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This McDonald’s Shamrock Shake recipe only needs 4 ingredients! Make it in 5 minutes and enjoy the iconic seasonal green drink straight from your kitchen!
The Shamrock Shake McDonalds drink only appears once a year, which is a shame because that creamy, minty sip is so good you’ll want it way past St. Patrick’s Day.
The good news?
This copycat Shamrock Shake recipe is close to the original, and it’s ready in 5 minutes with just 4 ingredients.
What’s stopping you from learning how to make a Shamrock Shake at home TODAY? This is what lucky tastes like!
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Love this McDonald Shamrock Shake? We’ve got more McDonalds copycat recipes that will keep the cravings covered any time of the year.
Check our Grimace milkshake and McDonald’s yogurt parfait next!
Why You’ll Love This McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Recipe
- This McDonald’s Shamrock Shake recipe only needs 4 ingredients! You can enjoy the seasonal treat anytime without spending extra or waiting for St. Patrick’s Day.
- This copycat Shamrock Shake recipe is as easy as blending everything together. You control the ingredients, so every sip tastes exactly how you like it without worrying about extra additives.
- This DIY Shamrock Shake is the best blend of mint and vanilla. It’s rich, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, without leaning too sweet or tasting like toothpaste!
Ingredients
Vanilla ice cream – The key to a great McDonalds Shamrock Shake recipe is using good-quality ice cream. I recommend full-fat vanilla for a really creamy base, or French vanilla if you want a richer Shamrock Shake recipe McDonald’s copycat.
Half-and-half – This is what gives the blend that thick consistency you expect from a McDonalds Shamrock Shake.
Green food coloring gel – Either liquid or green gel food coloring works for that signature Shamrock green. Just keep in mind that liquid food coloring is less concentrated, so you’ll need a bit more to get the same vibrant color.
Mint extract – This is where the classic McDonald’s mint milkshake flavor comes from. A little goes a long way for this homemade McDonald’s vanilla shake recipe!
If you have mint syrup, that works too!
Sprigs of mint – A simple garnish that makes your McDonald’s mint milkshake look more finished.
I think a whipped topping will also look and taste fantastic in this copycat of the Golden Arches’ green drink.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Copycat Shamrock Shake Recipe
Whole milk
No half and half? No problem!
Make this McDonald’s Shamrock Shake recipe with whole milk.
Bailey’s
Turn this into a boozy McDonald’s shake recipe by making your mint-flavored milkshake with Bailey’s Irish cream.
Any chocolate or vanilla-flavored liqueur will also work for this homemade take on the fast-food restaurant seasonal mint-flavored shake.
Oreo cookies
How to make McDonald’s Shamrock Shake more fun and yummy?
Inspired by the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, you can blend this drink with Oreo cookie crumbs.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Use the Best Ice Cream
Don’t skimp on the quality of your ice cream for this homemade Shamrock Shake! I promise it makes all the difference.
Make Sure It’s Mint
This McDonalds mint drink uses mint extract for that classic flavor. Peppermint extract is sharper and can easily overpower the milkshake’s rich vanilla flavor!
Serving Suggestion
Serve your minty Shamrock Shake with whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, and a Maraschino cherry to make it feel (and look) like it’s straight from a dessert shop!
Shamrock Milkshake McDonalds Recipe FAQs
How long is the Shamrock Shake at McDonald’s?
The Shamrock Shake is typically available from late February through St. Patrick’s Day, or while supplies last.
What’s the secret ingredient in a Shamrock Shake?
You want to use mint extract when recreating the green McDonalds drink at home. Peppermint extract is not the same as mint extract!
What’s the secret to a thick copycat McDonald’s Shamrock Shake?
Curious about how to make the Shamrock shake from McDonald’s at home with the perfect thick consistency? Make sure to you’re using enough ice cream and not over-blending!
Can I make this copycat Shamrock Shake recipe in batches?
Yes, this homemade Shamrock Shake drink is perfect for batch blending if you want to serve a crowd. Just double or quadruple the ingredients. Note that this milkshake is best enjoyed fresh, as its consistency won’t be the same after storage.
How to make a Shamrock shake that’s dairy-free?
For a light and healthy Shamrock Shake, use a plant-based ice cream alternative and coconut cream instead of dairy ice cream and half-and-half.
More Delicious Drinks
- Salted Caramel Milkshake
- Blueberry Crumb Pie Milkshake
- Barbie Milkshake
- Bourbon Street Milkshake
- Apple Pie Milkshake
I found this recipe for Vanilla Milkshake that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1/4 cup half and half
- 1 to 2 drops green food coloring gel
- 4 drops mint extract
- 1 sprig mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add the vanilla ice cream and half-and-half to a blender.
- Add the food coloring and mint extract.
- Blend for about 30 seconds, or until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the Shamrock milkshake into a glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t skimp on the quality of your ice cream for this homemade Shamrock Shake! I promise it makes all the difference.
- This McDonalds mint drink uses mint extract for that classic flavor. Peppermint extract is sharper and can easily overpower the milkshake’s rich vanilla flavor!
- Serve your minty Shamrock Shake with whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, and a Maraschino cherry to make it feel (and look) like it’s straight from a dessert shop!
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
I just love this recipe! I’ll be making them all through summer to cool off! Btw, I’m addicted to your recipes! Thank you for sharing them with the world.