The first time I served these playful shakes was at our lakeside cabin on a breezy September evening. My husband had just come back from fishing, and the grandkids were sprawled across the porch swing, still damp from splashing in the water. I wanted to surprise everyone with something fun that felt grown-up for the adults but still playful for the kids to look at.
I remember pulling out the blender from the tiny cabin pantry and discovering I had only one clean tall glass left. That didn’t stop me; I used an old mason jar for mine, and it somehow made the whole moment feel rustic and charming.
The lake breeze carried the scent of pine trees and wood smoke, but when I poured that frosty green shake, it filled the cabin with the sweet, minty aroma of chocolate and cream. The kids’ eyes went wide when I topped each shake with candy eyes that seemed to “stare” right back at them. The adults chuckled when they realized theirs carried a little extra kick from crème de menthe and vodka.
It’s the kind of recipe that lets you be playful in the kitchen while still feeling indulgent and a bit fancy. That evening, our porch became a little dessert bar, with whipped cream flying, chocolate syrup drizzling, and plenty of giggles from both generations.
Short Description
A creamy, mint-chocolate shake with a spirited twist of crème de menthe and vodka, finished with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and candy eyes for a playful monster-themed treat.
Key Ingredients
- 2 cups mint chocolate chip ice cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 oz crème de menthe liqueur
- 1 oz vodka
- Whipped cream for topping
- Chocolate syrup for drizzle
- Candy eyes for decoration
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Tall serving glasses or mason jars
- Long spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and jiggers
- Ice cream scoop
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Base
Combine the mint chocolate chip ice cream, milk, crème de menthe liqueur, and vodka in a blender.
Step 2: Adjust the Consistency
Blend until smooth and creamy, about 20–30 seconds. If the shake looks too thick, add an extra splash of milk; if it’s too thin, add another scoop of ice cream.
Step 3: Pour into Glasses
Pour the blended shake into chilled glasses, leaving a little room on top for the toppings.
Step 4: Add the Fun Toppings
Generously top each glass with whipped cream, drizzle chocolate syrup over the top, and finish with a few candy eyes for a fun monster-themed look.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately with straws and long spoons before the whipped cream starts to melt.
Troubleshooting Tip: If your blender struggles to mix the thick ice cream, pause and scrape down the sides with a spatula or let the ice cream sit out for 2–3 minutes to soften before blending.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mint-Chocolate Magic: The classic pairing of mint ice cream and chocolate creates a refreshing yet indulgent treat.
Playful and Fun: Candy eyes and whipped cream make this shake perfect for parties, Halloween nights, or any festive gathering.
Easy to Make: Just a handful of ingredients and a blender give you an impressive dessert in minutes.
Adults-Only Twist: The crème de menthe and vodka add a smooth, cooling kick that feels sophisticated.
Customizable: Can easily be made kid-friendly by skipping the alcohol.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Over-blending: Too much blending can melt the ice cream, making the shake runny. Blend just until smooth.
Using Warm Glasses: Warm glasses can melt the shake faster. Chill glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving.
Adding All the Milk at Once: Start with ½ cup of milk and adjust as needed; too much milk will make it thin.
Skipping the Softening Step: Ice cream that’s rock hard can overwork the blender. Let it soften slightly first for a smoother texture.
Neglecting the Toppings: The toppings bring personality and presentation; don’t skip the whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and candy eyes.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these shakes as a dessert drink after a casual dinner of grilled burgers or veggie skewers.
Pair with dark chocolate cookies or brownies for an extra treat.
Present them at a Halloween party on a platter surrounded by dry ice for spooky effect.
Offer a non-alcoholic version alongside the original so everyone can enjoy.
Serve with striped paper straws for a charming retro touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These shakes are best served fresh and do not store well once blended.
If you need to prep ahead, scoop the ice cream into individual freezer-safe cups and keep them frozen. Blend with milk and alcohol just before serving.
Leftover toppings like whipped cream and candy eyes should be stored in the refrigerator for later use.
FAQs
1. Can I make this shake without alcohol?
Yes, simply leave out the crème de menthe and vodka. You’ll still have a delicious mint-chocolate shake.
2. What can I substitute for crème de menthe?
You can use peppermint schnapps or mint-flavored syrup for a similar minty flavor.
3. How do I make it thicker?
Add more ice cream or reduce the milk slightly for a thicker consistency.
4. Can I use dairy-free milk and ice cream?
Absolutely. Coconut or almond milk and dairy-free mint chip ice cream work wonderfully.
5. How can I make it more chocolatey?
Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup directly into the blender before mixing for an extra chocolate boost.
Tips & Tricks
Freeze your serving glasses for at least 10 minutes before pouring the shake to keep it colder longer.
Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before adding the shake for a pretty swirl effect.
Use a piping bag for the whipped cream for a neater, café-style look.
Crush mint candies or chocolate wafers on top of the whipped cream for extra texture.
Serve immediately to keep the shake frosty and creamy.
Recipe Variations
Spooky Mocha Monster Shake: Replace the mint ice cream with coffee-flavored ice cream and keep the chocolate syrup for a grown-up coffee-mint twist.
Irish Cream Monster Shake: Swap crème de menthe for Irish cream liqueur for a sweeter, caramel-like flavor.
Peppermint Bark Holiday Shake: Blend in a few crushed candy canes during the holidays and skip the vodka for a family-friendly version.
Kid-Friendly Monster Shake: Omit alcohol and add a few drops of green food coloring to boost the monster effect.
Mint Brownie Shake: Toss in a crumbled brownie before blending for a rich, decadent shake.
Final Thoughts
I’ve always believed that dessert drinks should feel a little magical, and this monster shake checks every box. The first sip is creamy and cool with a minty bite, while the chocolate syrup makes it feel like a real indulgence.
It’s festive enough for Halloween yet simple enough to whip up on a summer afternoon. Watching everyone’s faces light up when they see the candy eyes peeking out from the whipped cream makes me smile every single time.
These shakes are proof that a bit of imagination can transform a handful of ordinary ingredients into something that feels extraordinary. Whether it’s served at a lakeside cabin, on the porch at sunset, or at a lively holiday party, it always brings a sense of delight. For me, this recipe captures the playful side of cooking and the joy of making even the simplest moments special.
Mint Chocolate Chip Monster Shake
Ingredients
- 2 cups mint chocolate chip ice cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 oz crème de menthe liqueur
- 1 oz vodka
- Whipped cream for topping
- Chocolate syrup for drizzle
- Candy eyes for decoration
Instructions
- Combine the mint chocolate chip ice cream, milk, crème de menthe liqueur, and vodka in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, about 20–30 seconds. Add more milk if too thick or an extra scoop of ice cream if too thin.
- Pour into chilled glasses, leaving space for toppings.
- Top with whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and add candy eyes for a monster-themed touch.
- Serve right away with straws and long spoons before the whipped cream melts.
