A bold holiday surprise is shaking up the ice cream scene, and it comes from an unlikely rival to the usual Dairy Queen lineup. I’m reminded of a personal tradition: my husband Andrew’s grandmother always kept a bowl of Andes Mints on hand during the holidays. She called them “Andy’s candies,” and even years after she’s gone, I still tuck a pack of Andes Mints into his Christmas stocking in her memory. That signature chocolate-and-mint flavor has long been tied to the season for many families, not just mine.
Now, a fresh fast-food ice cream offering is paying homage to Andes Mints, and it’s arriving from an unexpected place. Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has just rolled out two new desserts that celebrate the minty candy, making them ideal treats for the holiday stretch.
New Andes Mints-Themed Treats at Rita’s
Rita’s has introduced two wintertime creations featuring Andes Mints. The Mint Fudge Sundae pairs Rita’s signature vanilla and chocolate frozen custard with chunks of Andes Mints, plus hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry, delivering a classic ice cream sundae that’s crowned with a familiar minty candy. The Mint Cookie Crunch Concrete offers a blended delight reminiscent of DQ’s Blizzard or Culver’s Concrete, but with its own Rita’s twist: vanilla custard blended with Andes Mints and Oreo cookie pieces for a creamy, minty bite.
Why Rita’s Collaborated with Andes Mints
Carmella Hughley, Rita’s Senior Vice President of Marketing Insights and Innovation, explained to Allrecipes that the goal is to tap into nostalgia. “Holiday flavors have a way of transporting us,” she said. “And Andes Mints are one of those timeless treats people look forward to all year. We wanted to capture that simple joy and fold it into something uniquely Rita’s—a refreshing, spoonable twist on a classic holiday moment.”
From a tester’s perspective, the combination of Rita’s custard with Andes Mints feels thoughtfully balanced. The Mint Fudge Sundae offers a rich chocolate-mint profile without any single flavor overpowering the others, while the Mint Cookie Crunch Concrete delivers a creamy, cool blend with satisfying mint and chocolate notes. It’s easy to see why these could become a seasonal favorite, even for fans who don’t typically reach for a mint chocolate treat.
If you’re curious about Andes Mints or you’ve never tried them, this Rita’s collaboration is worth sampling. Both the Mint Fudge Sundae and the Mint Cookie Crunch Concrete are available now through January 11 at Rita’s.
Original coverage can be read on Allrecipes.
