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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
Carol Earhart says
I just pinned this, thanks for the yummy recipe!
Jamie says
Sounds yummy!! Try it with Creme de Menthe too, adds an extra kick!
Megan says
I just had my very first McD’s shamrock shake at the airport 3 weeks ago. I had no idea it was an annual offering. =)
I have to tell you that I pinned this yesterday, & I don’t even know how many repins I’ve already had. So even though the comments section is quiet, there’s lots of interest! Thanks for sharing the “secret” recipe! =)
Leigh Anne says
Welcome to the world of Shamrock Shakes! Thanks so much for pinning the post – Pinterest brings a lot of traffic to my site so I really appreciate it.
Kelsey says
Yessss!! I’ve been wanting to know the secret to this deliciousness since I had my first taste of one. 🙂 Thank you.
Jessica J says
Funny that you are covering Shamrock Shakes since I was at McDonalds a couple of days ago and saw this on their menu. I had to ask them what flavor it was since I wasn’t sure flavor “Shamrock” was. Your’s look delicious by the way!