🎄❤️ The Story Behind the Candy Cane Milkshake
Oh sweetheart, the story behind my Candy Cane Milkshake takes me right back to one of the coziest Christmas memories I hold close to my heart.
It was one of those December evenings where the whole world felt wrapped in a soft, snowy blanket. The windows glowed with warm lights, the fireplace crackled gently, and the living room smelled like pine, cinnamon, and fresh cookies. All the grandkids were gathered around the Christmas tree, decorating it with handmade ornaments — some shaped like crooked stars, some like funny gingerbread people, and more glitter than any home needed.
In the middle of the laughter and the Christmas music, my youngest grandson came running into the kitchen holding a little broken candy cane from the tree.
He looked up at me with his sweet eyes and said:
“Granny… can we make something with this? Something yummy and Christmas-y but cold?”
I chuckled softly, brushing the glitter off his tiny hands.
“Cold? Sweetheart, it’s already snowing outside!”
He giggled, shook the candy cane at me, and insisted:
“Please? A cold Christmas treat!”
Well, I can never say no to that kind of excitement.
I opened the freezer and saw a big tub of vanilla ice cream.
Then I saw milk.
And on the counter — crushed candy canes from decorating, powdered sugar from cookies, and whipped cream from earlier.
And that’s when the holiday magic struck.
A milkshake…
But not just any milkshake — a Candy Cane Milkshake.
Creamy, icy, sweet, minty, frosty, and sparkling like Christmas itself.
I crushed the candy canes in a little baggie (with the kids’ help, of course — they LOVE smashing things), tossed them into the blender with vanilla ice cream, milk, and a drop of peppermint extract. The blender whirred to life, filling the kitchen with the smell of Christmas.
When I poured the pale pink, peppermint-speckled milkshake into tall glasses, the kids gasped. I topped them with a swirl of whipped cream, more crushed candy canes, and a whole candy cane hooked over the rim.
The kids took the first sip and their eyes lit up like they’d tasted pure Christmas magic.
“Granny… it tastes like the North Pole!”
And just like that, the Candy Cane Milkshake became a Christmas tradition in our home.
We make it after decorating the tree, during Christmas movie nights, or whenever someone needs a frosty hug in a glass.
Today sweetheart, I’m sharing this memory — and this delicious recipe — with you, hoping it brings the same warmth and cheer to your home this holiday season.
❄️🎄 What Makes This Candy Cane Milkshake So Special?
This Candy Cane Milkshake isn’t just a drink — it’s a Christmas celebration, a moment of sweetness, and a burst of peppermint joy. Here’s why it’s so special:
⭐ 1. Classic Minty Christmas Flavor
The cool peppermint from the candy canes makes every sip feel like a fresh winter breeze.
⭐ 2. Thick, Creamy & Frosty Texture
Vanilla ice cream blends into the smoothest, dreamiest milkshake you’ll ever taste.
⭐ 3. Perfect Holiday Treat
Freezing cold but full of Christmas warmth — ideal for tree decorating, cookie nights, or relaxing by the fireplace.
⭐ 4. Loved by Kids & Adults Alike
Kids adore the peppermint crunch.
Grown-ups love the nostalgic holiday flavor.
⭐ 5. Beautiful Presentation
Swirls of whipped cream…
Pink peppermint speckles…
A candy cane hooked on the rim…
This Candy Cane Milkshake looks as magical as it tastes.
⭐ 6. Fast & Easy to Make
Blend, pour, garnish — that’s it.
A delicious Christmas dessert in minutes.
⭐ 7. Customizable in So Many Delicious Ways
Make it chocolatey, extra minty, layered, or even boozy (mmm yes darling, we’ll include that too)!
⭐ 8. Perfect for Holiday Parties
Serve in small glasses for festive Christmas shots or big mugs for cozy nights in.
🍦🍬✨ Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Holiday Flavor
Everything you need to make this Candy Cane Milkshake is easy, classic, and festive.
🎄✨ Core Milkshake Ingredients
• Vanilla ice cream – 3 to 4 big scoops
Thick, creamy, and perfect for the base.
• Milk – ½ to ¾ cup
Adjust for thickness — less for thicker, more for thinner.
• Crushed candy canes – ¼ to ⅓ cup
The star of the show! Adds peppermint crunch and beautiful color.
• Peppermint extract – ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon
Just a tiny bit — adds pure holiday flavor.
(Too much will make it taste like toothpaste, sweetheart!)
🎄✨ Festive Toppings
• Whipped cream (a must!)
• Extra crushed candy canes
• A whole candy cane for the rim
• Christmas sprinkles
• Chocolate shavings
• White chocolate drizzle
🎄✨ Optional Add-Ins
• Chocolate syrup
• White chocolate chips
• Pink food coloring
• Marshmallows
• Peppermint bark pieces
• A splash of vodka or peppermint schnapps (for adult version)
These additions make your Candy Cane Milkshake even more festive.
🎅❄️ Tips for the Best Candy Cane Milkshake
✔ Use cold milk & ice cream for maximum thickness
✔ Crush candy canes finely so they blend easily
✔ For extra creaminess, add one extra spoon of vanilla ice cream
✔ Chill the glasses before pouring
✔ Use soft peppermint sticks for easier blending
🎄🥤 Step-by-Step Instructions For the Perfect Candy Cane Milkshake
This Candy Cane Milkshake is a breeze to make — quick, festive, and so delicious it tastes like Christmas in a glass. Let’s make it together, sweetheart:
✨ Step 1: Chill Your Glasses
Pop your milkshake glasses into the freezer for 5–10 minutes.
A frosty glass makes your Candy Cane Milkshake extra cold, thick, and creamy.
✨ Step 2: Crush the Candy Canes
Place 4–5 candy canes in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin.
You want them fine enough to blend but with some tiny crunchy bits for texture.
Oh sweetheart, the sparkle of peppermint dust is pure holiday joy.
✨ Step 3: Add Vanilla Ice Cream to the Blender
Scoop 3–4 big scoops of vanilla ice cream into your blender.
This is the creamy, frosty foundation of your Candy Cane Milkshake.
✨ Step 4: Add the Milk
Pour in ½ to ¾ cup of milk, depending on how thick you want it.
• Less milk = thicker and spoonable
• More milk = thinner and sippable
✨ Step 5: Add Crushed Candy Canes
Add ¼ to ⅓ cup of your crushed candy canes.
These give your Candy Cane Milkshake that magical peppermint flavor.
✨ Step 6: Add Peppermint Extract (Just a Drop!)
Add ⅛ teaspoon of peppermint extract.
This is strong stuff — a little goes a long way.
It turns your milkshake into the true flavor of Christmas.
✨ Step 7: Blend Until Smooth & Creamy
Blend everything for 20–30 seconds, just until the candy cane flecks swirl through the milkshake.
You’ll see it turn pale pink with beautiful peppermint speckles.
✨ Step 8: Taste & Adjust
Taste your Candy Cane Milkshake:
• Too thick? → Add a splash more milk
• Want more mint? → Add 1 tiny drop of peppermint extract
• Want more crunch? → Stir in extra crushed candy cane after blending
✨ Step 9: Prepare Your Glasses
Remove your frosty glasses from the freezer.
Optional but extra magical:
Dip the rims in melted chocolate or frosting, then press into crushed candy canes.
Now your Candy Cane Milkshake looks like a Christmas treat from Santa’s kitchen.
✨ Step 10: Pour & Garnish
Pour the milkshake into your glasses.
Top with:
• a tall swirl of whipped cream
• crushed candy canes
• Christmas sprinkles
• chocolate drizzle
• a whole candy cane hooked on the side
Your Candy Cane Milkshake is ready to enjoy — creamy, minty, festive, and absolutely irresistible.
🎄💗 Serving Suggestions – What to Pair With Candy Cane Milkshake
This frosty treat pairs wonderfully with all kinds of holiday goodies. Here are the best ways to enjoy your Candy Cane Milkshake:
🍪 1. Christmas Cookies
• sugar cookies
• gingerbread men
• chocolate peppermint cookies
• M&M holiday cookies
The sweetness of the cookies + the cool mint of the milkshake = Christmas perfection.
🍫 2. Chocolate Desserts
Oh sweetheart, chocolate and peppermint are a match made in heaven.
Serve with:
• brownies
• chocolate cake
• chocolate fudge
• peppermint bark
🍩 3. Donuts & Pastries
A peppermint milkshake pairs beautifully with:
• glazed donuts
• chocolate donuts
• croissants
• cinnamon rolls
🎅 4. Christmas Breakfast Treats
Perfect for holiday mornings with:
• waffles
• pancakes
• French toast
Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top for extra magic.
☕ 5. Hot Coffee or Hot Cocoa
Sip your Candy Cane Milkshake alongside something warm for a wonderful hot + cold Christmas combo.
🎉 6. Holiday Parties
Serve in mini glasses for adorable milkshake shots.
🎨 Customization & Variations
Your Candy Cane Milkshake can be transformed into dozens of fun versions. Here are the very best:
⭐ 1. Chocolate Candy Cane Milkshake
Add chocolate syrup or chocolate ice cream for a mint-chocolate milkshake.
⭐ 2. White Chocolate Candy Cane Milkshake
Add melted white chocolate for a snowy sweet twist.
⭐ 3. Extra Pink Candy Cane Milkshake
Add a drop of pink food coloring for a gorgeous holiday pink drink.
⭐ 4. Candy Cane Milkshake Without Peppermint Extract
Use ONLY candy canes — the flavor will be milder, naturally sweet, and perfect for kids.
⭐ 5. Extra Minty Version
Add a tiny extra drop of extract + more crushed candy canes.
⭐ 6. Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Milkshake
Blend in chilled hot cocoa for a chocolate–mint flavor bomb.
⭐ 7. Oreo Peppermint Milkshake
Add crushed Oreo cookies — tastes like a holiday McFlurry.
⭐ 8. Boozy Adult Candy Cane Milkshake
Add:
• peppermint schnapps
• vanilla vodka
• white chocolate liqueur
A grown-up Christmas dream!
⭐ 9. Peppermint Mocha Milkshake
Add cold coffee + chocolate syrup = winter café vibes.
⭐ 10. Marshmallow Candy Cane Milkshake
Blend in mini marshmallows for a fluffy, sweet twist.
❄️ Storing Your Candy Cane Milkshake
This treat is best enjoyed fresh, but here are the best storage tips:
✔ Short-Term Storage (30–60 minutes)
Keep in the freezer and stir or re-blend before serving.
✔ Do NOT Refrigerate
It will melt into plain mint milk — not a milkshake.
✔ Freeze Leftovers
Freeze leftovers in a container and turn them into:
• peppermint milkshake ice cream
• peppermint ice cream sandwiches
• milkshake popsicles
Delicious EVERY time.
✔ Keep Toppings Fresh
Always add whipped cream & candy canes right before serving, so they stay crisp and pretty.
🥄 Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)
• Calories: 280–420
• Fat: 10–18g
• Carbs: 35–55g
• Sugar: 35–50g
• Protein: 4–6g
• Festive Joy: 100% guaranteed 🎄❤️✨
A sweet holiday indulgence made to bring smiles.
💬 Reader Q&A – 17 Helpful Questions & Answers
Here are the most common questions readers ask about the Candy Cane Milkshake, answered in a warm, comforting, easy-to-follow granny-style way:
1. Can I make this Candy Cane Milkshake without peppermint extract?
Yes sweetheart — just use extra crushed candy canes.
The flavor will be milder but still wonderfully minty.
2. What is the best ice cream for Candy Cane Milkshake?
Vanilla ice cream works best.
You can also use peppermint ice cream for extra Christmas flavor.
3. How do I make the milkshake thicker?
Add more ice cream or a spoonful of heavy cream.
Thicker is extra cozy!
4. How do I make it thinner?
Just add a splash more milk and blend again.
5. Can I make a dairy-free Candy Cane Milkshake?
Absolutely, darling.
Use:
• dairy-free vanilla ice cream
• oat or almond milk
• vegan whipped topping
It tastes delicious!
6. Can I use soft peppermint sticks instead of hard candy canes?
Yes — they blend easier and create a slightly sweeter flavor.
7. Can I make this Candy Cane Milkshake ahead of time?
Not really, sweetheart.
Milkshakes melt quickly.
But you can pre-crush your candy canes to save time.
8. Can kids help make this recipe?
Oh yes — kids LOVE crushing the candy canes and decorating the milkshakes.
9. Can I add chocolate?
Yes! Add chocolate syrup or chocolate chips for a chocolate–mint Candy Cane Milkshake.
10. Can I make a pink Candy Cane Milkshake?
Just add a drop of pink food coloring while blending — it looks adorable.
11. Can I make an adult version?
Yes sweetheart — add:
• peppermint schnapps
• vanilla vodka
• crème de cacao
It becomes a festive grown-up treat.
12. Can I use a blender bottle instead of a blender?
A blender works best because candy canes need to fully crush.
13. Can I use crushed peppermint candies instead of candy canes?
Yes — they blend beautifully and taste the same.
14. Can I serve this without whipped cream?
Of course — but whipped cream makes it feel extra festive and fancy.
15. Can I add marshmallows?
Oh absolutely — mini marshmallows blend in wonderfully or make a fun topping.
16. Can I double or triple the Candy Cane Milkshake recipe?
Yes! Just blend in batches. Perfect for parties.
17. How do I keep the milkshake cold longer?
Use chilled glasses and frozen candy cane pieces instead of ice.
🎄🥤❤️ Final Thoughts
Oh sweetheart… this Candy Cane Milkshake is truly one of those magical holiday treats that brings pure joy with every sip.
It’s frosty… creamy… minty… sweet… and full of festive charm.
One sip tastes like Christmas morning — like twinkling lights, cozy blankets, peppermint candy, and laughter filling the house.
Whether you’re making this Candy Cane Milkshake:
• after decorating the tree
• during a Christmas movie night
• as a special December dessert
• for the kids to enjoy during winter break
• or simply because your heart wants a little holiday sweetness…
This milkshake will always bring a smile.
It’s comforting, cheerful, nostalgic, and oh-so-easy to make — the perfect little moment of holiday magic in a glass.
From my warm, peppermint-scented granny kitchen to yours…
I hope this Candy Cane Milkshake becomes a sweet Christmas tradition in your home too. ❤️✨🎅
🍽️ Tried This Recipe?
Oh honey, if you made this Candy Cane Milkshake, I’d love to hear about it!
Did the kids adore it?
Did the peppermint crunch make you smile?
👉 Follow me on Pinterest @grannnyslilkitchen
I share comforting holiday recipes, festive drinks, and cozy Christmas treats all season long.
Your support means the world to me, sweetheart! ❤️🎄✨
Hi, I’m Sayan, the creator behind grannyslilkitchen.com. I’m passionate about making home cooking easy and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, my goal is to help you create delicious meals with simple ingredients.