McDonald’s Shamrock Shake + Video

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Our McDonald’s Shamrock Shake copycat recipe makes a perfectly creamy mint shake topped with homemade whipped cream and sprinkles for the best ever green dessert for St. Patrick’s Day! 

copycat McDonald's shamrock shake in glass with whipped cream and sprinkles


 

They’re only seasonally available at McDonald’s, but now with this easy recipe you can have one anytime. Simple and so delicious you may never have to buy one again!

We love copycat recipes! Especially frozen drinks like TGI Fridays Kahlua Mudslide and the Cafe Du Monde Frozen Cafe Au Lait (best coffee drink on the planet!)

McDonald’s Shamrock Shake

Every February for the last 20 years, Chad says: “Guess what is out?  Shamrock shakes at McDonald’s!!!”

Wearing the excited smile of a 6-year-old that just got his first bike, we head to the drive-thru and he orders the classic mint shake.

This ritual has occurred ever since I have known him. But over the last couple of years, the McDonald’s shamrock shake has not been as impressive as it used to be.

Who knows why? Maybe the formula has changed, or maybe our taste buds are changing.

Whatever the reason – I decided to make a copycat version, and I honestly think it tastes even better than the classic McDonald’s milkshake!!

RECIPE VIDEO

Watch the video in this post to see us make the best McDonald’s Shamrock Shake!

Shamrock Shake Ingredients

With good quality ingredients, you can make a shake that will put McD’s to shame!!! 

  • Vanilla ice cream – Don’t skimp on the quality! The key making to a good milkshake requires real vanilla ice cream, made with full fat dairy products.

    I use homemade vanilla bean ice cream to give the shamrock shake its creamy consistency.
  • Whole milk – You can substitute 2% milk if that is all you have, but I don’t recommend using fat free.
  • Mint extract – You want to be sure to use mint extract. Peppermint extract is pure peppermint, which has a higher menthol content.

    Mint extract is a combination of peppermint and spearmint, so the flavor is completely different.

This creamy and dreamy McDonald’s shamrock shake is amazingly thick and oh, so delicious!!! 

Recipe Tips

  1. Food color – You can use gel food coloring (my fav) if you have it, or liquid drops will work just fine.
  2. Add the milk slowly as you blend the milkshake. This way, you can create the exact consistency that you like!!
  3. Use high quality ingredients. For a creamy and thick McDonald’s shamrock shake, use the richest ice cream you can buy.

    Remember, the creamier the ice cream, the creamier the shake.
mint milkshake with whipped cream and sprinkles

Supplies for Making a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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    green milkshake in glass with whipped cream and sprinkles

    McDonald’s Shamrock Shake + Video

    Donna Elick
    Our McDonald’s Shamrock Shake copycat recipe makes a creamy mint shake with whipped cream and sprinkles. An easy green dessert in minutes!
    5 stars from 2 reviews
    Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Method Blender
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
     

    • 6 cups vanilla ice cream
    • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure mint extract, or to taste
    • 15 drops green food coloring
    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
    • green sprinkles, for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Put ice cream and milk in a blender with half of the green food coloring and mint extract. Blend well, then add additional flavor and color as desired. (15 drops of food coloring and 1 1/2 teaspoons mint extract was perfect for us.)
    • Pour 1 cup of heavy whipping cream into a tall bowl and use an electric mixer with a whisk attachment to whip until soft peaks begin to form. Add 1 tablespoon powdered sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.
    • Divide the milkshake into 4 glasses, topping each with 1/4 of the whipped cream. Garnish with sprinkles and a straw, serve and enjoy!

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 16ounces | Calories: 679cal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Cholesterol: 165mg | Sodium: 209mg | Sugar: 50g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 405mg | Iron: 1mg

    All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Originally published March 2013, updated and republished February 2020

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    15 Comments

    1. I truly enjoyed receiving this recipe and I'm sure it's great but I changed a few things in it and because of that I renamed it as well. In my house it's called The Shamrock Shake Fully Loaded, here's why…

      4 large scoops of Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
      1 cup Skim Milk
      Green Gel Food Colouring
      2 ounces of Peppermint Schnapps
      2 ounces of Jamesons Whisky

      This needs NO whipped cream until AFTER you finish the drinks. ;o)

    2. Have you ever considered doing Sonic's Campfire Blast from a few years ago? I've been considering doing it myself, but I don't really have a clue where to start.

    3. Have you ever thought about doing Sonic's Campfire Blast from a few years ago? I've had random cravings for this dessert, but have no idea where to start in re-creating it.

    4. I do not have any word to say but these are delicious not delicious super delicious. I will try Banana Shake because i love banana shake.

    5. Yummy!
      I, too, have always loved Shamrock shakes, but have found them somewhat lacking the past year or two. Looking forward to trying this.
      Thanks!

    6. 5 stars
      I crave this shake only when it is not available, THANK YOU for this recipe now I can have it anytime I want and not have to wait in line!

    7. 5 stars
      This shake is absolutely amazing! So easy to make, and it tastes even better than the one from McDonald’s. Donna and Chad’s recipes from The Slow Roasted Italian website never disappoint. 😋

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