Shamrock Shake

Shamrock Shakes are back on the menu at McDonald’s next Wednesday, guys! Is this a look-up-able moment for anyone else?? My kids are OBSESSED. (Because I taught them to be obsessed about important matters such as this. Parenting priorities, people. Take notes)

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I have a soft spot for anything minty (as evidenced by these Mint Chocolate Brownies, the ever popular Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies, and these Thin Mint Marshmallow Brownies.) So when Shamrock Shakes went nationwide in 2012 (they used to be regional), I was all over that. Here is my “journal entry” from back in 2012, when I first tried a Shamrock shake, and when I first published this recipe:

I’m not really big into fast food. Not that I don’t like it; I’m not one of those condescending foodies who will make you feel like a cow because you not-so-secretly love curly fries to the extent that you can eat your weight in them (I hear you)

I am just way too cheap to be a fast-fooder. I always rationalize that I can make something quick at home, which is true, and explains why I eat a lot of cereal. It is also why I look forward to road trips. Hello, you can’t take cereal on a 12 hour drive.

(Although it does not follow that you can’t ever eat cereal in the car. I did every morning on the way to work for a long time. It does make turning a little tricky, though. I’m joking, Eric was always the one driving. My mom told me once that she used to put on mascara while driving. Im-press-ive. Also really scary.)

I went through a phase as an early teen where I decided I didn’t like McDonald’s. I have no idea why. I must have had a friend who was too-cool for it, so I thought I should be a rebel like them. But sometime in college I decided to try it out again. I had never had a Big Mac, so I bought one and split it with a friend. We had already left the restaurant, otherwise I would have gotten right back in line for another one.

I’m not alone. I have a friend whose dad loves McDonald’s ice cream cones. One isn’t enough for him, but if he gets two, then the second one melts before he can eat it. So he gets one cone, then immediately gets back in line while eating it, to order the second cone. Awesome.

Should I start doing this with Shamrock Shakes? Order one, then pull back into the drive-thru while I eat it, to order the second one? My kids would vote me Mom of the Year.

What is a Shamrock Shake?

If you’ve never had a Shamrock Shake, you are definitely missing out, especially if you’re a mint fiend like me. The McDonald’s recipe is simple: vanilla soft serve (which is milk + “filler” 😳) blended with mint syrup, then topped with whipped cream. Soooo good! These shakes are the only excuse I need to hit the drive-through. (Other good reasons include Jr. Cheeseburgers, Big Macs that have not been split in half, Mango-Pineapple Smoothies…I need to go on a road trip soon.)

But now you can make them at home! We will definitely put McDonald’s out of business with this recipe, guys. It’s so good, and it couldn’t be easier.

Here’s why it’s the best:

• we’re using real ice cream instead of soft serve, for a more luxurious shake. LUXURIOUS, I SAY
• we’re using peppermint extract instead of mint extract. It has a softer, less toothpaste-y flavor, and is closer to the syrup McDonald’s uses.
• if you keep these ingredients stocked at home (like I often do) then you can make them ANYTIME. YOU. WANT!!
• I’m just throwing this out there: for a decadent treat, add a few Oreos to your shake. Mint oreo blisssss

This is a good recipe if you want to be festive for St. Patrick’s Day, but forgot to plan ahead for any Irish-themed food like Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Sauce and Roasted Red Potatoes, Irish Soda Bread, or Shepherd’s Pie. You probably have the ingredients for this shake already in your house. (What, vanilla ice cream is not a standard item in your freezer? You will probably live longer than me.)

Copycat Shamrock Shake recipe ingredients

This recipe is simple and to the point, you guys. I’ve updated it slightly since the 2012 posting, mostly just to call for less milk. Nobody wants a milky milkshake. (I’m looking at you, Australia. Some of the poorest excuses for a milkshake I’ve ever had were in the land of marsupials. Step it up, ‘Stralia.)

Here’s a quick list for you to glance at what you’ll need. Take a look at the recipe card to get the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts!

How to store Shamrock Shakes

Sorry my friends, shamrock shakes are pretty much a one and done and should be entirely consumed in one sitting! Invite me over! 😂

While technically, it is possible to refreeze leftovers, I don’t recommend it. The mixture is likely to develop ice crystals, which will make the shake become grainy. It loses all the air from churning and turns much denser, while also losing flavor and becoming generally much less delicious than fresh. No way Jose, not for me. If you’re not sure you can finish a whole shake, start by making half a recipe first and see if that’s enough. You can always make more!

Shamrock Shake frequently asked questions

More St. Patrick’s Day recipes to try

Are you a big St. Paddy’s Day celebrator? In my family growing up, celebration consisted of dyeing as much food green as possible (which sometimes led to very disgusting-looking interesting outcomes!) Nowadays, I love to make more traditional foods that go along with the Irish-American version of this holiday. Check them out!

• Best Corned Beef Recipe (Crockpot or Oven) >> this recipe is THE BEST, I’m telling you. If you love corned beef or if you’ve never tried it, this recipe really needs to be on your list to make!! This recipe breaks my site every March 🤣 Ya’ll love yer corned beef
• Best Irish Soda Bread >> tender, flavorful, and would make a great side for your corned beef
• Real Green Eggs and Ham (Dye-Free) >> ok, this one may be more my mom’s style (or Dr. Seuss) than traditional, but it’s a fun and healthy breakfast!
• Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Cheese Topping >> does it get any better than gravy soaked beefy goodness topped with pounds and pounds of mashed potatoes AND crispy cheese?? We made a giant vat of this over Christmas for the 30 people in my family, it was so much fun. I drained the fat from the ground beef…and then we poured it all over the (leftover-from-Christmas, slightly dried out) mashed potatoes before topping with cheese. it was legit
• Parmesan Broccoli Pasta- Green St. Patrick’s Day Pasta from Midget Mama

On the sweet side:

• Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe >> more minty-green goodness, this time chocolate-chip cookie style
• Thick & SOFT Sugar Cookie Recipe (That Holds Its Shape) >> get you a shamrock cookie cutter and make delicious sugar cookies to celebrate
• Fudgy Mint Chocolate Brownies >> one of my all time favorite desserts. Can you tell I’m a sucker for mint chocolate combos?!
• St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn from Two Sisters

Here is the original photo from when I posted this recipe back in 2012, during my first year of blogging! I added Oreos, because I’m no fool:

Do you like the random St. Patrick’s Day wall hanging I added to the background for a little food styling pizzazz?? 😂 ahh, 25 year old Karen, haha.

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