This shamrock shake recipe is a copy of the McDonald’s favorite! It’s a mix of ice cream, milk and mint, all blended to creamy perfection.
No need to wait until Saint Patrick’s Day; now you can make a mint milkshake, also known as a Shamrock Shake, at home all year round!
St. Patrick’s Day is such a fun holiday, especially when it comes to the food! I always enjoy corned beef and cabbage for dinner on this holiday, but I can’t make it through the month without stopping at McDonald’s for their iconic Shamrock Shake. These minty milkshakes are actually SO very easy to make at home, and they’re a fun way to celebrate with the kids!
How to make a shamrock shake
For this recipe, you’ll need vanilla ice cream, milk, mint extract and green food coloring. The ingredients go into a blender and are whirred together until smooth and creamy.
It’s best to use mint extract for this recipe rather than the more common peppermint extract. The extracts actually have two different flavors, and the plain mint extract will get you closer to the taste of the McDonald’s shake.
I recommend using whole milk in this shake for the creamiest result. You can use other types of milk, but the shakes may be a little thinner. I use 10 drops of green food coloring to get a very vibrant green color. If you’re using a concentrated food coloring gel rather than the liquid, you’ll need 3-4 drops to achieve the same result.
The best way to top a Shamrock Shake is with a swirl of whipped cream, some festive sprinkles and a cherry! If you can find some green straws, that’s even better!
If you’re more of a chocolate mint fan, you can add a drizzle of chocolate syrup to the mix for a different flavor combination. Regardless of how you serve it, this Shamrock Shake is sure to be a big hit!
More refreshing drink recipes
- Watermelon Agua Fresca
- Tropical Smoothie
- Mixed Berry Smoothie
- Raspberry Limeade
- Pineapple Coconut Smoothie
Shamrock Shake
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 10 drops green food coloring
- 1/4 teaspoon mint extract
- whipped cream, sprinkles and cherries for serving
Instructions
- Place the ice cream, milk, food coloring and mint extract in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into two glasses. Top with whipped cream, sprinkles and cherries, then serve.
Janet says
I didn’t have any green food color so I just topped it with green M&M’s and the kids loved it!
J. McGuire says
Happened to be in FL for St Patty’s day and apparently No McDonalds in Florida has Shamrock shakes!?!?! After a VERY disappointed crew I stumbled on this! Thank you!! You can’t have a last name like McGuire and not eat something deliciously green on St Patrick’s Day, thanks for saving it for us!
Kiwi says
I never had an official Shamrock Shake. I cant believe St.Pattys day is around the corner so quickly!
cakespy says
It’s not easy being green? Oh yes it is!! When it’s tasty like this. So cute too!
AnnMarie John says
It’s a lot of fun to make and it’s definitely something that the kids will enjoy! It’s a nice treat for everyone on St. Patty’s day! Thanks for the quick and easy recipe!
Our Family World says
Yay! Thanks for the recipe! Now we don’t have to stand in line waiting to get a Shamrock Shake! I have all the ingredients with me except for the mint extract. I will add that to my grocery list.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This looks delicious! Looks perfect for St. Patrick’s Day!
Heather says
I look forward to Shamrock Shakes all year round. But knowing I can make them at home makes me feel as lucky as a leprechaun.
Kelly Reci says
Absolutely perfect for the upcoming lucky festivities! I love St. Patrick’s Day for all the green drinks that tend to pop up!
Kelly Stilwell says
Who doesn’t love a mint milkshake?! And the kids will be thrilled that it’s green for St. Patrick’s Day. So cute!
Claudia Krusch says
Oh, my! It looks sooo good! I can’t wait to make it at home! Shamrock shake is my son’s favorite!
Rosey says
My kids like the Shamrock shake. I think this homemade recipe is better than buying in McDonald’s. 🙂
brianne says
I love making everything green for St. Patricks Day! This shake looks delicious!
Jeanine says
Oh my goodness it’s heaven in a cup! I would love to try this at home!
Christie says
I like this time of year for the Shamrock shake! Now that you’ve posted this delicious recipe, I can have it all year round! It looks really tasty!
Melissa Chapman says
I wish I could eat anything from McDonald’s but I can’t so making it at home is a great idea. I am getting ready for Valentine’s but a green shake looks so good too.
Shell says
I love Shamrock Shakes- it’s the only time I go to McDonald’s. I’ll have to give this a try!
Stacie says
Oh, that is SO awesome! We love Shamrock Shakes, and having a version that I don’t have to wait for St. Paddy’s day to make it great!
robin rue says
Now that sounds yummy! I HAVE to make some of these for us to enjoy soon!