The Best Christmas Grinch Milkshake Recipe

If your heart grows three sizes when you see a festive green dessert, this Grinch milkshake is about to be your new holiday favorite. It’s cold, creamy, and the perfect mix of sweet and minty, like Christmas cheer in a glass. You can whip it up in just five minutes with a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

This cheerful shake is a hit with both kids and grown-ups. I’ll show you how to make a kid-friendly version for movie night and a boozy twist for when the little Whos are tucked in bed. Either way, you’ll get that signature Grinchy green color and a swirl of whipped cream worthy of a holiday grin.

If you’re planning a full Grinch-themed dessert spread, this milkshake pairs perfectly with my Grinch brownies, Grinch Nutter Butter cookies, or even a slice of Grinch poke cake for the ultimate Who-ville dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Grinch Milkshake Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients, perfect for last-minute holiday fun.
• Family-Friendly or Boozy: Make a sweet version for the kids, or add a splash of schnapps for the adults.
• Customizable: Easy to swap in non-dairy ice cream, plant-based milk, or your favorite mint-chocolate flavor.
• Perfect for Parties: Ideal for Christmas movie nights, cookie swaps, or cozy evenings by the tree.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Milkshake Base:

• 5 scoops vanilla ice cream — I love using Tillamook or Breyers Natural Vanilla for a rich, creamy base.
• 2 cups milk — whole milk gives the richest flavor, but any kind works.
• Neon green gel food coloring, a few drops — I use Wilton’s Leaf Green Gel, which gives that perfect bright Grinch shade without thinning the shake.

For the Rim & Toppings:

• Frosting, for coating the glass rim (optional but makes it extra festive)
• Green sprinkles — try Sweetapolita’s “Grinch Mix” or any holiday sprinkles you love.
• Whipped cream — homemade or store-bought works; I often grab Reddi-wip Extra Creamy for convenience.
• Red sprinkles — adds a merry pop of color
• Maraschino cherries — the perfect finishing touch (I recommend Luxardo cherries if you want something extra fancy!)

Equipment & Prep Tips

You don’t need fancy gadgets — just a few kitchen basics:

• Blender – I use my Ninja Professional Blender, which makes the shake silky-smooth in seconds.
• Tall glasses or mason jars – Clear glass shows off that gorgeous green color.
• Small dish for frosting or sprinkles – Perfect for dipping and decorating your glass rims.
• Freezer space – Chill your glasses for 5–10 minutes before pouring to keep shakes thick and frosty.
• Rubber spatula – Helps scrape out every last drop of that creamy goodness.

How to Make a Grinch Milkshake at Home

Step 1 – Mix the Base: Scoop the vanilla ice cream into your blender container. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring gently with a large spoon until smooth and combined. Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until you get that perfect, evenly colored Grinch-green shade.

Step 2 – Creamify: Lock the pint container into the blender and select the “Milkshake” setting.

Step 3 – Decorate & Serve: Spread a thin layer of frosting around the rim of your glass, then dip it into green sprinkles. Pour in the bright green milkshake, top with a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of red and green sprinkles, and a cherry on top.

Variations

Make this recipe your own! Whether you’re serving kids, adults, or a mixed crowd, these easy tweaks add fun flavor and flexibility.

• Boozy Grinch Milkshake: Add a splash (1 oz) of peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka, or Baileys for an adults-only twist. Garnish with a candy cane or chocolate drizzle.

• Vegan Grinch Shake: Use non-dairy ice cream (like coconut, almond, or oat-based) and your favorite plant milk. Top with coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free delight.

• Mint Chocolate Grinch: Swap vanilla ice cream for mint chocolate chip, then drizzle a little hot fudge inside the glass before pouring for a Grinch-meets-sundae vibe.

• Birthday Grinch (Off-Season Version): Skip the red and green — use rainbow sprinkles instead!

• Frozen Dessert Cups: Pour leftover shake into small cups or popsicle molds, freeze overnight, and serve as Grinch ice cream pops the next day.

Whether you serve it with a wink or a grin, this Grinch milkshake is guaranteed to melt even the Grinchiest heart at your table. It’s sweet, silly, and just the right mix of festive fun and comfort, the kind of recipe that brings everyone back to the counter for seconds.

Did you try this Grinch Milkshake? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below and tell me if you went classic or boozy. And save this recipe on Pinterest so you can make it again for your next holiday movie night.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love my Peppermint milkshake or a plate of Christmas sugar cookies for dipping.

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