Cool and minty, this EASY Shamrock Shake recipe is inspired by the OG milkshake from McDonald’s. Made with fresh cream, vanilla ice cream, mint and a minty hue, this homemade milkshake is a hit with the kids for St. Patrick’s Day.

Three shamrock shake milkshakes in glasses with paper straws on a white board with a blue background.


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Shamrock Shake

Every single year, like clockwork, the festive Shamrock Shake pops up on the menu at McDonald’s. That’s the true sign that St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. And though it may not look so appetizing with it’s day glow green shade, it’s minty flavor has a cult following.

What is a Shamrock Shake?

If you never had a Shamrock Shake before, it tastes just like a mint milkshake. Creamy, smooth and sweet, it’s a blended sweet treat that’s perfect for the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

We like to make our’s a little extra special by rimming the milkshake glass with buttercream frosting and rolling it in rainbow sprinkles. It adds such a fun colorful garnish, then we top it with a pile of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.

They’re ready in minutes and kids love them, too.

You can totally make this a Boozy Shamrock Shake by adding a splash of whisky or Irish Cream to your milkshake while blending.

Shamrock shake being poured into a milkshake glass

How To Make a Shamrock Shake

It’s so easy to make a milkshake at home. All you need is a standard blender, vanilla ice cream, heavy cream or milk, mint extract and green food coloring. 

To make your Shamrock Shake, Place all the ingredients in the blender then blend until thick, creamy and smooth. I use this blender because it’s a workhorse for so many things!

How to Make a Thick Milkshake

You can make the milkshake as thick or thin as you want by adjusting the amount of liquid you add to the blender. Heavy cream makes the milkshake creamier and smoother while milk will make your milkshake less thick. Sometimes I like to use half and half, which is just half cream and half milk. It’s a good compromise with great creamy results.

close up of shamrock shake in a glass with sprinkles on the rim

I used a food coloring gel, as opposed to the liquid food coloring, to color my Shamrock Shake because I feel like it gives the milkshake a vibrant green color.

If you want to add a bit of chocolate to your mint milkshake, you can top with chocolate syrup or toss in a few mini chocolate chips for a tasty addition. It tastes just like mint chocolate chip ice cream but in milkshake form!

Overhead shot of shamrock shake in a glass with sprinkles on the rim.

More easy drink ideas!

Looking for more festive and fun drinks? We’re loving this Nutty Irishman Coffee for St. Patrick’s Day, too. Not here for the Irish? This easy Strawberry Banana Smoothie is quick and easy, as is this Spinach Kiwi Pineapple Smoothie (also green for the holiday!)

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Shamrock shake in a milkshake glass with whipped cream and a cherry.

Get the Recipe: Easy Shamrock Shake Recipe

Ready in minutes, this easy Shamrock Shake recipe is the perfect treat to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!
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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream, whole milk or half and half
  • green food coloring
  • 1/4 tsp mint extract
  • buttercream frosting, optional for garnish
  • rainbow sprinkles
  • whipped cream
  • 2 maraschino cherries

Equipment

  • blender or food processor

Instructions 

  • Place the ice cream, heavy cream, food coloring and mint extract in a blender.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Rim two milkshake glasses with buttercream and sprinkles (if desired.) Divide the milkshake between two glasses. Top with whipped cream and cherries.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Best if served immediately after making.
Calories: 659kcal, Carbohydrates: 44g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 51g, Saturated Fat: 32g, Cholesterol: 195mg, Sodium: 166mg, Potassium: 395mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 37g, Vitamin A: 2007IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 269mg, Iron: 1mg