Homemade Shamrock Shake

If you're craving that delicious green mint vanilla shake, you're in luck! This Homemade Shamrock Shake can be made at home faster than you can get through the drive-thru!

Where are all my fellow Shamrock Shake addicts at?! If you're anything like me, you probably find yourself pulling into the parking lot with the yellow arch a lot every February and March and going through withdrawal every spring.

But no longer! Now we can make these delicious mint vanilla milkshakes all year long, whenever the craving strikes!

I was amazed when I discovered how easy it is to make a Copycat McDonald's Shamrock Shake at home!

Homemade Shamrock Shake

There's just a handful of ingredients – vanilla ice cream, half and half, mint extract, food coloring – and in less than the time than it would take you to walk to the car, you can whip up a Shamrock Shake.

Even if you don't count the days until McDonald's releases this seasonal drink, I hope you will be able to appreciate this homemade Shamrock Shake as a simple and delicious St. Patrick's Day drink….or, really, St. Patrick's Day dessert.

Shamrock Shakes are a tasty St. Patrick's Day drink that the kids can enjoy too…perhaps while making one of these St. Patrick's Day crafts!

Shamrock Shake Ingredients

• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Half and Half
• Mint Extract
• Green food coloring
• Whipped cream (optional)

How to Make Copycat Shamrock Shakes

1. Combine ice cream, half and half, mint extract, and food coloring in a blender.
2. Blend on a low speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute. 
3. Optionally top with whipped cream.

That's it! Your Homemade Shamrock Shake copycat recipe literally comes together in 2 minutes and 2 steps!

I highly recommend starting with 3 drops of extract and increasing slowly to your personal taste. Some prefer a more mild mint flavour and a little extract goes a long way!

If you're not a fan of mint and just want a fun St. Patrick's Day (non-alcoholic) drink, just omit the mint extract and you'll have a delicious, green vanilla milkshake!

Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint extract?

You can – but you will get a different flavor. Mint extract will give you the true, beloved Shamrock Shake flavor while peppermint will make this taste a little bit like a candy cane. If you're in a pinch and okay with a slightly different flavor, peppermint is a suitable substitute. I like Nielsen-Massey extracts personally, followed by Watkins.

What type of vanilla ice cream should I use?

Stick with traditional vanilla ice cream, if possible. Vanilla bean and French vanilla ice cream will both change the taste of your homemade Shamrock Shake. I haven't found a particular brand to be better than another, as long as it's traditional vanilla with no other flavor.

What kind of blender should I use?

I recommend purchasing a Vitamix, Blendtec, or Ninja blender when making shakes and smoothies on a regular basis.  Especially if you choose to add frozen fruit or ice into the mix.  A traditional blender will tend to have a bit of trouble getting that smooth texture you want and if you try to make something like a homemade McFlurry….you may accidentally burn up your motor. Ask me how I know…

Other St. Patrick's Day Recipes

• Somewhere Over The Rainbow Cupcakes
• Andes Mint Chocolate Fudge
• 10 Easy Recipes Kids Can Make for St. Patty's Day
• 12 St. Patrick's Day Breakfast Ideas for Kids