Mint Milkshake with Cherry

The most vibrant green milkshake I ever made happened by complete accident on a sweltering July afternoon when my air conditioner had died and I was desperately trying to cool down with whatever I could find in the freezer. The fresh mint from my garden was practically begging to be used, and I discovered that throwing it into the blender with vanilla ice cream created something that tasted like the best part of an Andes candy but somehow even fresher.

My youngest nephew declared this the best thing hed ever tasted after soccer practice one day, then promptly asked if I could make it every single time he came over. The way his eyes lit up when that bright green mixture hit the glass made me realize that sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that become core memories.

Ingredients

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Use a high quality brand with real vanilla bean specks for the best flavor foundation
• Whole Milk: Creates that perfect diner style consistency but any milk works beautifully
• Peppermint Extract: Pure extract is essential here imitation versions can leave a strange aftertaste
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Optional but adds a bright herbal note that balances the sweetness perfectly
• Granulated Sugar: Most vanilla ice creams are sweet enough but this lets you control the exact level
• Whipped Cream: Homemade or quality store bought both work but do not skip this garnish
• Maraschino Cherries: The classic finishing touch that makes it feel like a special occasion

Instructions

Gather Your Ingredients:

Measure everything beforehand because this recipe moves fast and you want to serve it while perfectly cold.

Blend The Base:

Add the ice cream milk peppermint extract mint leaves and sugar to your blender and pulse until completely smooth with no visible mint leaf pieces.

Taste And Adjust:

Dip a spoon in and decide if you want more mint intensity or sweetness before pouring.

Pour And Garnish:

Pour into chilled glasses add a generous swirl of whipped cream and top with those bright red cherries.

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Every time I make these now I think about that first accidental discovery and how sometimes the best kitchen experiments come from being too hot to think straight. The milkshake that saved me from a heatwave became the thing my family asks for most often.

Getting The Perfect Texture

The ratio of ice cream to milk is completely personal preference and I have learned that people feel surprisingly strongly about milkshake thickness. Start with less milk if you prefer something you can almost eat with a spoon and add more if you like it sip able through a straw.

Making It Ahead

Milkshakes do not sit well so blend and serve immediately but you can prep your garnishes ahead of time. I have tried making the base and storing it but the texture changes and the mint flavor fades within an hour.

Fun Variations To Try

Once you master the classic version the possibilities are endless for customizing this recipe to your taste. Some additions completely transform the drink while keeping that refreshing mint essence.

• Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup for a mint chocolate chip version
• Blend in a handful of fresh spinach for natural green color without changing the taste
• Top with crushed candy canes during winter holidays for festive crunch

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Whether you are cooling down on a hot day or just craving something sweet and nostalgic this milkshake delivers every single time. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that become part of your story.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use non-dairy milk alternatives?

Yes, substituting whole milk with almond, soy, or oat milk works well and suits vegan preferences.

→ How can I make the shake thicker or thinner?

Use less milk for a thicker texture or add more milk for a thinner consistency.

→ What enhances the mint flavor best?

Adding fresh mint leaves alongside peppermint extract boosts the natural minty freshness.

→ Is it possible to sweeten the shake differently?

Yes, granulated sugar can be adjusted or replaced with honey or agave syrup as preferred.

→ Can I add natural coloring to the shake?

Adding a drop or two of natural green food coloring can enhance the visual appeal without altering taste.