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Recreate the popular McDonald’s shamrock shake at home for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime the craving hits. This creamy copycat recipe is easy to make with ice cream, milk and mint!

Other fun St. Patrick’s Day treats include Irish soda bread, chocolate mint brownies and these pistachio and chocolate leprechaun cookies!

green shake with sprinkles and whipped cream on top
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St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shake

Come February, we all know once we see the green milkshake that Saint Patrick’s Day must be around the corner!

I know that tasty frozen dessert is delicious, but I’m not inclined to stand in line at my local McDonald’s 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!

shamrock shake with whipped cream and cherry on top

What is a Shamrock Shake?

The Shamrock Shake, despite where it originated, is a popular drink on the McDonald’s menu that is only available a month prior to St. Patrick’s Day until just shortly after. It’s a milkshake made from milk, sugar, cream, mint flavor and some hard-to-pronounce ingredients enjoyed plain or topped with whipped cream.

For true fans of this jazzed up milkshake, it has become a yearly tradition to look forward to. It’s become so popular that they’ve since made an Oreo shamrock mcflurry!

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!

  1. Vanilla ice cream or mint chocolate chip ice cream
  2. Milk – I use whole milk for a thicker creamier texture.
  3. Mint extract – Use mint extract, not peppermint extract, otherwise, your drink will taste less like a shamrock shake and more like candy canes.
  4. 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!
  5. Top it off with homemade whipped cream!

How to Make a Shamrock Shake

green ice cream in blender
  • 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!

For a Fun Twist!

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.

green shake with sprinkles and whipped cream on top

More festive St. Patrick’s Day recipes include Irish scones, corned beef and cabbage and this rainbow fruit platter!

More St. Patrick’s Day Favorites

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green shake with sprinkles and whipped cream on top

Homemade Shamrock Shake

5 from 3 votes
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Author: Jamielyn Nye
Recreate the popular McDonald's shamrock shake at home for St. Patrick's Day or anytime the craving hits. This creamy copycat recipe is easy to make with ice cream, milk and mint!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients 

  • 3-4 cups vanilla ice cream , or mint chocolate chip ice cream
  • ½ cup milk , more if needed
  • ¼ teaspoon mint extract , not peppermint
  • green food coloring , optional
  • whipped cream

For serving: maraschino cherry, green sprinkles (optional)

    Instructions

    • Combine the ice cream, milk, mint and the food coloring in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add more milk or food coloring if needed. Taste and add more mint if desired.
    • Pour into 2 glasses and top with whipped cream, a cherry and sprinkles if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 436kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 184mg | Potassium: 483mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 949IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 327mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

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