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All you need are four ingredients to recreate this McDonald’s copycat Shamrock Shake – it’s faster than going through the drive thru and you don’t have to wait all year long for it’s yearly appearance!!
Find all my St. Patrick’s Day ideas here.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
Need something green for dessert for your St. Paddy’s dinner? Today’s post for a McDonald’s Copycat Shamrock Shake Recipe may be just the ticket! It’s been my secret little addiction lately. I am not a McDonald’s fan, except for their Diet Coke and this shake. Although, since I figured out how to make Shamrock Shakes at home, I don’t need to wait for them to show up at McDonald’s each year. And I think the version I make at home is so much better too! I’m still a fan of McDonald’s Diet Coke though!!
What is a Shamrock Shake?
It is a seasonal mint flavored, green colored shake that has been sold at McDonald’s restaurants for over 50 years! Customers wait all year for Shamrock Shake season too begin around St. Patrick’ Day! The good news is it is super easy to make at home with this copycat recipe so you don’t have to wait.
Ingredients Needed
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Milk. I use 2 percent
- Mint Extract. You can also use mint syrup.
- Green food coloring. I prefer gel food coloring.
Tips from Leigh Anne
I like my milkshakes thick so I use a 2:1 ice cream to milk ratio. Adjust according to your personal preference.
How to Make a Shamrock Shake
- Add all of the ingredients into your blender and blend. You won’t need the food coloring if you use the mint syrup.
- Pour in additional milk to make the shake thinner and more ice cream to make it thicker.
- Add some whipped cream on top and some green sprinkles to add a festive touch.
- Of course you you can add some maraschino cherries on top, even if you don’t eat the cherry, it looks so pretty!
Frequently Asked Questions
This is totally personal preference. I used 1 1/2 tsp of mint extract which was just right for me but feel free to use more or less. You can also use this mint syrup to make Shamrock Shakes. I actually prefer the flavor of the mint syrup to the mint extract but it can be difficult to find but can be ordered on Amazon. Pour in according to taste, usually 2-3 Tablespoons.
They are not the same and have different flavors. If you like peppermint try my Chick Fil A Copycat Peppermint Shake.
So no more drive thru at McDonald’s for a Shamrock Shake! You can make your Shamrock Shake at home and you can do it all year long. It can be St. Patrick’s Day everyday!
This is the MINT SYRUP I use.
Some of my other favorite milkshakes include:
Shamrock Shake
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2-3 Tbsp. mint syrup
- or 1-2 tsp mint extract and a few drops of green food coloring
Instructions
- Place ice cream, milk and syrup or extract and food coloring in blender and blend. Add more milk or ice cream to create your desired consistency.
- You may also adjust the flavoring to your taste.
Tips & Notes:
Nutrition Facts:
Originally posted March 1, 2012
Deb says
We love these shakes, so I’m excited to try making them at home, but I’ve had a hard time finding mint extract. I’ve only found peppermint. Are they interchangeable?
Leigh Anne Wilkes says
Peppermint and Mint are different so you will get a different flavor. You may find it on Amazon?
Meadow Brown Bakery says
This looks so refreshing! I love the colours too.
Jeannie says
Thank you for sharing this. I made it today! The kids love it
Leigh Anne says
So glad everyone liked it. Hope you had a fun St. Patrick’s Day celebration!
Anj says
Amazing! It’s even better than McDonald’s. And, now I know how to make a “mint chocolate chip” shake like from Baskin Robins. Giving up dairy made my life very sad, when I couldn’t have either of those anymore. You have made my life in this moment! 🙂
Leigh Anne says
Enjoy!!
Samantha says
Sounds amazing!! Beautiful photos, too!