Are you craving a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake? Well, what if I told you that you could make it at home!? You can with just 4 simple ingredients. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or for indulging in your minty obsession any time of year.
When my husband and I were home shopping 5 years ago, we had a lot of trouble finding one that wasn’t creepy, whilst still staying within our price range. There were a few that were perfect but sold before we could get an offer in. It was a difficult time since we wanted a place of our own so badly!
Finally, a house we had been interested in came back on the market after a dreaded pending offer. We were so excited since this was the one we really felt called to just by looking at the listing! Well, long story short, we knew it was “the one”, and put on an offer within 24 hours. After viewing the home, we took a trip to a nearby town and enjoyed a delicious Shamrock Shake at the local McDonald’s.
Now, 5 years later, we still enjoy our yearly Shamrock Shake every year at that same McDonald’s. It’s become a tradition for us, and it reminds me of that significant time in our lives.
Recently, I got to thinking: what if they discontinued the Shamrock Shake or shut down our local McDonald’s? Could we still continue on with this beloved tradition?
And so, the idea for this yummy St. Patrick’s Day-inspired recipe was born! I hope you enjoy this tasty recipe as much as we did, and I hope it evokes as many fond memories for you as it does for us.
Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- Ice Cream: You will need 2 1/2 cups of your favorite vanilla ice cream. I’ve used vanilla bean, as well as standard vanilla and the more generic vanilla ice cream does taste more like the real thing!
- Milk: Just a little bit of milk to create a thinner consistency. You may wish to add more if you like a liquidy Shamrock Shake.
- Mint Extract: While peppermint will work in a pinch, you really want the standard “mint” extract to get the authentic experience.
- Food Coloring: You will need some green food coloring to get that signature green hue.
How to Make a Shamrock Shake at Home
Add your ice cream to the jug of a high-powered blender (this is the budget model I own).
Pour in your milk.
Add in the green food coloring, as well as the mint extract.
Blend until smooth, and check for consistency. If you would like your shake to be thicker, add more ice cream. If you would like it thinner, go ahead and add a splash more milk before blending again.
Serve and enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. I prefer mine without since that’s how they are served when you buy them at McDonald’s where I live!
Variations
Shamrock Shake with Mint Ice Cream: Replace the vanilla ice cream with mint ice cream, and omit the mint extract called for in the recipe. Taste and adjust, adding vanilla extract if needed.
With Chocolate: Top your shake with whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce. Top with chocolate shavings or curls, if desired.
With Protein: Add 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla-flavored whey protein powder.
Dairy Free: Substitute the ice cream for non-dairy ice cream, and substitute the milk for cashew milk or nut milk of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on the ice cream that is used to make the shake. Most plain flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice creams are free from gluten. If the shake is made with vanilla ice cream, it is likely gluten-free. McDonald’s makes their shakes with gluten-free ice cream, so if you are purchasing a Shamrock Shake, it is very likely to be gluten-free.
Typically, Shamrock Shakes are only available for approximately a month. But if you have missed the window, you can always make an easy copycat at home using ice cream, milk, food coloring, and mint extract.
More St. Patrick’s Day-Inspired Recipes
- Lucky Charms Treats
- Lucky Charms Cookies – Fresh April Flours
- Leprechaun Bait – Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons
- Pot of Gold Cupcakes – Baking a Moment
- Shamrock Gummies – The Best Ideas for Kids
Copycat Shamrock Shake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 8-10 drops green food coloring
- 1/4 teaspoon mint extract
Instructions
- Start by adding your ice cream to the jug of a high powered blender. Pour in the milk.
- Then, add in 8-10 drops of green food coloring, as well as the mint extract. Blend until smooth.
- Check the consistency, adding more ice cream if you would like a thicker milkshake, or some additional milk if you would like a thinner consistency.
- Serve and enjoy with an optional dollop of whipped cream!
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