This homemade shamrock shake is an easy Mcdonald's Copycat recipe that the whole family can enjoy! Made in the comfort of your own kitchen, you can avoid the waiting lines and traffic but still get that classic green Irish shake you crave.
We have made this DIY shamrock shake so many times in the past few weeks and it's not just because it's 90 degrees here in Florida. It's just so addictingly good!
So word of advice, invest in the largest tub of vanilla ice cream you can fit in your freezer because it's cheaper than running to the store every other day for a smaller container.
After St Patricks Day is over you can use the leftover ice cream in milkshakes and Frozen Whipped Lemonade.
Why This Recipe Works
- This recipe for shamrock shakes is as simple as it gets. Made with just 5 ingredients and a few short minutes of your time.
- Each batch makes 2 tall glasses full. This is definitely a cheaper way of getting your favorite seasonal drink.
- You can make it whenever you want! This copycat shamrock shake is a quick and simple beverage you'll want to enjoy all year long and not just when St Patricks Day rolls along.
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🥘 Ingredients for Shamrock Shake
Vanilla ice cream- You will need vanilla ice cream as the base for this recipe. Use reduced-fat, nondairy, or even vanilla frozen yogurt, and it's sure to turn out deliciously.
Milk- This is what thins down the consistency, so it's easier to sip.
Mint extract- Make sure to use MINT extract and not PEPPERMINT because there's a big difference, and we do not want to taste candy canes in this drink.
Green food coloring- This is optional and can be omitted if you don't like food coloring, but the green color gives this shake its "traditional" coloring.
Whipped cream- For garnish on top, you may wish to use some whipped topping.
For specific quantities, see the recipe card below.
🍽 Equipment Needed
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- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Tall glasses
- Blender
- Ice cream scoop
🔪 Instructions
Check out how to make shamrock shakes at home with these simple step-by-step instructions:
Measure out the ice cream, milk, mint extract, and green food coloring. Place them into your blender.
Pulse or blend until all of the ingredients are well incorporated, and no streaks of vanilla ice cream remain.
Divide your milkshake between drinking glasses and top with whipped cream.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
📖 Variations
The best part about making this recipe at home is that you can customize this easy shamrock shake recipe to fit your own needs.
To make the drink healthier
You can make this a healthy shamrock shake recipe by using frozen yogurt and almond milk instead of full-fat ice cream and whole milk. Choosing ingredients with fewer fats and sugars will make this drink a bit healthier so you can feel better about enjoying it.
To make the drink boozy
For the adults-only, you can make this shamrock shake with alcohol by adding in some vodka. I would recommend sticking with plain vodka or something like vanilla-flavored vodka since it will blend in better with the drink. Irish baileys cream may also taste good in this drink.
🍴 Recipe Tips
Milk. I recommend sticking with whole milk when possible as it will help you to achieve a creamier consistency with your shake but any milk will work just fine (including half and half as well as non-dairy milk alternatives).
Mint extract. You will need mint extract for this recipe but peppermint extract also tastes really good in these shakes (in fact, that's my favorite variation..but I LOVE peppermint).
Food coloring. You can use liquid or gel-based food coloring and you can use as much as you want to achieve your desired hue of green. We used 6 drops of liquid green coloring but gel-based will be much stronger in color and you may need less to achieve a nice green consistency.
💭 FAQs
A shamrock shake is a creamy vanilla and mint flavored milkshake. It tastes a little like spearmint and vanilla and is a truly refreshing cold beverage.
Shamrock shakes were invented back in 1967 as a promotional St Patricks Day beverage for McDonald's and they've existed every year since! It was an instant success and favorite among many and it unfortunately only comes out one time a year.
According to their website, they make their shakes with vanilla soft serve ice cream, green shamrock syrup, and then top off the shakes with some whipped cream.
More great "Irish" recipes to check out soon
- Chocolate Pistachio Bundt Cake
- Lucky Charms Cookies
- Pistachio Banana Bread
- Rainbow Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Slow Cooker Cabbage with Bacon
- Easy Shepherd's Pie with Instant Mashed Potatoes
📖 Recipe
Homemade Shamrock Shake
Equipment
- Tall glasses
- Blender
- Ice cream scoop
Ingredients
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream ($0.99)
- 1 ½ cups milk ($0.27)
- ¼ teaspoon mint extract ($0.02)
- 6 drops green food coloring ($0.05)
- whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- Measure out the ice cream, milk, mint extract, and green food coloring. Place them into your blender.
- Pulse or blend until all of the ingredients are well incorporated and no streaks of vanilla ice cream remain.
- Divide your milkshake between drinking glasses and top with whipped cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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