One of my favorite things about Spring is St. Patrick’s Day and this Shamrock Shake Recipe ☘️
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake is an iconic seasonal treat around St. Patrick’s Day, known for its minty flavor and vibrant green color.
My hubby is Irish, and my favorite color is green!
Make your homemade spin on the beloved fast food Mint Shamrock Shake ☘️ with this quick and simple ice cream based and maybe heavy cream recipe!
Table of Contents
Use This Button to Save This Recipe to Yummly
What is a Shamrock Shake? ☘️
Introduction to the Shamrock Shake
A Shamrock Shake is a delightful seasonal dessert that McDonald’s rolls out every March to celebrate this wonderful spring holiday. Originally introduced in 1970, the Shamrock Shake with whipped cream started with a lemon-lime flavor but has since evolved into the mint-flavored treat we know and love today.
Ingredients and Flavor Profile
This vibrant green shake is made with creamy vanilla ice cream, heavy milk, whipped cream and a hint of mint flavoring. This Shake’s vibrant green color is achieved by adding a few drops of green food coloring, making it an eye-catching drink that perfectly embodies the festive spirit.
A Symbol of Celebration
Over the years, it has become more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of celebration and a nod to Irish heritage. Many fans eagerly await its annual return, marking the unofficial start of spring.
Making Your Own Shamrock Shake
For those who want to recreate the experience at home, a copycat recipe is a great option. By blending vanilla ice cream with whole milk completely smooth and adding mint extract, you can easily achieve the iconic McDonald’s Shamrock Shake with whipped cream (and a cherry on top) flavor. To enhance the presentation, top it with whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, and green sprinkles. Some adventurous creators even drizzle chocolate syrup for an added layer of flavor.
Your New Tradition?
Whether enjoyed as a nostalgic treat or a fun new experience, the Shamrock Shake with whipped cream continues to be a beloved tradition for many. It’s more than just a milkshake; it’s a celebration of flavor, color, and festivity.
Shamrock Shake Recipe ☘️
YIELD: Makes 1 shake with whipped cream
INGREDIENTS: vanilla ice cream
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream or optional vanilla bean ice cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk of your choice (I used half and half)
- 10 drops of green food coloring
- 1 teaspoon small-light
- Homemade Whipped cream (optional)
- Irish Cream (Optional)
- 1 maraschino cherry (optional) – maraschino cherries are a classic garnish for Shamrock Shakes
- Green sprinkles (optional)
- Mint extract (optional)
- Tall Glass (not optional)
DIRECTIONS: Add green food coloring
Combine Ingredients
Combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, green food coloring, and peppermint extract in a food processor or some sort of electric mixer. If you want a deeper green color, you can adjust by adding more liquid food coloring or mixing with other food coloring to modify the shade. For an extra creamy texture, consider using heavy cream instead of milk, which will enhance the richness of the shake.
Now taste test ☘️
Blend to Perfection
Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. Ensure that the ice cream is easily scoopable before adding it to the blender for a smoother blend. If the shake is too thick, add additional whole milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency, match it with some more heavy cream so you do not lose the richness of the mixture. You might need more green food coloring
Serve and Enjoy
Pour shake into a glass and top with whipped cream, green sprinkles & a cherry! To elevate the presentation, drizzle chocolate syrup along the rim or over the whipped cream for a decadent touch. Maybe add a few dollips of ice cream to float on top. Don’t skimp on the whipped cream.
Indulge Anytime
Serve! Enjoy your homemade Shamrock Shake with Whipped Cream as a fun and festive St. Patrick’s Day treat, or indulge in it year-round whenever you’re craving a minty, creamy delight.
Tips and Variations for this Easy Recipe
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
To craft the perfect Shamrock Shake, aim for a 2:1 ratio of ice cream to milk for a thick and creamy consistency. Feel free to adjust this ratio to suit your personal preference. For a minty kick, you can use either mint extract or mint syrup. Start with 1 1/2 teaspoons of mint extract or 2-3 tablespoons of mint syrup, and tweak the amount to match your taste. Try coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative.
Adding a Chocolatey Twist
If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle chocolate syrup along the inner edge of your glass or layer it with the milkshake for a delightful swirled effect. For those who want to experiment further, consider adding a scoop of chocolate ice cream to your blend to create a mint-chocolate twist.
Enhancing Visual Appeal
You can also try using gel food coloring for a more vibrant green hue, or mix different shades of green liquid food coloring for a unique visual appeal. If you’re hosting a party, serve the shake in themed glasses with a sprinkle of green sugar around the rim for an added festive touch. Add more whipped cream for that decadent look!
Incorporating Texture and Flavor
Another fun variation is to incorporate crushed mint cookies or chocolate chips into the shake for added texture and a burst of flavor. I love the mint extract or peppermint extract for a more authentic tastes.
Dietary Alternatives
For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, and replace regular vanilla ice cream with a low-fat or dairy-free alternative. These creative twists not only enhance the traditional Shamrock Shake but also provide options for those with dietary preferences or restrictions.
Making it Your Own
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own flair, the Shamrock Shake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. This adds a rich chocolatey twist to the classic Shamrock Shake flavor with whipped cream, making it even more irresistible. Adult add-ons can include crème de menthe . . . yummy.
Shamrock Shake Nutrition Information
Curious about the nutritional content of your homemade Shamrock Shake? Here’s an approximate breakdown for you, based on a serving size of about 12 ounces:
- Calories: 330kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 67mg
- Sodium: 144mg
- Potassium: 383mg
- Sugar: 32g
- Vitamin A: 705IU
- Vitamin C: 0.8mg
- Calcium: 272mg
- Iron: 0.1mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your Shamrock Shake with whipped cream in moderation as a delightful treat!
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake History and Fun Facts
The Birth of an Iconic Treat
The McDonald’s Shamrock Shake (with a cherry on top) boasts a rich history that dates back to 1970 when McDonald’s fast food chain first introduced it as a seasonal dessert to celebrate St. P’s Day. Originally, the shake featured a lemon-lime flavor, which was quite different from the mint extract or peppermint extract version we cherish today. I loved getting this green drink in the M’D’s drive thru and enjoyed their soft serve even though the ice cream at home tasted better. Over time, the flavor evolved into the mint-flavored delight that has become synonymous with the celebration of St. P’s Day.
A Limited-Time Tradition
Available for a limited time each year, the Shamrock Shake has become a beloved tradition for many. Its annual return is eagerly anticipated by fans who view it as a signal that spring is just around the corner. The shake’s vibrant green food coloring and refreshing mint extract or peppermint extract make it a standout offering in McDonald’s seasonal lineup.
Recreate the Magic at Home
But you don’t have to wait for March to indulge in this treat. Thanks to a copycat Shamrock Shake recipe, you can recreate the magic at home anytime. By blending vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and mint extract, you can achieve the iconic Shamrock Shake flavor. This homemade version allows you to enjoy the festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day whenever the craving strikes.
A Fun and Festive Addition
This mint-flavored shake is a hit with people of all ages, making it a fun and festive addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a personal treat, the Shamrock Shake embodies the joy and celebration of the holiday, bringing smiles to faces young and old alike.
Shamrock Shake Recipe
I hope you enjoyed this recipe!
Let me know how you like it and if you think it tastes as good as the fast food version!
Out readers that loved our article “St. Patrick’s Day Crafts Games and Fun Facts” also read How to Celebrate St. Patricks Day without Alcohol, 5 Free St. Patrick’s Day eBooks and Mint Shamrock Shake Recipe.
Pinning to make this for St. Patrick’s Day!