quick & delicious
Every year when March rolls around, I start seeing green everything… and yes, that includes the famous Shamrock Shake. It's minty, creamy, and just plain fun to sip on during St. Patrick's Day. But instead of waiting in line at the drive-thru, you can make your own Shamrock Shake at home with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Honestly, it couldn't be easier. You're just a quick blend away from a frosty green shake that tastes every bit as good as the original (maybe even better!).
And if you're in the mood for another fun holiday treat, you might love this lucky charms marshmallow treats recipe that's just as festive and easy.
Jump to:
ingredients you'll need
Here's what goes into this shake:
- Vanilla ice cream - any brand works here, just pick your favorite
- Whole milk - I like the richness of whole milk, but you can swap in whatever milk you normally use
- Peppermint extract - pure peppermint extract gives that signature minty taste
- Green food coloring - optional, but a couple of drops make it festive
- Whipped cream & maraschino cherries - for topping (totally optional, but highly recommended)
equipment
- Blender - any blender works, but I personally use a Ninja and love how smooth it makes the shake
- Glasses & straws - tall milkshake glasses make it extra fun
step-by-step instructions
step 1: blend it up
In your blender, add 2-3 cups of vanilla ice cream, ½ cup of whole milk, ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract, and a couple drops of green food coloring. Blend until smooth and creamy.
step 2: adjust and taste
Check the color and taste. Want it greener? Add another drop of coloring. Want it mintier? Add a tiny bit more extract. Just be careful, peppermint extract is strong!
step 3: serve and enjoy
Pour into a chilled glass, top with whipped cream, and pop a cherry on top. That's it! Your homemade Shamrock Shake is ready to enjoy.

tips for success
- Double or triple it if you're serving a crowd. The recipe as written makes one shake, but you can scale it easily.
- Go for good ice cream - the better the ice cream, the creamier and more delicious your shake will be.
- Richer milk = richer shake - whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but you can swap for 2% or even almond milk.
storage and make-ahead
This shake is best enjoyed right away. If you do need to make it ahead, keep it in the freezer and re-blend before serving. It'll last up to 1 month frozen, but the texture is always best fresh.
variations to try
- Chocolate mint - add a spoonful of chocolate syrup before blending
- Cookies & cream - toss in a couple crushed mint Oreos
- Adult version - a splash of creme de menthe for a boozy twist
- Naturally green - skip the food dye and blend in fresh spinach (promise you won't taste it!)
faqs about shamrock shakes
what exactly is a shamrock shake?
It's a mint-flavored vanilla milkshake, made famous by McDonald's as a seasonal St. Patrick's Day treat.
can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a non-dairy ice cream (like coconut or almond-based) and your favorite plant-based milk. Top with non-dairy whipped cream if you like.
what makes it green?
A few drops of food coloring. Or, for a natural twist, blend in a handful of spinach or matcha powder.
how many calories are in a shamrock shake?
The classic McDonald's medium has about 500 calories. A homemade one will vary depending on your ice cream and milk, but you can lighten it up with low-fat or non-dairy swaps.
recipes you may also like
Print📖 Recipe

Shamrock Shake at Home
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 shake 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Shamrock Shake is minty, creamy, and super fun to sip on for St. Patrick's Day. Made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes, it's the perfect festive treat without the drive-thru wait!
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2-3 drops green food coloring (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
- Maraschino cherries, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream, whole milk, peppermint extract, and green food coloring.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust color or mintiness as needed.
- Pour into a glass, top with whipped cream and a cherry, and serve immediately.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy ice cream and plant-based milk. For a naturally green shake, blend in fresh spinach. This recipe is best fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month and re-blended before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shake
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg






Comments
No Comments