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Shamrock Shake season is here! If you’re craving that cool, creamy, minty treat but want to enjoy it anytime and save some money, this easy copycat recipe is for you. Ours is even creamier and more flavorful than the original – and you can make it year-round!
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What is a Shamrock Shake?
A Shamrock shake is a seasonal favorite from McDonald’s, available for a limited time mid-February through St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a bright green mint milkshake made with vanilla soft serve, Shamrock Shake syrup, and whipped cream. While delicious, it can be pricey to buy for the whole family. That’s why we’ve created this simple, affordable, and equally tasty version you can make at home.
Ingredients for the Perfect Shamrock Shake
You only need a few basic ingredients to whip up this refreshing treat:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Choose a high-quality, creamy vanilla ice cream for the best flavor and texture.
- Milk – Whole milk works best for a thick, smooth texture.
- Mint Extract – Use the right amount – too much can taste like toothpaste.
- Green Food Coloring – Just a few drops give the shake its signature color.
- Optional Toppings – I like to top my Shamrock Shakes with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. You can also top your shake with chocolate sauce, Andes mints, Oreo cookie pieces, or green sprinkles!
How to Make a Shamrock Shake
This simple copycat recipe comes together in minutes:
- Blend: Combine ice cream, milk, mint extract, and green food coloring in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Serve – Pour into a tall glass, then top with whipped cream and sprinkles, a chocolate mint, or a maraschino cherry.
Shamrock Shake Variations
Make your shake unique with these creative twists:
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Turn this into a mint chocolate chip milkshake by adding a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the blender.
- Oreo Shamrock Shake: Blend in crushed Oreos for a McFlurry-inspired version.
- Low-Calorie Version: Substitute low sugar ice cream or frozen yogurt and fat-free milk to save calories.
- Holiday Themes: Use red or pink food coloring for Valentine’s Day or peppermint extract and red food coloring for Christmas.
- Christmas – Serve them with green and red sprinkles at Christmastime.
“My husband and daughter are big mint lovers (I’m more of a chocolate fan) We all loved this shake. I make it now for more than just St Patrick’s Day.”
-Jade
Frequently Asked Questions
It tastes like a creamy, minty vanilla milkshake with a rich texture and refreshing flavor.
A McDonald’s small has 530 calories, but our version comes in at only 393 calories per serving.
Yes! The green color is just for fun. You can skip it if you prefer.
More Irish Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day
If you are looking to create an authentic Irish feast to celebrate the luck of the Irish this year, then try a few of these favorite recipes! These are all Irish favorites and simple to make for the special holiday!
Shamrock Shake Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon mint extract
- ¼ teaspoon green food coloring
Toppings
- whipped cream
- sprinkles
- Andes Chocolate Mints
- maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Blend all shake ingredients in a blender until smooth.
- Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream and sprinkles, an Andes Chocolate Mint, and a maraschino cherry.
Why do you have to use sugar? Milk and ice cream have enough sugar in them. Why add more sugar?
We just tried to make it taste exactly like the one from McDonalds and that’s what it took! But you can definitely leave it out or use a substitute like stevia!
Shamrock Shakes are the best. It so great to be able to make these year round with your recipe. My daughter is enjoying them and I’m glad I don’t need to go to McD’s to buy them anymore.
Shamrock Shake sounds so good right now! Its the perfect comfort food anytime of the year. Your recipe looks really delicious. Going to make mine with whipped cream topping.
My husband and daughter are big mint lovers (I’m more of a chocolate fan) We all loved this shake I make it now for more than just St Patrick’s Day.
Thank you for your comment. We will retest the recipe.