DIY Shamrock Milkshakes For St. Patrick’s Day
Yes, you can fake a milkshake! Enjoy this classic St. Patrick’s Day indulgence with 3 recipes to try!
Quick Reference: DIY Shamrock Shakes
- When: St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. Or any day; the green is up to you.
- The original: McDonald’s Shamrock Shake™, introduced in 1970. Small size = about 530 calories and 15 g fat.
- What makes it green: mint extract and food coloring, not shamrocks.
- Three recipes below: copycat fast-food classic, healthy spinach-and-mint smoothie, matcha shake.
- Top trick: let vanilla ice cream soften to soft-serve consistency, and chill the glass first.
- Mint extract: not peppermint. The two have different flavors; the Shamrock Shake is classic spearmint.
Creamy, cold, and delicious, the milkshake is a classic American indulgence. Like so many things leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, this iconic ice cream treat goes green each year. Fans know it as the Shamrock Shake™, made famous by McDonald’s. The McDonald’s company history dates the launch to 1970 in select cities.
Bright green and made of the perfect blend of milk and ice cream, the milkshake does not get its green color from shamrocks but from mint and food coloring. It has earned cult status over the years since first appearing more than 40 years ago. Why? For one, up until 2012 it was only available in limited markets, for a limited time, which elevated its demand. Since its introduction in 1970, over 60 million of these high-calorie concoctions have been served. Considering that each small milkshake has a whopping 530 calories and 15 grams of fat, once a year is more than enough.
You can indulge in this popular green milkshake for St. Patrick’s Day with these three DIY recipes, two healthy and one copycat (not so healthy) of the fast-food classic. Try one or all three.
Secrets To A Great Shake
Before you begin, here are three secrets to making a great milkshake, green or not.
1. Let your ice cream (vanilla is best) soften until it is the consistency of soft-serve.
2. Chill your favorite milkshake glass in the freezer until ready to use.
3. Some like them thin, some like them thick. Either way, the smoothest milkshakes use just a splash of milk; adjust to your liking.
Shamrock Milkshake Recipe
This is a classic copycat recipe from a popular fast-food restaurant.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk (adjust amount to your liking)
- 8 drops green food coloring
- 1 teaspoon mint extract (not peppermint)
- Whipped cream (because, why not?)
- 2 maraschino cherries
Instructions:
- Combine ice cream, milk, food coloring, and mint extract in a blender on high until smooth.
- Pour into chilled glass and top with whipped cream and cherry. Serves 2.
Simple (Healthy) Shamrock Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as coconut milk)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- Optional: honey or maple syrup to sweeten
- Vegan whipped coconut cream
- Optional healthy toppings: cacao nibs, mint leaves
Instructions:
- Place everything except whipped coconut cream and toppings in a blender and blend on high until smooth.
- Pour into chilled glasses and top with whipped coconut cream, then sprinkle with toppings of your choice. Serves 2.
- Another way to make a healthy green shake is to use green tea matcha powder.
You’ve Met Your Matcha Shamrock Milkshake Recipe
This healthier version of the classic is a yummy way to get your green in for St. Patrick’s Day (or any day).
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup milk (nut milk, dairy milk, or goat’s milk)
- Handful of ice
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
- Serve in an ice-cold glass. Serves 1.
- Shakes should be served with both a spoon and a (reusable or paper) straw.
Three Shamrock Shakes Compared
| Recipe | Calories (approx.) | Color from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copycat fast-food shake | about 480 to 530 / serving | Food coloring | Once-a-year holiday treat |
| Spinach-mint smoothie | about 180 / serving | Real spinach | Kids; a daily green |
| Matcha shake | about 130 / serving | Matcha tea powder | Caffeine boost without coffee |
St. Patrick’s parade weather
Hot shake or cold shake, will the parade route be wet?
The Farmers’ Almanac extended forecast helps you plan the March 17 cookout, parade route, or living-room smoothie session.
Shamrock Shake FAQ
What flavor is a Shamrock Shake?
Spearmint (sweet, garden mint), not peppermint. The vanilla ice cream base softens the mint. Be sure to use mint extract, not peppermint extract; the difference is real.
When did McDonald’s invent the Shamrock Shake?
1970. It started in Cincinnati, Ohio, and went nationwide in 2012 after decades of limited regional releases. Over 60 million sold since the launch.
How can I make a Shamrock Shake without food coloring?
Use a cup of fresh spinach in the blender. It disappears into the flavor of the mint and turns the shake naturally pale green. Matcha works too, with a slight tea note.
Is the Shamrock Shake vegetarian?
Yes, but not vegan. The McDonald’s version contains dairy and may use animal-derived rennet in the ice cream. The healthy spinach-mint version on this page works as vegan with non-dairy milk and coconut whip.
How many calories are in a Shamrock Shake?
A small McDonald’s Shamrock Shake runs about 530 calories with 15 grams of fat. A medium tops 660; a large climbs near 800. The DIY versions on this page run 130 to 480.
Can kids drink the spinach version?
Yes, and they will not taste the spinach if the mint is strong enough. It is the easiest way to get one cup of leafy greens into a small child.
How do I keep the milkshake from melting in the glass?
Chill the glass in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving. Pre-chilling the blender pitcher helps too. Serve immediately.
For more St. Patrick’s Day reading, see our companion guides: Irish soda bread, the legends and lore of Valentine’s Day, and 13 ways to improve your luck.
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Christina Carr
Christina Carr is a freelance writer and television producer who has worked for NASA, PBS and John Edward, the psychic medium. She is a proponent of sustainable and healthy living, and lives in NYC with her 4-year-old daughter and musician husband.
Can’t wait to try this shamrock shake.