Based on the popular McDonald’s shake, this homemade Shamrock Shake recipe will satisfy cravings year-round with only 4 ingredients, and it’s ready in 5 minutes!
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I imagine everyone who has bought a Shamrock Shake remembers the first one they ever had… And they also remember the first time they went to McDonald’s too late in the spring to find out they had been pulled from the menu.
With this Copycat Shamrock Shake, you can enjoy the sweet, minty chill of each sip from the comfort of your home whenever you like!
What ingredients do I need to make a Shamrock Shake?
Milk – Whole, skim, or 2% will work for this recipe, so feel free to use whichever you have.
Green Food Coloring – I used liquid food coloring from a small box I bought from Target.
Mint Extract – Start with a teaspoon, then add more to taste. It can be quite strong, so make sure you don’t add too much or the shake will taste like toothpaste.
Vanilla Ice Cream – I used Tillamook Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream.
What kitchen equipment do I need to make this recipe?
You’ll only need a blender and two 12-ounce glasses or cups. If you want to make your own whipped cream to put on top, you’ll need a large piping bag with a star tip.
How do I make Shamrock Shakes at home?
Pour the milk, mint extract, and green food coloring into a blender first. Then add the vanilla ice cream, and put the lid onto the blender tightly.
Hold onto the top of the blender and liquify the ingredients for 2-3 minutes or until everything is well blended. There shouldn’t be any chunks of ice cream.
Pour the shake into 2 chilled, 12-ounce glasses, top with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry, if desired, and serve immediately.
Are there any ingredient subsitutions I can make?
Use the milk of your choice! It can be whole milk, skim, 2%, or try a dairy-free option like almond, soy, or oat milk. Using a dairy-free option may alter the flavor.
You can also switch out the ice cream for a low-fat or vegan option. Doing so may make the consistency of the shake less creamy and more icy.
Do not use peppermint extract. It is much more potent than mint extract, so it may make the shakes taste way too minty.
Can I store or make these shakes ahead of time?
I don’t recommend making these Shamrock Shakes ahead of time. They taste the best when they are made and served fresh.
At most, I would say you could store these in the fridge for up to 1 hour before it gets too melty.
Do you have any tips for making a Shamrock Shake?
Yes! Pour the liquid ingredients into the blender first before the ice cream. That way, the milk can create a vortex while it’s blending that will pull the ice cream down into the blades for easier liquification.
And you’ll want to make sure all the ice cream gets blended up so you don’t have any tough chunks of ice cream that you can’t get through a straw.
Chilling the glasses ahead of time in the freezer for about 1 hour will help keep the shake nice and cold when you serve it.
Do I need a special blender to make a milk shake at home?
Any blender should do the trick! I prefer a glass blender over a plastic one because they seem to last longer. I use a 6-speed Oster blender.
What can I do if my Shamrock Shake is too thick or too thin?
The thickness of the shake is dependent on the ratio of ice cream to milk. This recipe uses a 3:1 ratio; 3 cups ice cream to 1 cup milk. If you want to have a thicker milkshake, use less milk, and if you want a thinner shake, use more milk.
Shamrock Shake
Equipment
- Blender
- 2 12-ounce glasses or cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon mint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Pour the milk, mint extract, and green food coloring into a blender first. Then add the vanilla ice cream, and put the lid onto the blender tightly.
- Hold onto the top of the blender and liquify the ingredients for 2-3 minutes or until everything is well blended. There shouldn’t be any chunks of ice cream.
- Pour the shake into 2 chilled, 12-ounce glasses, top with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use the milk of your choice! It can be whole milk, skim, 2%, or try a dairy-free option like almond, soy, or oat milk. Using a dairy-free option may alter the flavor.
- You can also switch out the ice cream for a low-fat or vegan option. Doing so may make the consistency of the shake less creamy and more icy.
- Do not use peppermint extract. It is much more potent than mint extract, so it may make the shakes taste way too minty.
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