Name: Easy Copycat McDonald's Shamrock Shake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract or 2 fresh mint leaves; 2 drops green food coloring; 1 maraschino cherry; 2 tablespoon whipped cream

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Every year, just about the time Ash Wednesday arrives, my husband says it's time to make this copycat McDonald's shamrock shake recipe. It's one of our favorite treats, that sure, could be purchased, but making homemade is just so much better! The thick homemade shake is easy to throw together, perfect for sharing, and a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Copycat Shamrock Shake

If you've never heard of or had a shamrock shake, you don't know what you are missing! This is an annual promotional dessert shake at McDonald's and many other restaurant chains. It usually begins in mid to late February and lasts at least until St. Patrick's Day but sometimes longer. Since it isn't on the menu all year long, it gets a lot of mention and is definitely popular. Making this at home is fun, easy, and definitely sure to please.

If you want another milkshake, check out this ultimate chocolate milkshake recipe. It's rich, delicious, and super easy to make. The perfect end to any meal!

What Does a Shamrock Shake Taste Like?

The shamrock shake is a vanilla and mint flavor. The base of vanilla soft serve is rich and creamy with just enough mint to complement without overpowering. If you like peppermint or wintergreen, then this will be pleasing to you. It isn't too brightly mint, but just right.

What Can I Use to Make My Shake Green?

I usually add just a drop or two of food coloring to my mixture to create the green shade. Don't add too much as you just want a slightly minty green shade. Pastel green is the ultimate look. Of course, you do not have to add food coloring at all! It tastes great without the mint color.

You can also puree a bit of fresh mint into your shake and see a slight green color. I like fresh mint for flavor, but it is harder to find in the winter months, so you may prefer to have peppermint extract on hand.

How Many Calories Are in a Shamrock Shake?

The number of calories in a shamrock shake will depend upon the brand of ice cream, fat in milk, and the type of toppings you add. A basic generic vanilla ice cream and whole milk calculate in this recipe to just under 500 calories. If watching calories or tracking macros, I highly recommend running your exact ingredients through a nutrition calculator. While most will be near 500 calories per serving, they won't all land at that amount so it is worthwhile to verify.

What's the Best Blender to Use for Making Milkshakes?

Any blender works, but I have a personal preference for the Ninja IQ blenders. I have had 2 over the last 10 years, and they have been used daily for smoothies. The first worked with no issues for 8 years before finally burning out. I replaced it with a second that has been great and still going strong for the last two years. So, if you look for an investment in a blender, check out Ninj for affordable quality.

Shamrock Shake Ingredients

Vanilla ice cream
Milk
Peppermint extract
Green food coloring
Maraschino cherries
Whipped cream

Handy Kitchen Tools

How Can I Make a Shamrock Shake at Home?

Place the ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract into your blender and pulse on high until smooth.

Add more or less milk to your desired milkshake texture.

Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped topping and a cherry.

More Yummy Desserts

Dessert is my favorite part of the day, and that means I have tons of great ideas to share with you. If you enjoy a good dessert, then you will love the recipes listed below. Pick one or all and add to your menu for a special treat that the whole family will enjoy.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 1