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This single serving Shamrock Shake is a thick, creamy mint milkshake made with vanilla ice cream, milk, and mint extract. It’s an easy homemade copycat that comes together in minutes and makes the perfect St. Patrick’s Day treat for one.
Featured Comment
“We’ve already made these twice since finding the recipe! They are delicious and SO much better than McDonald’s!”
– Jessica
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Single Serving Treat: This single serving Shamrock Shake makes just enough for one glass.
- Ready in Minutes: Blend it together in under 5 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
- Creamy Mint Flavor: Smooth vanilla ice cream and mint extract create that classic homemade Shamrock Shake taste.
- Easy to Adjust: Control the mint strength, sweetness, and color to make it just how you like it.
- Better Than Drive-Thru: Make a copycat McDonald’s Shamrock Shake at home whenever the craving hits.
That first sip of a cold, creamy mint shake always takes me straight to St. Patrick’s Day. There’s something about the pale green color, the cool mint flavor, and the swirl of whipped cream on top that just feels fun and nostalgic.
I love being able to make a single serving Shamrock Shake at home instead of waiting for it to show up on a drive-thru menu. It’s thick, smooth, and perfectly minty, and I can adjust the flavor exactly how I like it. Sometimes it’s the simple, familiar treats that bring the biggest smile.
If you’re planning a small St. Patrick’s Day celebration, you might also enjoy our mini Irish soda bread, single serving Irish stew, colcannon for one, or Guinness float. Each one is perfectly portioned and makes the holiday feel a little more special without making too much.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this classic Shamrock Shake recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Vanilla ice cream: The classic base of this single serving Shamrock Shake. Use chocolate ice cream to change the flavor, or choose your favorite plant-based ice cream for a dairy-free version.
- Milk: Adds smooth, drinkable texture. Whole milk makes the creamiest shake, but almond, soy, or lactose-free milk work too.
- Green food coloring: Gives the shake its classic green look for St. Patrick’s Day.
- Mint extract: Provides the signature mint taste. Use mint extract, not stronger peppermint extract, so the flavor stays balanced.
- Whipped Cream, sprinkles, and a cherry: Toppings that complete the shake.
Note: This homemade recipe is different from McDonald’s Shamrock Shake, which uses vanilla soft-serve and “Shamrock Syrup” with whipped cream for its signature taste.
Recipe Variations
Want to customize this single serving Shamrock Shake? Try one of these popular options:
- Mint Chocolate Chip Version: Use mint chocolate chip ice cream for a chocolate-mint flavor.
- Copycat McDonald’s Style: Add a few extra drops of mint extract and a little more green food coloring for a brighter color and stronger mint flavor similar to the fast-food favorite.
- Dairy-Free Shamrock Shake: Use plant-based vanilla ice cream and almond or oat milk. Top with dairy-free whipped cream for a completely dairy-free shake.
- No Food Coloring: Skip the dye and blend in a small handful of fresh spinach. It adds natural green color without changing the flavor.
- Irish Cream Addition: For an adult version, add 1 tablespoon of Irish cream liqueur for a festive St. Patrick’s Day drink.
How To Make A Shamrock Shake
Follow these simple steps to make a Shamrock Shake at home. See the recipe box below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.
- Add Ice Cream: Scoop the vanilla ice cream into the blender.
- Pour in the Milk: Add the milk to the blender.
- Add Flavor and Color: Add the mint extract and a few drops of green food coloring.
- Blend: Blend until smooth and creamy, about 20 to 30 seconds. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed.
- Pour and Garnish: Pour the shake into a tall glass. Top with whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, and green sprinkles, if desired.
Expert Tips
- Use Quality Ice Cream: A rich, full-fat vanilla ice cream creates a thicker, creamier Shamrock Shake.
- Start Light with Mint Extract: Mint extract is potent. Begin with a small amount, blend, and taste before adding more to avoid an overpowering flavor.
- Adjust Thickness Easily: For a thicker shake, add more ice cream. For a thinner, more sippable texture, add a splash of milk and blend again.
- Blend Briefly: Blend just until smooth, about 20 to 30 seconds. Over-blending can thin the shake too much.
- Serve Immediately: This homemade Shamrock Shake is best enjoyed right after blending while it’s thick and creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Shamrock Shake is a creamy mint-flavored milkshake made with vanilla ice cream and mint extract.
McDonald’s typically releases it in late winter through St. Patrick’s Day, but this homemade version can be made anytime.
Yes. You can skip the food coloring or blend in a small handful of spinach for natural green color without affecting the flavor.
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 and add more as needed)
- 10 drops green food coloring
Optional Ingredients
- whipped cream
- a maraschino cherry
- green sprinkles
Instructions
- Scoop the vanilla ice cream into the blender.
- Add the milk to the blender.
- Add the mint extract and a few drops of green food coloring.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, about 20 to 30 seconds. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed.
Notes
- Use Quality Ice Cream: A rich, full-fat vanilla ice cream creates a thicker, creamier Shamrock Shake.
- Start Light with Mint Extract: Mint extract is potent. Begin with a small amount, blend, and taste before adding more to avoid an overpowering flavor.
- Adjust Thickness Easily: For a thicker shake, add more ice cream. For a thinner, more sippable texture, add a splash of milk and blend again.
- Blend Briefly: Blend just until smooth, about 20 to 30 seconds. Over-blending can thin the shake too much.
- Serve Immediately: This homemade Shamrock Shake is best enjoyed right after blending while it’s thick and creamy.
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!