Last weekend at our tiny but lively town’s fall fair, my kids challenged me to recreate the green “monster milkshake” they spotted at a dessert stand. It looked over-the-top and fun, but the price tag made me laugh out loud—$9 for a small cup!

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On the ride home, I promised them I’d make a version just as silly and much more budget-friendly. That night, after the house had quieted down and my husband was sorting out bills at the dining table, I got to work in the kitchen.

I’m not much for fussy drinks; I like things quick, but I also love a little drama when it comes to presentation. I pulled out the blender, grabbed a tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream from the freezer, and added a little crème de menthe for that extra pop of color. As soon as I poured the first glass and swirled chocolate syrup down the sides, the kids were leaning over the counter with wide eyes.

We topped them with candy eyes we’d saved from last Halloween’s baking kit, and I swear the shakes looked like little swamp creatures smiling back at us. My teenage daughter immediately snapped photos for her friends. My husband, on the other hand, was happy to taste-test without the candy eyes, claiming the monster was “staring at him.” That first sip felt cold, minty, and a bit grown-up thanks to the liqueur—like dessert in a glass, with a playful Halloween twist.

Short Description

A creamy, mint-chocolatey milkshake spiked with crème de menthe and vodka, topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and candy eyes for a fun 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 garnish
Candy eyes for a playful monster finish

Tools Needed

Blender
Measuring cups and spoons
Tall serving glasses
Spoon or spatula for stirring
Whisk (optional, for whipped cream if homemade)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Blend the Base
Add mint chocolate chip ice cream, milk, crème de menthe liqueur, and vodka to the blender. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy with no ice cream lumps.

Step 2: Prep the Glasses
For a fancier look, drizzle chocolate syrup along the inside of each glass before pouring the shake.

Step 3: Pour and Top
Divide the shake between glasses. Add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top, drizzle more chocolate syrup, and place candy eyes to give them a monster personality.

Step 4: Serve Immediately
Serve cold right after blending for the best creamy texture.

Tip: If you prefer a thicker shake, reduce the milk slightly. For a non-alcoholic version, just skip the liqueur and vodka—add a few drops of mint extract instead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family Fun: It’s a playful, eye-catching dessert that doubles as a party centerpiece.

Quick & Easy: Only takes a few minutes to blend and serve.

Customizable: Easy to make non-alcoholic for kids or spiked for adults.

Perfect for Parties: Works for Halloween, birthday bashes, or themed movie nights.

Deliciously Creamy: The blend of mint chocolate chip ice cream with a cool minty liqueur is rich and refreshing.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Too Watery: Using too much milk thins the shake. Add just enough for blending, then adjust gradually.

Melty Ice Cream: If the ice cream is too soft, the shake won’t be thick. Pop it back into the freezer for 15 minutes before blending.

Skipping the Drizzle: Chocolate syrup inside the glass isn’t just for looks—it adds flavor to each sip.

Over-blending: If blended too long, it can warm up and lose its frosty texture. Blend only until smooth.

Candy Eyes Slipping: Make sure the whipped cream is stiff enough so the candy eyes stay in place.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve in tall glasses for dramatic presentation.

Pair with chocolate-dipped cookies or brownies for an indulgent dessert spread.

Add striped paper straws for a festive touch at parties.

Keep them chilled in the fridge for up to 15 minutes if serving later, but the texture is best fresh.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Shakes are best enjoyed right away. If you need to store, keep in the freezer for up to 30 minutes and re-blend for a creamy texture before serving again.

Avoid storing overnight—the texture will turn icy and lose creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes! Replace the crème de menthe and vodka with 1 teaspoon of mint extract and add 1–2 tablespoons of extra milk if needed.

2. What if I don’t have mint chocolate chip ice cream?
Use vanilla ice cream plus ½ teaspoon mint extract and ¼ cup mini chocolate chips for a similar flavor.

3. Can I make it ahead for a party?
You can blend the shake an hour ahead and keep it in the freezer. Re-blend quickly before serving to restore creaminess.

4. What’s the best dairy-free option?
Try coconut milk ice cream and use almond milk for a vegan-friendly version. Skip the whipped cream or use a dairy-free one.

5. How do I keep the monster decorations from melting?
Assemble just before serving. Keep candy eyes in a cool, dry place until ready to decorate.

Tips & Tricks

Chill the glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand for a frosty presentation.

Crush a few chocolate cookies and sprinkle on top for extra crunch.

Use a piping bag for whipped cream swirls that look bakery-style.

For an extra minty punch, stir in a few fresh mint leaves before blending.

Recipe Variations

Oreo Mint Monster Shake: Add 4 crushed Oreo cookies to the blender for a chocolate cookie crunch.

Boozy Peppermint Bark Shake: Swap mint chocolate chip ice cream for peppermint bark ice cream and drizzle with white chocolate sauce.

Frozen Grasshopper Twist: Replace vodka with coffee liqueur for a richer adult treat.

Candy Cane Monster Shake: Add crushed candy canes during winter holidays for a peppermint-mint blend.

Final Thoughts

Making this monster shake turned a regular Saturday night into a little kitchen party. I love how something so simple—just a blender, some ice cream, and a splash of liqueur—can spark so many giggles and photo ops. My kids’ excitement over those wiggly candy eyes was worth every sticky countertop I had to wipe up afterward.

This recipe also reminds me that sometimes the most fun desserts don’t need to be complicated or fancy. It’s proof that a few ingredients and a bit of creativity can make any evening memorable. I can already picture us whipping these up again for our family’s Halloween movie marathon with Hocus Pocus playing in the background.

If you’re hunting for an easy dessert that’ll impress without stressing you out, this is the one to try. It’s playful, refreshing, and perfectly balanced between nostalgic and festive—just the way I like to treat my family.

Mint Chocolate Chip Monster Shake