Copycat Shamrock Shake

published Mar 13, 2023
Shamrock shake topped with whipped cream and green sprinkles with a green and white straw in the glass.
Credit: Kelli Foster

A bright green blended mixture of vanilla ice cream, milk, and mint flavor.

Serves2

Makesabout 2 1/2 cups

Prep5 minutes

Jump to Recipe
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Shamrock shake topped with whipped cream and green sprinkles with a green and white straw in the glass.
Credit: Kelli Foster

Everyone has their own favorite way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Your yearly tradition might include corned beef and cabbage or perhaps a big pot of Guinness beef stew. For me, there’s nothing better than a cool and creamy Shamrock Shake. Yes, just like the one from McDonald’s, but way better. And best of all, you can make this minty green milkshake anytime you please.

Origins of the Shamrock Shake

Introduced by McDonald’s around 1970, the Shamrock Shake is a green, mint-flavored milkshake topped with whipped cream. This popular seasonal treat is only available during February and March to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Ingredients for the Shamrock Shake

The creamy green shake comes together with just a handful of basic ingredients. You’ll need the following:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whole milk
  • Peppermint extract
  • Green food coloring

And, if you want to go all out with the garnishes, you should grab the following:

Credit: Kelli Foster

What Is the Actual Flavor of the Shamrock Shake?

A Shamrock Shake is basically a vanilla milkshake jazzed up with peppermint extract. It’s creamy and milky, with just the right balance of vanilla and mint. There’s no booze in this family-friendly version, but we do have a recipe for a boozy Shamrock Shake if that’s more your speed.

Get the recipe: Boozy Shamrock Shake

Shamrock Shake Recipe

A bright green blended mixture of vanilla ice cream, milk, and mint flavor.

Prep time 5 minutes

Makes about 2 1/2 cups

Serves 2

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

For the milkshake:

  • 1 pint

    vanilla ice cream (about 2 cups)

  • 2/3 cup

    whole milk

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    peppermint extract

  • 8 drops

    liquid or 4 drops gel green food coloring

Garnish options:

Instructions

Show Images
  1. Let 1 pint vanilla ice cream sit out at room temperature until starting to soften, 10 to 15 minutes (softened ice cream will blend with ease and require less milk to get things moving). Give the container a squeeze — it shouldn’t be rock hard and should give slightly when it’s ready. Meanwhile, chill the glasses.

  2. If you have room in your freezer, stick 2 tall drinking or milkshake glasses in there, or else chill the glasses in the refrigerator. This will ensure the milkshake stays cold as long as possible.

  3. Place 2/3 cup whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, 8 drops liquid or 4 drops gel green food coloring , and the softened vanilla ice cream in a blender.

  4. Starting on the lowest speed and working your way up to medium speed, blend until the milkshake is smooth and pourable, about 1 minute. Stop the blender and scrape down the sides or stir as needed to keep things moving.

  5. Divide the milkshake between the glasses. Garnish with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and 2 maraschino cherries if desired. Serve immediately.