Mint Milkshake Maraschino Cherry

Last summer my cousin texts me at 9 PM demanding I come over immediately because she's discovered the perfect milkshake ratio. I show up to find her kitchen looking like a science experiment, half-empty ice cream cartons everywhere, and her grinning with two mason glasses filled with the most gorgeous pale green shake I'd ever seen. One sip and I understood the urgency.

Now I make these whenever I need something that feels indulgent but actually helps cool down after walking home in July humidity. My neighbor's kids caught me through the window once with the blender going, and suddenly I'm the neighborhood shake lady.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream: Let it soften on the counter for about 3 minutes before blending—it makes everything come together smoother
• 1 cup whole milk: Cold milk makes thicker shakes, so don't grab the room temp stuff
• 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract: Start here, but peppermint strength varies wildly between brands
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves: Totally optional but adds this lovely herbaceous brightness that extract alone can't quite achieve
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Some vanilla ice creams are plenty sweet on their own, so taste before committing
• Whipped cream: The canned stuff is fine, but homemade whipped cream takes it somewhere else entirely
• 2 maraschino cherries: They're nostalgic, sure, but that little hit of syrup dripping down into the shake is honestly kind of perfect

Instructions

Prep your ingredients:

Scoop the ice cream into the blender first, then pour in your milk and add everything else except the toppings

Blend it up:

Start on low speed for 10 seconds to break things down, then crank it up to high for another 20-30 seconds until it's completely smooth

Taste and adjust:

Grab a spoon and check if it needs more sugar or another drop of extract—better to underdo it and add more

Pour and garnish:

Distribute evenly between your glasses, add that whipped cream crown, and top each with a cherry before serving immediately

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My roommate walked in while I was photographing these for the third time and just started laughing because apparently I develop a serious expression whenever I'm trying to get the whipped cream swirl exactly right. Worth it though.

Getting The Texture Right

Less milk equals thicker, while more milk gives you something closer to a flavored milk than a proper shake. I've found that 1/2 cup milk per cup of ice cream is my personal sweet spot, but your blender might handle things differently.

Making It Vegan

Oat milk ice cream blends up surprisingly creamy, though coconut milk-based versions can make the mint taste a bit tropical. Almond milk ice cream tends to freeze harder in the freezer, so you might need an extra splash of milk to get it blending properly.

Color And Presentation Tips

Natural food coloring works beautifully here if you want that classic mint shake look, though honestly I've grown to love the pale off-white color. Just remember that a little goes a long way with liquid coloring.

• Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving—the shake stays cold longer
• If you're making these for a crowd, double the recipe but blend in two batches so your blender doesn't struggle
• Leftovers (if they exist) can be frozen into popsicle molds for tomorrow

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Hope these bring you as much joy as they've brought my kitchen this past year.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use non-dairy milk alternatives?

Yes, substitute whole milk with almond, soy, or oat milk to accommodate dietary preferences.

→ How can I enhance the mint flavor?

Add fresh mint leaves along with peppermint extract for a brighter, more natural mint taste.

→ What is the best way to achieve a thicker milkshake?

Use less milk or add more ice cream to increase thickness and creaminess.

→ Are maraschino cherries essential for this drink?

While they add a sweet, colorful garnish, you can omit them or substitute with fresh cherries if preferred.

→ Can I prepare this milkshake in advance?

It’s best served immediately to maintain smooth texture and fresh flavor, as separation may occur upon standing.