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This homemade Shamrock Shake is a creamy, mint-flavored milkshake made with just a few simple ingredients. It’s a fun, festive treat you can enjoy anytime—no need to wait for St. Patrick’s Day!
If you’re making a Shamrock Shake for St. Patrick’s Day, why not add a few more Irish-inspired dishes to the mix? Try Irish Stew for a hearty main, Colcannon for a creamy mashed potato side, and Irish Soda Bread for a classic crusty loaf—all perfectly portioned for one. These recipes bring traditional Irish flavors to your table, making your celebration even more special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Simple: Ready in less than 5 minutes with just a blender.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the mint flavor and color to your liking.
- Festive & Fun: A great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at home.
The Shamrock Shake has been a seasonal favorite since McDonald’s first introduced it in 1970. It was created by Jim Delligatti, a franchise owner in Pittsburgh, after he spotted a mint milkshake at a local diner. Now, it’s a much-anticipated treat that pops up every year around St. Patrick’s Day.
I’ve always loved the tradition of getting one in March, but making it at home is even better. It’s quick, easy, and I can adjust the flavor exactly how I like it—plus, I don’t have to wait for it to be “in season.”
Ingredients And Substitutions
This is not McDonald’s Shamrock Shake recipe. According to McDonald’s website, their version is made with vanilla soft-serve, “Shamrock Syrup,” and whipped cream.
- Vanilla ice cream: The classic base for this shake. Try chocolate ice cream or mint chocolate chip ice cream for a twist. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based ice cream and vegan whipped cream. Got extra ice cream? Use it to make a Guinness Float!
- Milk: Use whole milk for a creamy texture, or swap it for almond, soy, or lactose-free milk if needed.
- Green food coloring: Adds the signature green color.
- Mint extract: Use mint extract, not peppermint, for the right flavor. Peppermint extract is much stronger and can overpower the shake.
- Whipped Cream, Sprinkles, and a Cherry: The classic toppings.
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy Shamrock Shake recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
Recipe Variations
Want to change up your Shamrock Shake? Try these easy variations:
- Lighter Version: Blend a frozen banana, fresh spinach, and mint leaves with almond milk for a naturally sweetened option.
- Mocha Mint Shake: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder for a bold, coffee-infused flavor.
- Protein-Packed Shake: Swap the ice cream for Greek yogurt and add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a more filling option.
How To Make A Shamrock Shake
Follow these simple steps to make a creamy, minty Shamrock Shake. See the recipe box below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.
- Add Ice Cream to the Blender: Scoop the ice cream into a blender.
- Pour in the Milk: Add your choice of milk.
- Mix in Flavor & Color: Add mint extract and green food coloring.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Serve & Top: Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, and green sprinkles.
Expert Tips
- Use Good Ice Cream: A creamy, high-quality ice cream makes the best shake.
- Make More if Needed: This recipe scales easily—just double or triple the ingredients.
- Add Some Crunch: Blend in crushed Oreo cookies for a texture similar to McDonald’s Shamrock McFlurry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The food coloring is just for appearance and can be left out without affecting the taste.
A blender is best, but you can mix the ingredients by hand using a whisk or shake them in a mason jar until smooth.
Add a splash of crème de menthe or Irish cream for an adult-friendly Shamrock Shake.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this copycat Shamrock Shake or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Shamrock Shake For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon mint extract (Start with ½ teaspoon of mint extract. It’s strong, so add more only if needed.)
- 10 drops green food coloring
Optional Ingredients
- whipped cream
- a maraschino cherry
- green sprinkles
Instructions
- Add ice cream, milk, mint extract, and green food coloring to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a tall glass. Finish with whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, and green sprinkles, if desired.
Notes
- Use Good Ice Cream: A creamy, high-quality ice cream makes the best shake.
- Make More if Needed: This recipe scales easily—just double or triple the ingredients.
- Add Some Crunch: Blend in crushed Oreo cookies for a texture similar to McDonald’s Shamrock McFlurry.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Just like a shamrock shake but better! And without the insane amount of sugar. Perfect for those who need to use lactose free ingredients.
That color is absolutely amazing! And the recipe is perfect for this time of the year – makes you want to crave warmer days so much!
Best idea ever to give my kids an extra special treat. I’ve never thought of making these at home!
We’ve already made these twice since finding the recipe! They are delicious and SO much better than McDonald’s!
My son loves Shamrock Shakes but is always disappointed when they are gone. With this great recipe we make them all year long!
We love this copycat version of the Shamrock Shake!! So good and we can have it whenever we want, no need to get in the car!
Shamrock Shake “season” is one of my favorites of the year. Thanks for sharing your version of this classic!