Peppermint Milkshake Chick Fil A: The iconic holiday treat you crave is now easier than ever to make at home! Forget waiting in long drive-thru lines; with this simple recipe, you can enjoy the creamy, minty perfection of a Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake anytime the craving strikes.

While Chick-fil-A’s version is a relatively recent addition to the fast-food holiday landscape, the combination of peppermint and ice cream has a long and delicious history. Peppermint, with its refreshing and invigorating flavor, has been a popular addition to desserts for centuries, often associated with festive celebrations and winter cheer. The pairing with creamy ice cream creates a delightful contrast of cool sweetness and invigorating mint that’s simply irresistible.

What makes the Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake so beloved? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The rich, vanilla ice cream provides a smooth and creamy base, while the peppermint syrup and crushed peppermint candies deliver a burst of refreshing minty flavor and a satisfying crunch. It’s a decadent treat that’s both comforting and invigorating, making it the ideal indulgence for the holiday season. Plus, who can resist the convenience of enjoying that signature Peppermint Milkshake Chick Fil A flavor from the comfort of their own home?

Ingredients:

For the Peppermint Syrup:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
Pinch of salt
Optional: Red food coloring (gel is best)

For the Milkshake:

3 cups vanilla ice cream (high-quality, full-fat recommended)
1/2 cup whole milk (or more, to adjust consistency)
1/4 cup peppermint syrup (or more, to taste)
1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (plus more for garnish)
Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
Maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)

Making the Peppermint Syrup

Okay, let’s start with the peppermint syrup. This is the key to getting that authentic Chick-fil-A peppermint milkshake flavor. Don’t skip this step it’s super easy and makes all the difference!

Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water.
Heat and Dissolve: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want to make sure there are no sugar granules left at the bottom of the pan.
Simmer: Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, without stirring. This will help thicken the syrup slightly.
Remove from Heat: Take the saucepan off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Add Peppermint Extract and Salt: Stir in the peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and taste. You can add a little more if you want a stronger peppermint flavor, but be careful not to overdo it peppermint extract can be quite potent! The salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the peppermint flavor.
Add Food Coloring (Optional): If you want that classic pink color, add a few drops of red food coloring (gel is best). Stir until the syrup is evenly colored. Remember, a little goes a long way!
Cool Completely: Let the peppermint syrup cool completely before using it in the milkshake. This is important because adding warm syrup to the ice cream will cause it to melt too quickly. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring the syrup to a heat-safe bowl and placing it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Store: Store any leftover peppermint syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Preparing the Milkshake

Now for the fun part making the milkshake! This is where all the delicious flavors come together. Make sure your ice cream is nice and cold for the best results.

Soften the Ice Cream (Slightly): Let the vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to blend. You don’t want it to be completely melted, just soft enough to scoop easily.
Combine Ingredients in a Blender: In a blender, combine the softened vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and peppermint syrup. Start with 1/4 cup of peppermint syrup and adjust to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Blend Until Smooth: Blend the ingredients on medium speed until smooth and creamy. If the milkshake is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a scoop or two of ice cream.
Add Crushed Peppermint Candies: Add the crushed peppermint candies to the blender and pulse a few times to incorporate them into the milkshake. Be careful not to over-blend, or the candies will disappear completely. You want to leave some chunks for texture and flavor.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the milkshake and adjust the sweetness and peppermint flavor as needed. Add more peppermint syrup or crushed peppermint candies to taste.
Pour into Glasses: Pour the milkshake into chilled glasses.
Garnish (Optional): Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry, if desired. Sprinkle with additional crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.
Serve Immediately: Serve the milkshake immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Peppermint Milkshake

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the best peppermint milkshake ever:

Use High-Quality Ice Cream: The quality of the ice cream will greatly affect the taste of the milkshake. Use a high-quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream for the best results.
Chill Your Glasses: Chilling your glasses before pouring the milkshake will help keep it cold and prevent it from melting too quickly. You can chill the glasses in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Adjust the Consistency: The amount of milk you use will determine the consistency of the milkshake. If you like a thicker milkshake, use less milk. If you prefer a thinner milkshake, use more milk.
Don’t Over-Blend: Over-blending the milkshake can cause it to become too thin and watery. Blend just until smooth and creamy.
Get Creative with Garnishes: Get creative with your garnishes! In addition to whipped cream and maraschino cherries, you can also use chocolate shavings, peppermint bark, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Make it Ahead: You can make the peppermint syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This will save you time when you’re ready to make the milkshake. However, the milkshake itself is best served immediately.
Dairy-Free Option: To make this milkshake dairy-free, use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and almond milk or soy milk.
Peppermint Extract Alternatives: If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use peppermint oil, but use it sparingly as it’s much more concentrated. You can also infuse the milk with peppermint tea bags for a subtle peppermint flavor.

Variations on the Peppermint Milkshake

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try:

Chocolate Peppermint Milkshake: Add 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to the blender for a chocolatey twist.
Peppermint Mocha Milkshake: Add a shot of espresso or 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee to the blender for a caffeinated treat.
Peppermint Oreo Milkshake: Add a few crushed Oreo cookies to the blender for a cookies and cream flavor.
Peppermint Brownie Milkshake: Add a few chunks of brownie to the blender for a decadent dessert.
Spiked Peppermint Milkshake: Add a shot of peppermint schnapps or vodka for an adult-friendly version.

Troubleshooting Your Milkshake

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

Milkshake is Too Thick: Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Milkshake is Too Thin: Add a scoop or two of ice cream.
Milkshake is Not Sweet Enough: Add more peppermint syrup or a little bit of sugar.
Milkshake is Too Pepperminty: Add more vanilla ice cream and milk to dilute the peppermint flavor.
Milkshake is Grainy: This can happen if the ice cream is freezer-burned. Use fresh ice cream for the best results.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

Calories: Approximately 600-800 per serving
Fat: Approximately 30-40 grams
Sugar: Approximately 70-90 grams

Enjoy your homemade Peppermint Milkshake! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect treat for the holiday season or any time you’re craving a refreshing and festive dessert.

Conclusion:

This Peppermint Milkshake Chick-fil-A copycat recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a nostalgic trip to the holidays, a burst of refreshing mint, and a creamy, dreamy indulgence all rolled into one delightful glass. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves the original or simply appreciates a fantastic milkshake. The combination of the cool peppermint flavor with the rich vanilla ice cream is simply irresistible, and the ease of making it at home means you can enjoy this seasonal favorite any time of year! Why is this a must-try? Because it perfectly captures the essence of the Chick-fil-A version, but with the added benefit of being customizable to your own preferences. You control the ingredients, the sweetness level, and even the intensity of the peppermint. Plus, let’s be honest, skipping the drive-thru line and whipping this up in your own kitchen is a major win! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings, a special dessert after dinner, or even just a fun weekend treat. But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? Try topping your Peppermint Milkshake Chick-fil-A creation with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder. For a more decadent experience, add a shot of espresso for a peppermint mocha milkshake.

Variations to Explore:

* Vegan Peppermint Milkshake: Substitute the dairy ice cream with your favorite plant-based vanilla ice cream and use almond or oat milk. * Chocolate Peppermint Milkshake: Add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder to the blender for a rich, chocolatey twist. * Peppermint Bark Milkshake: Incorporate chunks of peppermint bark into the milkshake for added texture and flavor. * Lightened-Up Version: Use light ice cream and skim milk for a slightly healthier option without sacrificing too much flavor. * Extra Pepperminty: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a more intense peppermint flavor. Be careful not to add too much, as it can become overpowering. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The satisfaction of recreating a beloved treat in your own kitchen is truly rewarding. It’s a simple recipe, but the results are extraordinary. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your blender, and prepare to be amazed. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of a homemade Peppermint Milkshake Chick-fil-A. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature version. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your tips, and your variations in the comments below. Let me know what you think, what you loved, and what you might change. Your feedback is invaluable, and I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with. Happy blending! I hope you enjoy this refreshing and festive treat as much as I do. Let the peppermint magic begin! Print