DIY Shamrock Shakes

Learn to make a St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock shake at home and you’ll never have to rely on McDonald’s. In fact, with this recipe in hand, you just might whip one up any time of year!

Everyone has their own favorite way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Your yearly tradition might include corned beef and cabbage or perhaps a big pot of Guinness beef stew. For me, there’s nothing better than a cool and creamy Shamrock Shake.

Introduced by McDonald’s around 1970, the Shamrock Shake is a green, mint-flavored milkshake topped with whipped cream. This popular seasonal treat is only available during February and March to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Want to learn how to make it at home? This creamy green shake comes together with just a handful of basic ingredients! Here’s our easy recipe.

Why you’ll love it

• It’s just like the one from McDonald’s, but way better. And best of all, you can make this minty green milkshake anytime you please.
• It’s creamy and milky, with just the right balance of vanilla and mint. It’s the classic Shamrock Shake you know and love.

Key ingredients in a shamrock shake

• Vanilla ice cream: You’ll need 1 pint of vanilla ice cream (about 2 cups). Let it sit out at room temperature for a few minutes until it starts to soften.
• Milk: Use whole milk for a richer milkshake.
• Peppermint extract: This gives the shake its signature mint flavor.
• Green food coloring: You can use liquid or gel green food coloring here.
• Toppings: Garnish the shakes with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and maraschino cherries.

Variation

Boozy Shamrock Shake: There’s no alcohol in this version, but we do have a recipe for a boozy Shamrock Shake if that’s more your speed.

Shamrock Shake

Makes about 2 1/2 cups; serves 2

Ingredients:

For the milkshake:

• 1 pint vanilla ice cream (about 2 cups)
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 8 drops liquid or 4 drops gel green food coloring

Garnish options:

• Whipped cream
• Green sprinkles
• 2 maraschino cherries

Directions:

1. Let 1 pint vanilla ice cream sit out at room temperature until starting to soften, 10 to 15 minutes (softened ice cream will blend with ease and require less milk to get things moving). Give the container a squeeze — it shouldn’t be rock hard and should give slightly when it’s ready. Meanwhile, chill the glasses.
2. If you have room in your freezer, stick two tall drinking or milkshake glasses in there, or else chill the glasses in the refrigerator. This will ensure the milkshake stays cold as long as possible.
3. Place 2/3 cup whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, 8 drops liquid or 4 drops gel green food coloring, and the softened vanilla ice cream in a blender.
4. Starting on the lowest speed and working your way up to medium speed, blend until the milkshake is smooth and pourable, about 1 minute. Stop the blender and scrape down the sides or stir as needed to keep things moving.
5. Divide the milkshake between the glasses. Garnish with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and two maraschino cherries if desired. Serve immediately.

More for St. Patrick’s Day:

Red Potato Colcannon 

Irish Nachos: For the Luck o’ Your Taste Buds

Kelli Foster is a culinary producer for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.

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