McDonald’s Shamrock Shake

When I was growing up, the appearance of the Shamrock Shake at McDonald’s was always the first sign of spring for our family. We’d brave the lingering winter chill for that first sweet, minty sip that promised warmer days ahead. Today, I’m sharing my perfected copycat recipe that lets you enjoy this beloved treat any time of the year, customized exactly to your taste.

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Shamrock Shake

There are a lot of things you may think of when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, from Irish food and drink to leprechauns and plenty of green. But for some, the holiday wouldn’t be complete without a delicious and refreshing Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s.

It’s usually available from mid-February through late March, a reliable sign of the season on the Golden Arches’ menu for nearly as long as iconic items like the Big Mac.

But what do you do if it’s not the right time of year or you don’t want to spend the time or money making it to McDonald’s? The answer is to try this copycat version that’s simple, affordable, and tastes just like the real thing. 

Why St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the same without the classic McDonald’s Shamrock Stake

To be sure, many look at St. Patrick’s Day as a day to celebrate Irish heritage and indulge. For those who’d prefer an alcohol-free way to do so (or need a sweet treat after a few pints), the Shamrock Shake is an ideal option.

The green hue evokes one of the most famous parts of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, while the subtle mint flavor provides a freshness that reminds many that warmer weather is just around the corner. 

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Ready in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients
• Costs less than store-bought versions
• Easily customizable for different dietary needs
• Perfect thickness and mint flavor that rivals the original

Ingredients you’ll need

A short list of five items is needed to make a delicious homemade Shamrock Shake.

• Vanilla ice cream: This is the heart of your shake, so don’t skimp and buy cheap brands with too much air, which can leave your milkshake thin and runny. Go for a smooth and thick, high-quality brand, like Ben & Jerry’s or Graeter’s.
• Half & half: Skip the milk and use its even thicker, creamier cousin, resulting in an ultra-creamy shake.
• Mint extract: Spearmint extract is your best choice; peppermint extract can be too “minty,” overpowering the more delicate vanilla flavor.  
• Green food coloring: This is optional but an excellent addition for those who want a shake that tastes and looks like the real thing from Mickey D’s. If possible, use all-natural gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring.
• Whipped Cream: You can skip the time and effort required to make homemade whipped cream and use your favorite canned version or tub of whipped topping. 

Equipment Needed

• High-powered blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tall glasses for serving
• Wide straws (for optimal shake enjoyment)

How to make a Shamrock Shake

Making a homemade Shamrock Shake is incredibly easy and can be prepared in batches for groups.

1. Soften the ice cream at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easier blending. 
2. Add all the ingredients to a blender. 

3. Blend until well combined, about 30 seconds.

4. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream. If desired, garnish with a maraschino cherry.

In just minutes, you’ll be enjoying this refreshing dessert without the hassle and cost of a McDonald’s trip. Don’t forget a straw or long-handled spoon for easy enjoyment!

Possible substitutions

Fortunately, it’s easy to tweak this tasty shake for a variety of flavor or dietary reasons – along with the potential to add a bit of a kick.

• Skinny Shamrock Shake Recipe: In a blender, combine two cups of vanilla Greek-style yogurt, a quarter of a cup of whole milk, four drops of mint extract, two drops of green food coloring, and three ice cubes. Blend until smooth.
• Chocolate Shamrock Shake: Are you a chocoholic? Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla or drizzle some chocolate syrup in the blender. Skip the green food color for a milkshake that will remind you of After Eight Thin Mints.
• Boozy Shamrock Shake: In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, adding a bit of booze to the blender might be in order. Use your favorite liquor such as vanilla vodka or Baileys Irish Cream. Bourbon pairs particularly well. Meanwhile, crème de menthe creates an extra minty drink like a giant Grasshopper. Just don’t go crazy – limit any alcohol to 1.5 ounces if you don’t want to wind up with a thin shake.

Dietary Modifications

Dairy-Free Version

• Replace ice cream with coconut milk-based vanilla ice cream
• Use coconut cream instead of half & half
• Check that food coloring is vegan-friendly

Lower-Calorie Option

• Use low-fat ice cream
• Replace half & half with almond milk
• Skip the whipped cream topping

Keto-Friendly

• Use sugar-free vanilla ice cream
• Replace half & half with heavy cream
• Use sugar-free whipped cream

Scaling Tips

To Make More

• The recipe doubles easily for four servings
• Blend in batches if needed
• Keep extra ice cream frozen until ready to use

For Single Serving

• Halve all ingredients
• Use a smaller blender container if available
• Consume immediately for the best texture

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Too Thick

• Add half & half one tablespoon at a time
• Continue blending until desired consistency

Too Thin

• Add more ice cream
• Avoid over-blending, which can melt ice cream

Mint Flavor Too Strong

• Start with 1/8 teaspoon extract
• Add more gradually to taste
• Remember that flavor intensifies slightly as the shake sits

What to serve Shamrock Shakes with

Though the Shamrock Shake is delightful on its own, it also pairs well with other popular fast-food items like hamburgers, hot dogs, and french fries.

Those looking to customize their Shamrock Shake even further can add toppings like cookie crumbs (like Girl Scouts Thin Mints or Oreo cookies), green sprinkles, or even a sprig of fresh mint.

How to store leftovers for later

Shamrock shakes are at their best when freshly made. Combined with the incredibly simple process of whipping them up, we don’t recommend trying to save leftover milkshakes in the fridge or freezer, both of which will quickly ruin the texture.

Best McDonald’s copycat recipes

• Chips Ahoy McFlurry
• McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce
• McDonald’s Egg McMuffin
• McDonald’s Peppermint Mocha
• McDonald’s Quarter Pounder
• Oreo McFlurry

More delicious milkshakes to make

• Banana Milkshake
• Lucky Charms Milkshake
• Rice Krispie Shake

Favorite mint recipes

• Creme de Menthe Brownies
• Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
• York Peppermint Patty
• Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark

Check out more of my easy drink recipes and the best McDonald’s recipes here on CopyKat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Whis the shamrock shake offered at McDonald’s?

The window to order a Shamrock Shake isn’t the same each year or in every restaurant. You can find the shake at most locations from the middle of February to late March.

It may be worth calling your local McDonald’s if you plan on making a special trip just for the shake. Armed with this copycat recipe you don’t have to wait for the annual return of the Shamrock Shake.

What flavor is the shamrock shake?

A Shamrock Shake is essentially a mint milkshake. These days, you can find the original minty Shamrock Shake on the menu at McDonald’s along with an Oreo Shamrock McFlurry.

Over the years, other Shamrock drinks have included Chocolate Shamrock Shake, Shamrock Chocolate Chip Frappé, Shamrock Mocha, and even Shamrock Hot Chocolate!