Shamrock Shake is thick, creamy, and bursting with mint flavor. Blend ice cream, milk, and mint extract, then top it off with whipped cream for a festive treat.
Make Your Own Shamrock Shake
If there’s one constant in my life, it’s that the McDonald’s ice cream machine is always out of order. So, with St. Patrick’s Day around the corner and a serious Shamrock Shake craving, I decided to create my own recipe.
Let me tell you—this homemade version might be even better than the original!
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this festive treat at home. It’s easy, delicious, and the perfect way to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a homemade Shamrock Shake:
- Vanilla ice cream: Vanilla bean ice cream is my favorite, but any vanilla ice cream works.
- Whole milk: Whole milk makes it richer and creamier, but any milk will do.
- Pure mint extract: Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
- Green food coloring: Optional, but it gives the shake a festive green color.
- Salt: A tiny pinch enhances the flavors.
Tips For Making A Shamrock Shake
- Don’t over-blend: Blend just enough to make it smooth and creamy.
- Soften the ice cream: Let it sit out for a few minutes to make scooping easier. Don’t let it melt too much, or the shake won’t be as thick.
- Chill the glasses: Put them in the freezer for a few minutes to keep the shake cold.
- Use a strong blender: A high-powered blender makes the shake extra smooth. If yours isn’t strong, blend longer or add a little more milk.
Shamrock Shake Topping Ideas
Take your Shamrock Shake to the next level with these delicious toppings:
- Whipped cream: A fluffy, creamy finish.
- Chocolate sauce: Drizzle with hot fudge, cocoa, or chocolate shavings.
- Green sprinkles: Fun and festive!
- Crushed cookies: Sprinkle crushed Oreos or Thin Mints for crunch.
Variations
Shamrock Shake Variation Ideas
- Oreo Shamrock Shake: Blend 2-4 Mint Oreos (or Thin Mints!) for a chocolatey crunch.
- Chocolate Mint Shake: Drizzle hot fudge sauce inside the glass and blend in a few chocolate chips.
Storage
For the best texture, enjoy your Shamrock Shake right away. If needed, store it in the freezer briefly, but this may affect its smooth, creamy consistency.
More Festive Treats
- Leprechaun Bait delicious cereal snack mix!
- St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn coated in white chocolate
- Lucky Charms Bars no-bake marshmallow bars
- St. Patrick’s Day treats with free printables
- Mint Brownies with a chocolate topping
Shamrock Shake
Equipment
- Large blender high-powered, see note 1
Ingredients
- 3 cups vanilla bean ice cream packed; this is about half of a 1.4-liter container
- 1 cup milk I like whole milk
- 1/2 up to 1 full teaspoon pure mint extract see note 2
- 1/16 teaspoon salt
- Green food coloring optional, for green coloring
- Whipped topping optional, for topping
Instructions
- In a high-powered blender, combine the ice cream, milk, mint extract, salt, and a few drops of green food coloring. Blend until smooth and creamy. Don’t over-blend, or the shake will become too thin! Add more mint extract if you want a stronger mint flavor.
- Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and enjoy!
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’m Chelsea’s sister and saw this recipe posted and knew I had to make it for my kids and let me tell you this will be a tradition forever in my house! It’s so dang good!
It is delish!!
So thrilled to hear this! Thanks Sally!