Homemade Shamrock Shake

This homemade shamrock shake is easy and creamy for St. Patrick’s Day! Just blend ice cream, milk and mint for this seasonal McDonald’s copycat recipe.

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McDonald’s Copycat Shamrock Shake Recipe

We all know once we see the green minty milkshake at our local McDonald’s that St. Patrick’s Day must be around the corner! Since it’s only available starting in February until March 17th, it has become a yearly tradition that fans look forward to.

I know that tasty frozen dessert is delicious, but I’m not inclined to stand in line at for one or shell out the money it costs for something I can make better (and without high fructose corn syrup) at home.

Making a thick, creamy, and rich homemade shamrock shake has become one of my favorite treats to recreate this time of year! Other fun St. Patrick’s Day treats I make include chocolate mint brownies and pistachio and chocolate leprechaun cookies!

Homemade Shamrock Shake Ingredients

This simple copycat version is made with 5 ingredients. One of them is optional and the other is a topping, so it really couldn’t be easier!

• Homemade vanilla ice cream or mint chocolate chip ice cream
• Milk – I use whole milk for a thicker creamier texture.
• Mint extract – Use mint extract, not peppermint extract, otherwise, your drink will taste less like a shamrock shake and more like candy canes.
• Green food coloring (optional) – Both gel and liquid food coloring can be used. Green is more concentrated and has a more vibrant color, so you’ll need less. Liquid food coloring is cheaper to buy, but to get the same depth of color you’ll need to use more. It’s up to you!
• Top it off with homemade whipped cream, a cherry and sprinkles.

How to Make a Shamrock Shake

• Combine the ice cream, mint extract, milk, and food coloring in a blender. Start with a few drops of green at first.
• Blend everything then decide if you need to add more drops of green food coloring.
• Do a little taste test. Add more mint if you like.
• Pour into a tall glass or two, garnish with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry on top!

Fun Variations

• Skip the milk and make a shamrock sundae. Scoop some mint chocolate chip ice cream into a bowl, top with whipped cream infused with mint extract, green sprinkles, and a cherry.
• You could also make an Oreo milkshake with mint Oreo cookies! Use less milk to make it into an Oreo shamrock Mcflurry.
• Use chocolate ice cream and chocolate syrup for a chocolate flavor variation of this shamrock shake at home.