces, so I’m constantly tweaking recipes to add crunch, depth, and that certain something that makes you go back for seconds. I love bold seasonings, crispy edges, and recipes that wake up your taste buds. I’m the one in our group photos with sauce on my shirt because I’m always tasting as I go. If it doesn’t make me smile, it doesn’t make the blog.