Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Replace the peppermint vodka with alcohol-free peppermint extract (start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste), use chocolate milk instead of Kahlua, and substitute milk or coffee creamer for the Irish cream. You'll get all the flavor without the alcohol.

What if I can't find peppermint vodka?

You can infuse regular vodka with peppermint candies overnight, or use regular vodka and add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Another option is to substitute crème de menthe, though this will give a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I prepare this for a larger group?

Definitely! The recipe scales up beautifully. For a party, you can make a large batch in advance and keep it in the freezer in a covered container. Give it a quick stir before serving, or re-blend if it's frozen solid. Prepare the decorated glasses right before serving for the best presentation.

Is this too sweet for adults?

While this is definitely a sweet treat, the alcohol helps balance the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of chocolate syrup, use a higher quality vanilla ice cream with less sugar, or add an extra splash of peppermint vodka to cut through the sweetness.

Peppermint Mudslide Recipe

Name: Peppermint Mudslide Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ quarts (1361 grams) vanilla ice cream; 2 ounces (57 grams) peppermint vodka; 2 ounces (57 grams) Irish cream; 1 ounce (28 grams) Kahlua coffee liqueur; ⅔ cup (119 grams) crushed peppermints, divided; 1 cup (280 grams) chocolate syrup, divided; Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

This deliciously indulgent Peppermint Mudslide is the ultimate grown-up dessert drink that combines the refreshing taste of peppermint with rich chocolate and creamy ice cream. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend treats, or anytime you need a little something special. The festive peppermint rim takes this boozy milkshake to the next level of decadence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Crispy: These chimichangas are bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of tender chicken, a blend of spices, and a creamy, cheesy sour cream sauce. They’re also perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
Versatile: You can easily customize these chimichangas with your favorite fillings and toppings.
Freezer-Friendly: You can assemble these chimichangas ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and easy meal later on.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy base that brings everything together. Use a good quality ice cream for the best texture and flavor.
Peppermint Vodka: Adds a refreshing minty kick along with a boozy punch. The clear peppermint flavor is what makes this mudslide unique.
Irish Cream: Contributes a velvety richness and subtle sweetness that complements the peppermint beautifully.
Kahlua Coffee Liqueur: Adds depth with its coffee notes, balancing the sweetness and mint with a slight bitterness.
Crushed Peppermints: These give the drink its signature flavor and create that eye-catching rim. They also add a delightful crunch when sprinkled on top.
Chocolate Syrup: Used both for the decorative rim and swirled inside the glass. The chocolate pairs perfectly with the mint for that classic combination.
Whipped Cream: An optional but highly recommended topping that adds an extra layer of decadence.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Non-Alcoholic Version

Transform this into a family-friendly treat by replacing the liqueurs with peppermint extract (just a few drops!), chocolate milk, and a splash of coffee.

Chocolate Lover’s Version

Add a scoop of chocolate ice cream along with the vanilla for an extra chocolatey mudslide.

White Chocolate Peppermint Mudslide

Substitute white chocolate liqueur for the Kahlua and use white chocolate syrup instead of regular chocolate syrup.

Grasshopper Twist

Replace the peppermint vodka with crème de menthe for a slightly different mint profile that leans more toward the classic Grasshopper cocktail.

How to Make Peppermint Mudslide

Step 1: Blend the Base

Add vanilla ice cream, peppermint vodka, Irish cream, and Kahlua to your blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, making sure there are no chunks of ice cream left.

Step 2: Add Peppermint Crunch

Add half of your crushed peppermints to the blender and pulse just a few times to incorporate. You don’t want to pulverize them completely – little bits of candy add wonderful texture to each sip.

Step 3: Prepare the Decorated Glasses

Set up your decorating station with two plates: one with chocolate syrup and one with the remaining crushed peppermints. First, dip the rim of each glass into the chocolate syrup, making sure to get an even coating. Then immediately dip the chocolate-coated rim into the crushed peppermints, twisting slightly to ensure good coverage.

Step 4: Finish the Presentation

Drizzle the inside of each glass with chocolate syrup, creating a decorative pattern. Pour the blended mixture evenly between the glasses, being careful not to disturb your beautiful rims.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Top each glass with a generous swirl of whipped cream, an extra drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a sprinkle of any remaining crushed peppermints.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill Your Glasses: Pop your serving glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before preparing the mudslides for an extra-cold treat that stays frosty longer.
Use Slightly Softened Ice Cream: Let your ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before blending. This makes it easier to blend without having to add milk or other liquids.
Crushing Peppermints: Place candy canes or peppermint candies in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin for the perfect consistency – some fine powder and some small chunks.
Rim Technique: If the chocolate syrup isn’t sticking well to the glass, try briefly chilling the glasses after applying the chocolate but before adding the peppermint pieces.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This dessert cocktail is rich enough to stand alone, but pairs wonderfully with:

Chocolate cookies or biscotti for dipping
A small plate of dark chocolate truffles
Vanilla shortbread cookies

Serving Occasion

Serve these mudslides at holiday parties, as an after-dinner dessert drink, or create a mudslide bar where guests can customize their own with different toppings and mix-ins.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in martini glasses for an elegant look, or in mason jars for a more casual vibe. Add a candy cane hanging on the rim for an extra festive touch during the holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Components Ahead

You can crush the peppermints and prepare the glasses with chocolate and peppermint rims up to an hour before serving. Keep the decorated glasses in the refrigerator until ready to fill.

Storing Leftovers

The blended mixture can be stored in the freezer for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, let it thaw slightly and then re-blend for a few seconds to restore the creamy texture.

Freezing

For a make-ahead option, prepare the blended mudslide mixture without the garnishes and freeze in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving, then re-blend if necessary.

Reheating

This is a frozen treat, so no reheating required! If it’s too thick after being stored, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or add a splash of milk and briefly blend again.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Replace the peppermint vodka with alcohol-free peppermint extract (start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste), use chocolate milk instead of Kahlua, and substitute milk or coffee creamer for the Irish cream. You’ll get all the flavor without the alcohol.
What if I can’t find peppermint vodka?

You can infuse regular vodka with peppermint candies overnight, or use regular vodka and add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Another option is to substitute crème de menthe, though this will give a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I prepare this for a larger group?

Definitely! The recipe scales up beautifully. For a party, you can make a large batch in advance and keep it in the freezer in a covered container. Give it a quick stir before serving, or re-blend if it’s frozen solid. Prepare the decorated glasses right before serving for the best presentation.
Is this too sweet for adults?

While this is definitely a sweet treat, the alcohol helps balance the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of chocolate syrup, use a higher quality vanilla ice cream with less sugar, or add an extra splash of peppermint vodka to cut through the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Mudslide is more than just a drink – it’s a celebration in a glass! The combination of creamy vanilla, refreshing peppermint, and rich chocolate creates a magical flavor experience that’s perfect for making memories during the holidays or adding something special to an ordinary evening. The best part? It takes almost no time to prepare, but will leave everyone thinking you spent hours crafting the perfect dessert cocktail. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!