When the calendar turns to March, McDonald’s enthusiasts and fans eagerly await the return of a beloved seasonal treat—the shamrock shake. This iconic green shake has become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and has gained popularity over the years.
McDonald’s shamrock shake known by many as the “green shake,” brings a touch of minty freshness to McDonald’s menu for a limited time. Its vibrant green color and creamy texture makes it a symbol of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Moreover, the shamrock shake is known for its distinct mint flavor. It combines a creamy vanilla base with a refreshing hint of mint, creating a unique taste that sets it apart from other milkshakes.
So, if you find yourself in the mood for a taste of St. Patrick’s Day or simply crave the unique blend of mint and creamy goodness, seize the opportunity and prepare it right in your kitchen.
Recreate this colorful shamrock shake right away with the recipe below! Find out the list of equipment, ingredients, nutritional facts, and instructions with the exact steps images.
We’ve also added our recipe video below with the exact steps. For those who want this recipe at a handy place, a printable version of this McDonald’s Shamrock Shake is waiting at the bottom of this post.
What's In The Post
Is This The Exact McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Recipe?
Are you wondering if this is the restaurant-style exact McDonald’s shamrock shake recipe? Yes, we made the exact McDonald’s shamrock shake in no time. We used all the ingredients and followed the correct process to get McDonald’s flavors at home.
In case, if you do not have the ingredients available, you can follow the list of ingredient substitutions I have mentioned just for you. The alternate ingredients will not affect the flavor or texture of the drink.
To achieve the restaurant-style McDonald’s shamrock shake follow the recipe guide and get it done right.
Incredible Facts About McDonald’s Shamrock Shake
- The shamrock shake made its debut on the McDonald’s menu in 1970 and quickly gained popularity. It was originally created to celebrate the green holiday but it became an annual treat.
- The shamrock shake has become a beloved tradition associated with St. Patrick’s Day. It is often released as a limited-time offering during the festive season.
- While the shamrock shake is primarily released around St. Patrick’s Day, its availability can vary by location. Some regions offer it for a limited time, while others may have it throughout the spring season.
- Although the shamrock shake is strongly associated with McDonald’s in the United States, it has gained popularity in other countries as well. It is available in McDonald’s locations worldwide.
- In a grand celebration of St. Patrick’s day in 2010, the shamrock Season reached new heights with a remarkable event. The world’s largest shamrock shake was symbolically “poured” into the iconic Chicago River. It was a way to show support and bring attention to the importance of the shamrock shake.
- In a momentous celebration of the shamrock shake’s 50th anniversary in 2020, McDonald’s made a significant decision. For the first time since 2017, they expanded the availability of shamrock shakes nationwide, allowing more people to enjoy its iconic flavor.
Does McDonald’s Still Have Shamrock Shakes?
No, McDonald’s shamrock shake is currently not available on the menu. It is available during St. Patrick’s Day every year. This year it was introduced a month before on 20th February 2023 and ended its run around St Patrick’s Day on 17th March.
If you wish to check out some more festive menu options, then click to know McDonald’s holiday menu for the festive season here.
What Flavor Is A Shamrock Shake?
The Shamrock Shake is a delicious mint-flavored treat that has a perfect balance of creamy vanilla and refreshing mint. This nostalgic indulgence comes around once a year during the St. Patrick’s Day season.
Sipping on a shamrock shake feels like taking a refreshing stroll through a lush green meadow of minty bliss. It’s like enjoying a cool and creamy dessert with a hint of mint flavor.
Do You Need Liquid Food Color For This Recipe?
Yes, you can use the liquid food color for making this McDonald’s shamrock shake. However, the signature green color of the shamrock shake can be achieved by using mint-flavored syrup or extract.
Typically, McDonald’s uses a mint-flavored syrup to add both the minty taste and the green hue to their shake. You can achieve a similar result by using mint extract or mint-flavored syrup, which can be found at most grocery stores.
Simply add the desired amount to your shake mixture, blend it well, and you’ll have a homemade Shamrock Shake with that classic green color. Liquid food color is not necessary to achieve the iconic green shade of the shake.
What Equipment Will You Need To Make McDonald’s Shamrock Shake?
- Blender – Prepare the shamrock shake by blending all the components in a bender.
- Serving Glass – Serve the homemade shamrock shake in the serving glass.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Ingredients
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – Take two large scoops of vanilla bean ice cream for making a shamrock shake. The bean ice cream will add the real vanilla flavors.
- Half And Half – Adding half and half will bring out the smooth texture.
- Peppermint Extract – A teaspoon of peppermint extract is what gives a buzz to shamrock shake.
- Food Color – Take a teaspoon of green food color.
- Whipping Cream – Beautify the shamrock shake with whipping cream on the top.
- Cherry – Place a cherry on the top. It is optional.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Ingredients Substitutions
- Mint Flavor – To achieve the minty taste of a Shamrock Shake, you can use mint or peppermint extract as a substitute for the mint syrup used in the original recipe. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired flavor.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – Instead of vanilla soft-serve ice cream, you can use vanilla ice cream or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk ice cream or almond milk ice cream. Choose a brand or flavor that you enjoy, and that fits your dietary needs.
- Milk – If you prefer a dairy-free or plant-based option, you can substitute regular milk with almond, oat, soy, or any other non-dairy milk you choose. Opt for the unsweetened variety to control the sweetness of your shake.
- Sweetener – The original Shamrock Shake is already sweetened. Still, you should adjust the sweetness level or use a different sweetener. In that case, you can try alternatives like honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute suitable for your dietary needs.
- Whipped Cream Topping – For the optional whipped cream topping, you can use dairy or non-dairy whipped cream, depending on your preference. Many options are available in stores, or you can make your own whipped cream using dairy or non-dairy alternatives.
- Green Food Coloring – If you want to achieve the iconic green color of the Shamrock Shake, you can add a few drops of green food coloring. Alternatively, you can skip the food coloring altogether and focus on replicating the taste rather than the appearance.
Does McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Have Chocolate In It?
No, McDonald’s shamrock shake doesn’t have chocolate in it. Instead, this seasonal drink is a green mint flavored milkshake filled with the goodness of vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream that tastes nothing like chocolate.
However, if you wish to have mint-chocolate flavor, you can simply top this drink with some choco chips or chocolate shavings.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Preparation Timings
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Minutes | – | 2 Minutes |
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Recipe Instructions With Images
- Take a blender jar and add milk to it.
- Then, add half and half and a few tablespoons of peppermint extract.
- Further, Add green food color and blend the mixture evenly.
- Finally, garnish the shamrock shake with some whipped cream and mint leaves.
- Serve to enjoy.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Recipe Video
If you’d like to check the in-depth recipe video of this McDonald’s Shamrock Shake recipe that we’ve made, the link is below. Do take a look at it.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Toppings
- Whipped Cream – Top the homemade shamrock shake with whipped cream to enjoy the creamy flavors of the refreshing drink.
- Green Sprinkles – Decorate the restaurant-style shamrock shake with some green sprinkles to enjoy the minty freshness at home.
- Mint Leaves – You can also garnish the homemade shamrock shake with fresh mint leaves. It will enhance the texture and overall flavors of the drink.
- Choco Chips – If you love combining chocolate and mint flavor, try garnishing the shamrock shake with choco chips.
- Mint Choco Chip Ice Cream – Embellish the shamrock shake with mint choco chip ice cream on the top. You will relish the mint and chocolate flavor.
Tips To Make McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Better
Follow some essential tips to make shamrock shake better right in your kitchen.
- Blend all the elements in a jar evenly to create perfect texture and flavors.
- Make sure the consistency of the shamrock shake has an excellent minty base. To achieve the signature mint flavors, use mint extract or mint syrup. Add just a few drips to adjust the desired flavor.
- Add the amount of ice wisely to adjust the consistency of the shamrock shake.
- Blend the sweetness as per your taste preferences. You can use sugar, mint, or chocolate syrup to add sweetness.
How Will This McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Look & Taste?
With rich and creamy vanilla flavors, McDonald’s shamrock shake is refreshing and appetizing.
The texture of shamrock shake is smooth and creamy. Moreover, the top of the shake is adorned with a generous swirl of whipped cream that looks like a fluffy cloud.
With each sip, we discovered a delicate balance between the cool mint and creamy base. It’s delightful combination makes you realize that it is not just a beverage but a moment of indulgence.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Nutritional Values
The McDonald’s Shamrock Shake, like many other milkshakes or indulgent treats, is not considered a healthy food. It is a dessert item that is meant to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Check out the nutritional values of this delectable shake in the table below.
| Calories | 740 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 126 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Sugar | 110 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
If you want to know why McDonald’s food is not that healthy, then we’ve written a different blog post on this topic. Do check out that as well.
What To Serve With This McDonald’s Shamrock Shake?
You have a few recipe options when pairing something with McDonald’s shamrock shake. Follow the list of options given below.
- McDonald’s Big Mac – The shamrock shake can be served with warm and fresh McDonald’s big mac. This combination is flavorful and gives you a delightful experience.
- McDonald’s McChicken – The pairing of a McDonald’s McChicken with a shamrock shake offers an exciting contrast of flavors and textures. The crispiness of the chicken, the creaminess of the mayo, and the freshness of the lettuce combine with the cool and minty sweetness of the shake. It’s a unique combination that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your meal.
- McDonald’s McRib Sandwich – If you prefer having a shamrock shake in the morning or as a brunch treat, try serving it with some breakfast sandwiches like McDonald’s McRib sandwich.
- McDonald’s Hamburger – The combination of the McDonald’s hamburger and the shamrock shake creates an interesting balance of flavors. The richness of the hamburger is complemented by the coolness and sweetness of the shake. It’s a contrast that adds a fun twist to the dining experience.
- McDonald’s Chicken Wrap – When shamrock shake is paired with McDonald’s chicken wrap, there is a balance between the savory and sweet, the crunchy and creamy flavors. The minty freshness from the shake adds an interesting twist to the overall dining experience, elevating the flavors of the wrap.
Other McDonald’s Drink Recipes To Try
McDonald’s offer an assortment of drink options on its menu which includes some of the flavorful and refreshing drinks like McDonald’s Strawberry Banana Smoothie, McDonald’s Mocha Frappe, McDonald’s Oreo McFlurry, McDonald’s Sweet Tea, McDonald’s Caramel Frappe.
We have covered all the famous McDonald’s recipes on our website. Click to refer the recipe guide and share your cooking experience with us.
Printable Version
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
- Serving Glass
Ingredients
- ½ cup Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- ½ cup Half And Half
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
- 1 teaspoon Food Color
- 1 tablespoon Whipping Cream
- 2 Cherries
Instructions
- Take a blender jar and add milk to it.
- Then, add half and half and a few tablespoons of peppermint extract.
- Further, Add green food color and blend the mixture evenly.
- Finally, garnish the shamrock shake with some whipped cream and Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is in a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake?
McDonald’s shamrock shake is a blend of vanilla bean ice cream, shamrock syrup, half and half, and whipping cream.
What flavor mint is a Shamrock Shake?
The shamrock shake offered at McDonald’s is a teal-colored mint-flavored milkshake.
What does McDonald’s Shamrock Shake taste like?
It has a fresh vanilla flavor added with a mild sweet one of mint.
Do Shamrock Shakes have chocolate in them?
The chocolate shamrock shake is newly added to the menu. Before this, they had only green mint flavor.
Conclusion
Get ready to make this instant copycat McDonald’s shamrock shake at home. If you are parched this shake is the right choice. Refer to the above article for the details. Share your cooking experience with us in the comment section below!
