The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a cozy, indulgent Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate Shake? This festive libation combines the comforting flavors of rich hot chocolate with the bright, refreshing notes of peppermint, all topped with a dollop of lush whipped cream. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a special treat to enjoy by the fireplace, this creamy, zesty shake is sure to become a new seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate Shake with Whipped Cream
This Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate Shake is the ultimate in holiday comfort and cheer. The combination of velvety hot chocolate, cool peppermint, and a touch of spirit creates a truly craveable and indulgent experience. Not only is it a delight for the senses, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these festive shakes and share them with friends and family. The recipe is endlessly customizable, too, allowing you to tailor the flavors to your liking. Whether you prefer a richer, more chocolatey version or a brighter, more peppermint-forward blend, this shake has you covered. Get ready to cozy up and savor the flavors of the season with every sip of this epic, melty treat.
Ingredients
To make this Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate Shake, you’ll need a few key ingredients: whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, peppermint extract, and your choice of spirit (such as vodka, rum, or peppermint schnapps). These simple elements come together to create a lush, creamy, and indulgent beverage that’s bursting with the flavors of the holidays.
- 2 cups (480 ml) – whole milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) – heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (30 g) – unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (50 g) – granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) – peppermint extract
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-Free Version: Use your preferred non-dairy milk and plant-based cream.
- Reduced Sweetness: Use a sugar-free sweetener or adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
How to Make Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate Shake with Whipped Cream
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need a blender, a medium saucepan, and a whisk or hand mixer for the whipped cream. Measure out the milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, and peppermint extract, and have your spirit of choice ready to go.
Step 1: Prep Work
In the saucepan, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and hot. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Allow the hot chocolate to cool slightly.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once the hot chocolate has cooled a bit, transfer it to a blender. Add the heavy cream and your chosen spirit, then blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well-combined. Taste and adjust the peppermint flavor or sweetness to your liking.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
To make the whipped cream topping, pour the heavy cream into a medium bowl and use a whisk or hand mixer to whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks. Be careful not to over-whip.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Festive Garnish: Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or drizzle with chocolate sauce.
- Richer Texture: Increase the amount of heavy cream.
- Peppermint Mocha Variation: Add a shot of freshly brewed espresso or strongly-brewed coffee to the blender along with the hot chocolate mixture.
- Peppermint Oil Boost: Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil or use peppermint-infused vodka or rum.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Dollops of whipped cream, sprinkled crushed candy canes, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Storage: Store the shake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Thaw frozen shake in the refrigerator before serving. Give it a good blend or whisk to recombine the ingredients.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the hot chocolate base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Blend with the cream and spirit when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate Shake is a rich and indulgent treat, so it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 15 grams of fat, and 35 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the milk, cream, and sugar. The peppermint extract and spirit add flavor without significantly impacting the nutritional profile.
- Serving Size: 1 shake
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this shake non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! To make a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the spirit and enjoy the delicious peppermint hot chocolate flavor on its own.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
If you find the shake to be too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar-free sweetener instead. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase to reach your desired level of sweetness.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, whether it’s dairy, almond, oat, or another non-dairy option. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly depending on the milk you choose.
How can I make the shake thicker or creamier?
To achieve a thicker, creamier texture, you can increase the amount of heavy cream in the recipe. You can also try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt to the blender.
Can I make this shake ahead of time?
While the shake is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the hot chocolate base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply blend the chilled hot chocolate with the cream and spirit.
Try These Next
- spiked hot chocolate bacon shake with whipped cream
- peppermint hot chocolate cream shake with whipped topping
- pumpkin spice hot chocolate milkshake with whipped cream
Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate Shake with Whipped Cream
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: 🥤 Comfort Drinks & Shakes
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously rich and creamy spiked peppermint hot chocolate shake topped with whipped cream. Perfect for cozy winter evenings!
Ingredients
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
1/4 cup peppermint schnapps
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Whipped cream (for topping)
Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a blender, combine the milk, heavy cream, chocolate syrup, peppermint schnapps, vanilla ice cream, and peppermint extract.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the shake into tall glasses.
4. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
5. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for garnish.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the peppermint schnapps and use extra milk or chocolate syrup.
Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shake
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: peppermint, hot chocolate, shake, dessert, winter