Shamrock Shake: a weeknight method

A mint Shamrock shake finished off with a swirl of whipped cream sprinkles and a cherry.

This Shamrock Shake recipe is a copy of the McDonald’s go-to! It’s a St. Patrick’s Day treat where ice cream, milk and mint are all blended to silky perfection.

Make the most of your St. Patrick’s Day and enjoy your Shamrock Shake with a slice of Irish soda bread, an Irish mule or some crunchy Irish nachos.

St. Patrick’s Day is such a fun holiday, especially when it comes to the food! I always enjoy slow cooker corned beef and cabbage for dinner on this holiday, but I can’t make it through March without stopping at McDonald’s for their iconic Shamrock Shake. These minty milkshakes are actually SO very straightforward to make at home, and they’re a fun way to celebrate with the kids or have a quick dessert!

McDonald’s has served Shamrock Shakes since the 1970s. McDonald’s makes theirs with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and their Shamrock Shake syrup. My copycat recipe keeps the ice cream and whipped cream and recreates the syrup with unfussy ingredients from the grocery store.

At McDonald’s these shakes are a limited time treat. They usually show up in late February and last until March 17. However, with this recipe, there’s no need to wait. Now you can make a mint-flavored milkshake at home all year round!

Shamrock Shake Ingredients

To make your Shamrock Shake you will need vanilla ice cream, whole milk, mint extract, green food coloring, whipped cream, green sprinkles and maraschino cherries.

Ingredients including vanilla ice cream, milk, whipped cream and sprinkles.

How Do You Make A Shamrock Shake?

You can make a Shamrock Shake by placing vanilla ice cream, whole milk, mint extract and green food coloring in a blender. Blend the ingredients together until the milkshake is a smooth and silky consistency. Pour the milkshake into a glass and top it with whipped cream, sprinkles and maraschino cherries. Serve it to friends and family and enjoy!

A blender of vanilla ice cream, milk, mint extract and green food coloring.

Tips For The Reliable Shamrock Shake

It’s finest to use mint extract for this recipe rather than the more common peppermint extract. The extracts actually have two different flavors, and the plain mint extract will get you closer to the taste of the McDonald’s shake.
Use whole milk in this shake for the creamiest result. You can use other types of milk, but the shakes may be a little thinner.
I use 10 drops of green food coloring to get a very vibrant green color. If you’re using a gel food coloring rather than the liquid, you’ll need 3-4 drops to achieve the same result. If your green coloring is a little too blue, try adding a couple of drops of yellow food coloring.
The finest way to top a Shamrock Shake is with a swirl of whipped cream, some festive sprinkles and a cherry! If you can find some green straws, that’s even better!
No whipped cream on hand? Frozen whipped topping will also work well.

Quick Tip

Enjoy your Shamrock Shake immediately for the finest flavor and texture.

Recipe FAQs

What is the Shamrock Shake flavor?

Shamrock Shakes are mint flavored milkshakes. The flavor comes from vanilla ice cream and mint extract.

How long is a Shamrock Shake at McDonald’s?

Typically Shamrock Shakes become available at McDonald’s in late February and are served until St. Patrick’s Day. However, with this recipe you can enjoy them year round!

Why is the Shamrock Shake so green?

The green color in this recipe is from green food coloring. About 10 drops of green liquid food coloring do the trick. You can adjust the color with extra green food coloring or a couple of drops of yellow or blue food coloring.

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A glass of shamrock shake topped with whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry.

Flavor Variations

Although I love the Shamrock Shake, you can customize your shake with these fun ideas!

Oreo Shamrock McFlurry: You can make your own version of this McDonald’s go-to by adding 5 Oreo cookies to your blender and reducing the milk to two tablespoons.
Christmas: Make a Christmas version of a Shamrock Shake by substituting peppermint extract for mint extract and topping the drink with crushed candy canes.
Chocolate: Make a chocolatey version by blending all the ingredients together and and then pour a little chocolate syrup in the blender. Blend it again for about 2 seconds until you get chocolate streaks in the shake. Pour the drink into a glass and drizzle chocolate syrup over the top.
Alcohol: Give the shake a little kick by adding a shot of Baileys Irish Cream, crème de menthe or vanilla vodka.

On St. Patrick’s Day or any other day, this Shamrock Shake is sure to be a big hit. Skip the drive through menu and make your own cool and silky copycat Shamrock Shake recipe!

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Add as Google preferred source Authorthe Makdob kitchen A mint Shamrock shake finished off with a swirl of whipped cream sprinkles and a cherry.

This shamrock shake recipe is a copy of the McDonald’s go-to! It’s a mix of ice cream, milk and mint, all blended to silky perfection. Time Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 minute
Total Time6 minutes

Course Drink
Cuisine American
Serves 2

Ingredients

2 cups vanilla ice cream
3/4 cup whole milk
10 drops green food coloring
1/4 teaspoon mint extract
whipped cream, sprinkles and maraschino cherries for serving

Instructions

Place the ice cream, milk, food coloring and mint extract in a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Pour into two glasses. Top with whipped cream, sprinkles and cherries, then serve.

Notes

It’s finest to use mint extract for this recipe rather than the more common peppermint extract.
Use whole milk in this shake for the creamiest result.
I use 10 drops of green food coloring to get a very vibrant green color. If you’re using a gel food coloring rather than the liquid, you’ll need 3-4 drops to achieve the same result. If your green coloring is a little too blue, try adding a couple of drops of yellow food coloring.