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We are going to learn a fun and easy recipe today that is sure to be a hit with your family. This McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Recipe is so delicious and really simple to make.

Close up image of Shamrock Shake topped with whipped cream, sprinkles and straws
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Your kids will be thrilled to have this copycat version at home. Make it for just a fraction of the cost of whipping through the drive-thru at a local fast food restaurant.

This shake recipe is so simple and your kids will have a really special treat at home for St. Patrick’s Day. Just make sure you use mint extract to make this Shamrock Milkshake and not peppermint extract. 

The mint extract and green food coloring is what gives this recipe all the flavor and festive St. Patty’s Day look.

What is a Shamrock Shake?

A shamrock shake is a shake that is offered by McDonald’s around St Patty’s day.  It has been quite popular of the years and it is a fun way to celebrate this holiday.

My daughter loves shamrock shakes but, sadly, they are available only for a limited time so we could only enjoy them toward the end of February through the beginning of March.

However, why should we have to be limited by a timeframe.  Now we can make these delicious shamrock shakes at home and you can enjoy this delicious mint shake any time of year.

Ingredients

Shamrock Shake ingredients - vanilla ice cream, milk, mint extract, green food coloring, whipped cream, sprinkles

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

  • Oreo Shamrock Mcflurry – Add in Oreo Cookies for a delicious variations. We start with adding in 5 but feel to adjust the quantity.
  • Holiday Shake – For a delicious twist on this Shake, you can substitute the extract with peppermint and top with crushed peppermints.
  • Alcohol Shake – If you are looking for an adult drink version, add in baileys, vodka, menthe or whiskey.
  • Additions – This shake is delicious with a variety of additions. If you still want that green color, use spinach or matcha instead of green food coloring. You can also add in frozen banana.
  • Milk – We make this shake whole milk but you can substitute with coconut milk or almond milk. The texture might change some but it will still be delicious.

Directions to Make McDonald’s Shamrock Shake

I promise, this shake recipe is not complicated to make. 

  • Step 1 – First add the vanilla ice cream, milk and mint extract to a blender. Then blend well to thoroughly combine the ice cream, milk, mint extract together.
Adding the ice cream, milk, and extract to the blender
  • Step 2 – Then add a few drops of green coloring and blend well.  This food coloring gives this shake the pretty green color so don’t skip this step.
Adding in the green food coloring to the shake mixture in the blender
  • Step 3 – Next pour the shake into a glass and top with whipped cream and sprinkles. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

  • Extract – When making this shake it is best to use mint extract instead of peppermint extract.
  • Food Coloring – We added in about 10 drops of green food coloring for that vibrant green color. Feel free to add what you prefer.
  • Blending Ingredients – To achieve the perfect creamy texture, we recommend using a Vitamix blender.
Close up image of shamrock shake topped with whipped cream and sprinkles

Serving Suggestions

Shamrock shake is best served in a glass mug topped with whipped cream and a maraschino cherries. We have even topped it with sprinkles for a fun and festive treat.

Close up image of shamrock shake topped with whipped cream and sprinkles

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Ahead of Time?

Yes, this is the perfect shake to prepare and place in the freezer until ready to enjoy.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, please in the freezer to enjoy within about 2-3 days,

What does Shamrock Shake Taste Like?

The combination of vanilla ice cream and mint extract gives it that minty flavor.

Try these other Fun Copycat Recipes

More St. Patrick’s Recipes

If you make this Shamrock Shake Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love hearing from you.

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Shamrock Shake

4.85 from 13 votes
You can make Mcdonald’s Shamrock Shake Recipe at home! We love copycat recipes & this shamrock shake is so easy. This McDonalds milkshake will be a hit.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings 1
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 390

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vanilla ice cream
  • 3/4 cup white milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon mint extract not peppermint
  • green food coloring
  • whipped cream
  • green sprinkles

Instructions

  • Add ice cream, milk and mint extract to blender and blend well.
  • Add food coloring and blend well.
  • Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Recipe Notes

Enjoy this fun copy cat Shamrock Shake. Save money and make one of these at home!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 390kcal, Carbohydrates 40g, Protein 10g, Fat 20g, Saturated Fat 12g, Cholesterol 76mg, Sodium 184mg, Potassium 504mg, Sugar 37g, Vitamin A 850IU, Calcium 376mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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  1. 5 stars
    These are amazing & I can make them at home rather than spending a lot of money on them at local establishments.