I still remember taking my son through the Chick-fil-A drive-thru and sneaking a few sips of his peppermint shake. It was so delicious! What I loved most were the little pieces of soft peppermint candy mixed into the creamy milkshake. That candy flavor was what made it so special.

I loved it so much that I wanted to make my own Chick-fil-A peppermint shake at home. I tried a few recipes I found online, and while they were good, they just didn’t have that same peppermint candy flavor I remembered.

So I decided to make my own version! I discovered that combining soft peppermint candy with peppermint bark gave my milkshake the candy flavor I was looking for, along with little peppermint pieces throughout. This is the copycat Chick-fil-A peppermint milkshake recipe I came up with, and it’s such a fun treat to make at home during the holidays!

Copycat Chick-fil-A peppermint milkshake with whipped cream, cherry and peppermint candy

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Milkshake

That familiar candy flavor. Soft peppermint candy and peppermint bark give this shake sweet peppermint flavor with little candy pieces in every sip.
A fun Christmas treat. It’s an easy homemade alternative when you’re craving the restaurant’s seasonal shake.
Quick to blend. Once the ingredients are ready, the milkshake comes together in the blender.

Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake Ingredients

Here is what I use in my homemade peppermint milkshake. See the recipe card for the exact measurements.

Ingredients for a copycat Chick-fil-A peppermint milkshake, including vanilla ice cream, milk, peppermint bark, and soft peppermint candy

Vanilla ice cream: Creates the sweet, creamy milkshake base.
Milk: Helps the ice cream blend into a drinkable shake. I prefer 2% or whole milk.
Peppermint extract: Adds peppermint flavor without relying on crushed candy alone.
Soft peppermint candy: My favorite way to recreate the little candy pieces I remembered from the drive-thru shake.
Peppermint bark: Adds chocolatey candy pieces and an extra layer of peppermint flavor.
Red food coloring: Optional, for a festive pink tint.
Whipped cream, a cherry, and extra peppermint candy: Optional toppings for serving.

Copycat Chick-fil-A peppermint shake served in a tall glass

How to Make a Peppermint Shake at Home

Step 1: Gather the vanilla ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, peppermint bark, and soft peppermint candy. Add the ingredients to a blender, along with a little red food coloring if you’d like a pink shake.

Adding a soft peppermint candy stick to a blender to make a homemade Chick-fil-A peppermint shake

Step 2: Blend until creamy and the candy is broken into small pieces. Stop when it reaches the texture you like so you keep those little bits of peppermint candy.

Step 3: Pour into glasses and serve right away. Add whipped cream, a cherry, and a little extra peppermint candy if you like.

Homemade pink peppermint milkshake topped with whipped cream, a cherry, and a soft peppermint stick

Why This Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake Has That Candy Flavor

For me, what makes this copycat version special isn’t just peppermint flavor. It’s the combination of soft peppermint candy and peppermint bark that creates the little sweet candy pieces I remembered. That’s the detail I found missing when I tried other recipes at home.

Melissa’s Tips for Chick-fil-A Peppermint Shake Recipe

Use both kinds of peppermint candy. Soft peppermint candy and peppermint bark together gave me the flavor I was trying to recreate.
Choose softer peppermint pieces when possible. I prefer soft peppermint sticks or candies for this shake. Regular candy canes can work if that’s what you have.
Try peppermint ice cream when available. If you substitute peppermint ice cream for vanilla, you may not need the extra peppermint extract. Taste before adding more.
Serve immediately. A freshly blended shake has the best creamy texture.

Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake FAQs

What Are the Chick-fil-A Peppermint Milkshake Ingredients?

The restaurant’s seasonal shake is known for its peppermint flavor and candy pieces in a creamy milkshake. My homemade version uses vanilla ice cream, milk, soft peppermint candy, peppermint bark, and peppermint extract to recreate the candy flavor I remember.

Can I make this peppermint milkshake ahead of time?

I recommend making it just before serving. When you freeze and thaw a blended milkshake, it doesn’t have quite the same creamy texture.

Can I use candy canes instead of soft peppermint candy?

Yes, regular candy canes are an option if you can’t find soft peppermint candy. I personally prefer soft peppermint pieces because of the candy flavor and texture they add to the shake.

When does Chick-fil-A sell its peppermint milkshake?

This is a seasonal holiday milkshake. Availability and dates can vary by year and location, so check Chick-fil-A’s current menu for the latest details.

Watch How to Make the Peppermint Milkshake

More Holiday Drinks and Treats

If you love holiday drinks, try my eggnog milkshake or slow cooker mulled apple cider. For another minty holiday treat, try these chocolate peppermint fudge bites.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a star rating and comment below to let me know how it turned out. I love hearing from you, and your ratings help other readers find and enjoy the recipe, too!

Peppermint Milkshake Recipe Card