How To Make a Homemade Shamrock Shake & Spike It
The classic Shamrock Shake is one of the most popular drinks for St. Patrick’s Day.
Beginning in February, I start getting a hankering for this creamy, minty milkshake. Lucky for me, I know how to make my own homemade Shamrock Shakes—and now you will too!
Did you know the original McDonald’s Shamrock Shake was lemon-lime flavored? Six years later, in 1973, it became a green shake with vanilla ice cream. It wasn’t until 1983 that the iconic St. Patrick’s shake turned mint flavored.
And just so you know: St. Patrick’s Day cookies are the preferred accompaniment to your shake!
Homemade Shamrock Shake Ingredients
Vanilla Ice Cream
I prefer French vanilla because I like the richness. French food fact: the French use egg yolks in their ice cream so it’s more like custard. And if you’ve read any of my articles that include discussions of delicious custards, like Paris Desserts, St. Louis Foods, Ocean City Boardwalk Foods, or Wisconsin Foods, you know I LOVE frozen custard!
Milk
Normally I’m all for cutting calories and fat, but for my Shamrock Shakes, I go all out with whole milk. But feel free to use what you have in the fridge, or whatever you prefer: oat milk, almond milk, low-fat milk, or skim milk all make acceptable replacements.
Green Food Coloring
For my Shamrock Protein Shake I use spinach instead of food coloring. But to make a really vibrant green, food coloring works best. And since I’m not focused on the healthy benefits of choosing spinach when making this Shamrock Shake, green food coloring gets the nod.
Mint Extract
Some extracts leave an alcohol taste behind. My taste buds like McCormick brand. It does, however, pack a pretty potent dose of flavor, so don’t add extra without tasting it first.
Whipped Cream
You can whip heavy cream to make your own whipped cream, but for my St. Patrick’s Day shakes, I buy Reddi Wip. It’s so easy to spray on top, and it makes such a pretty crown.
Maraschino Cherries
Everything is better with a cherry on top! I should have this ingredient marked as optional, but it’s not optional for me!
Fresh Mint (optional)
I usually have a fresh mint plant on my counter, which makes it convenient and inexpensive to add. Personally, I would not purchase it just for this recipe or make an extra trip to the grocery store for it.
Homemade Shamrock Shake Recipe
Serves 2
Ingredients
3 cups vanilla ice cream
¾ cup whole milk
¼ teaspoon green food coloring
½ teaspoon mint extract
½ cup whipped cream
2 maraschino cherries
2 fresh mint sprigs (optional)
Instructions
1. Add ice cream, milk, food coloring, and mint extract to a blender.
2. Blend on high to combine thoroughly.
3. Pour into two glasses.
4. Top with whipped cream, cherry, and fresh mint as desired.
How To Make a Spiked Shamrock Shake
I was in Nashville last St. Patrick’s Day, and we had all kinds of boozy shakes. It gave me the idea to spike my Pistachio Milkshake recipe, and to create a Spiked Shamrock Shake recipe this year. Both are so delicious, I can’t decide which I like better.
Additional Ingredient
This boozy shamrock version is so easy! Just add an ounce of crème de menthe liqueur to the above recipe. It will give a little added mint flavor, a little more green, and just the right kick to turn this shake into the toast of the town!
Cheers! Have a safe and happy St. Paddy’s Day!
