Homemade Shamrock Shake Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Vanilla Ice Cream
  • 1 cup of Milk
  • 1/4 cup of Half & Half
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Mint Extract (not peppermint)
  • 10 drops of Green Food Coloring
  • Whipped Cream (for topping)
  • Green Sprinkles (optional, for topping)
  • 2 Maraschino Cherries (optional, for topping)

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the ice cream, milk, half & half, mint extract, and food coloring in a blender.
  2. Blend the mixture on high speed until it becomes smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour the shake into two large glasses.
  4. Top each shake with a generous amount of whipped cream.
  5. Sprinkle the whipped cream with green sprinkles, if using.
  6. Place a maraschino cherry on top of the whipped cream for each shake, if desired.
  7. Serve the shakes immediately with straws and enjoy!

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the mint extract with peppermint extract for a stronger mint flavor.
  • Add a handful of fresh spinach leaves to the blender for an extra boost of nutrition and natural green color.
  • Swap the vanilla ice cream for chocolate ice cream to make a chocolate-mint shake.
  • Use almond milk or soy milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Add a shot of Irish cream liqueur, such as Baileys, for an adult version of the shake.
  • Garnish with chocolate shavings or crushed mint candies instead of whipped cream and sprinkles.
  • Experiment with different food coloring colors (such as blue or yellow) to create alternative flavored shakes.
  • Blend in a ripe banana for a creamier and thicker consistency.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the nostalgic and festive flavor of a Shamrock Shake! This homemade version of the beloved seasonal McDonald's treat is easy to whip up and absolutely delicious. With just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, you can create this creamy minty delight. It combines vanilla ice cream, milk, and a touch of mint extract, all brightened up with a splash of green food coloring. Top it all off with whipped cream, optional green sprinkles, and a cherry to make it extra special. It's a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, or to enjoy any time you're in the mood for a cool, sweet treat!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different flavor of ice cream? Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of ice cream to suit your taste. However, using vanilla ice cream will give you the classic Shamrock Shake flavor.
  2. Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk, skim milk, or almond milk. Keep in mind that different types of milk may slightly alter the taste and texture of the shake.
  3. Can I omit the mint extract? If you prefer a milder or different flavor, you can omit the mint extract. However, keep in mind that the mint extract is what gives the Shamrock Shake its signature minty taste.
  4. Can I make the shake ahead of time? It's best to serve the Shamrock Shake immediately after making it to enjoy its refreshing taste and creamy texture. If you do need to make it ahead of time, store it in the freezer until ready to serve, but be aware that it may become slightly icy.
  5. Can I use natural food coloring instead of green food coloring? Yes, you can use natural food coloring if you prefer. Look for green food coloring made from natural ingredients, such as spinach or matcha powder, to achieve the desired green color.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Blender - A blender is needed to blend the ingredients together and create a smooth shake.
  • Large Glasses - Two large glasses are required to serve the shamrock shakes.
  • Whipped Cream Dispenser/Cream Whipper - This tool can be used to easily dispense whipped cream on top of the shakes.
  • Straws - Straws are necessary for sipping the shakes.

Origin stories

The Shamrock Shake, an iconic St. Patrick’s Day treat, is a creation of McDonald's and was first introduced in the 1970s. But the shake as we know it today, is the result of a few iterations. The original version was not even mint-flavored, but rather a vanilla shake dyed green. The mint flavor was introduced later, and it became a staple on the McDonald's seasonal menu. Interestingly, sales of the Shamrock Shake in 1974 specifically helped fund the first Ronald McDonald House, a charity providing a 'home away from home' for families with children receiving treatment at hospitals. It's more than just a frosty treat, it's a shake with a heart!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.