Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With a Homemade Shamrock Shake

This creamy green shake comes together with just a handful of basic ingredients.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With a Homemade Shamrock Shake
This creamy green shake comes together with just a handful of basic ingredients. Kelli Foster/TCA
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Everyone has their own favorite way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Your yearly tradition might include corned beef and cabbage or perhaps a big pot of Guinness beef stew. For me, there’s nothing better than a cool and creamy Shamrock Shake.
Introduced by McDonald’s around 1970, the Shamrock Shake is a green, mint-flavored milkshake topped with whipped cream. This popular seasonal treat is only available during February and March to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Want to learn how to make it at home? This creamy green shake comes together with just a handful of basic ingredients! Here’s our easy recipe.

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s just like the one from McDonald’s, but way better. And best of all, you can make this minty green milkshake anytime you please.
  • It’s creamy and milky, with just the right balance of vanilla and mint. It’s the classic Shamrock Shake you know and love.

Key Ingredients in a Shamrock Shake

  • Vanilla ice cream: You’ll need 1 pint of vanilla ice cream (about 2 cups). Let it sit out at room temperature for a few minutes until it starts to soften.
  • Milk: Use whole milk for a richer milkshake.
  • Peppermint extract: This gives the shake its signature mint flavor.
  • Green food coloring: You can use liquid or gel green food coloring here.
  • Toppings: Garnish the shakes with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and maraschino cherries.

Variation

Boozy Shamrock Shake: There’s no alcohol in this family-friendly version, but we do have a recipe for a boozy Shamrock Shake if that’s more your speed.

Shamrock Shake

Makes about 2 1/2 cups; serves 2
Kelli Foster, TheKitchn.com
Kelli Foster, TheKitchn.com
Author
Kelli Foster is a senior contributing food editor for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to [email protected].