Thick and creamy Shamrock Shake is minty and festive for St. Patrick’s Day! Blend vanilla ice cream, milk, and mint extract. Top with whipped cream and a cherry!
Make It Yourself!
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 just be 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!
Shamrock Shake Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream: Vanilla bean ice cream is my fave but any vanilla will work.
- Whole milk: Whole milk makes it richer and creamier, but any kind of milk works.
- Pure mint extract: Start with a small amount and add more if needed, since different brands have stronger flavors.
- Green food coloring: Optional but adds a festive green color to the shake.
- Salt: A tiny pinch make a huge difference in the flavor.
How To Make A Shamrock Shake Tips
- Don’t over-blend: Blend just enough to make it smooth and creamy.
- Soften ice cream: Let it sit out for a few mins so it’s easier to scoop. Don’t let it melt too much, or the shake won’t be thick.
- Chill glasses: Put glasses in freezer for a few minutes to keep the shake cold.
- Use a strong blender: A good blender makes the shake smooth. If yours isn’t strong, blend longer or add a little more milk.
Shamrock Shake Topping Ideas
Toppings are a great way to take your Shamrock Shake to the next level and add some extra flavor and texture. Here are some toppings to try:
- Whipped cream: A dollop adds a light, fluffy texture, and a creamy flavor.
- Chocolate sauce: Top with chocolate shavings, hot fudge, or cocoa.
- Green sprinkles: Festive and easy to find at most stores.
- Crushed cookies: Sprinkle crushed Oreos or Thin Mints on top for crunch and flavor.
Variations
Some ideas to switch up the classic Shamrock Shake recipe:
- Oreo Shamrock Shake: Add 2-4 Mint Oreo cookies (or Thin Mint cookies!) to the blender along with the other ingredients for a tasty twist! The cookies add a delicious chocolatey crunch to the minty shake.
- Chocolate mint shake: Drizzle hot fudge sauce along the inside of the serving glass(es). Blend in a few chocolate chips with the other ingredients for added texture then pour into your chocolatey glass.
- Healthy Shamrock Shake: Try our Green Smoothie Recipe instead! Add a handful of fresh mint leaves for a minty flavor.
- Experiment with toppings: While the traditional whipped cream and cherry topping are delicious, you can also try other toppings such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, or crushed mint cookies for added texture and flavor.
Storage
To get the most out of your Shamrock Shake, enjoy it immediately after making it. This will provide the smooth and creamy consistency that makes it so delicious. If you’re not planning on serving the shake right away, you can store it in the freezer for a short time. Just keep in mind that this affects the texture of the shake, so it’s best to consume it as soon as possible.
More Festive Treats
- Leprechaun Bait delicious cereal snack mix!
- St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn coated in white chocolate
- Lucky Charms Bars gooey no-bake marshmallow bars
- St. Patrick’s Day treats with free printables
- Mint Brownies with a chocolate topping
Shamrock Shake
Equipment
- High-powered blender
Ingredients
- 3 cups vanilla bean ice cream packed. This is about ½ of a 1.4-liter container.
- 1 cup milk (we like whole milk)
- ½ up to 1 full teaspoon pure mint extract (Note1)
- Tiny pinch of salt
- Green food coloring, optional (for green coloring)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, green sanding sugar, maraschino cherry
Instructions
- COMBINE: In a large blender, combine the vanilla bean ice cream, milk, pure mint extract, a tiny pinch of salt, and a few drops of green food coloring. Blend the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Don't over-blend or it will become too watery! Taste and adjust, adding more mint extract if desired. Divide the shake into glasses. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of sanding sugar, and cherry if desired.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
