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
equipment
step-by-step instructions
tips for success
storage and make-ahead
variations to try
faqs about shamrock shakes
recipes you may also like
📖 Recipe
💬 Reviews

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.

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📖 Recipe