Ever since I was younger I always waited for that one short period each year that the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake was reintroduced. Distraught at the fact that this milkshake is short lived in their restaurants, I was hopeful that one day I would be able to enjoy this on my terms and whenever I was feeling like one.
Lucky for you, I’ve been really successful in recreating this shake and I want to share with you the exact ingredients and directions that are needed to replicate this treat. Ice cream for me is bliss, it’s difficult to contend with, hence why I have a soft spot for this milkshake. Every day can be St Patrick’s Day with this delicious treat.
I’ve recreated this copycat milkshake by using vanilla ice-cream, whipped cream and some mint extract. No longer will you have to wait until St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy the delightful mint flavors of this perfect shake! It truly is delicious and you’ll be surprised how well this copycat recipe compares to the real thing.
With mostly readily available ingredients from home, you’ll be able to get this up and ready really quickly. I’m delighted that I’m able to make these for my family and friends but secretly happy with the end result that I get to enjoy for myself. Did I mention how much I enjoy milkshakes!
Lets jump into the exact way you can make this at home for yourself.
How To Make This Copycat Shamrock Shake Recipe
Having an Irish heritage, these homemade shamrock shakes fall close to my heart and I love the festivities that come with St Patricks Day.
With mint chocolate ice cream being my favorite in general, this recipe ticks all of the boxes for me. No need for complex ingredients, get this recipe up and running in less than 10 minutes. Best of all, you make this recipe even on a whim without having to go to the restaurant or drive thru.
With only 315 calories in total and an effortless 10 minutes of your time, you can be indulging in this same drink that is available across the globe to Mcdonalds’ customers. When I say effortless I really mean it.
To serve 6 people, quickly add 6 scoops of vanilla icecream, some whole milk, coloring and mint extract you too can be on your way to having some happy friends and family around you. Keep in mind, 10 minutes is how long it takes if you operate at a slow pace. The final result can be achieved much quicker than that.
Ingredients
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Forms the creamy, rich base of the shake, providing the classic ice cream flavor and smooth texture.
- Whole Milk: Used to thin the ice cream for a shake-like consistency, making it easier to blend and drink.
- Mint Extract: Gives the shake its distinctive minty flavor, reminiscent of the classic Shamrock Shake.
- Fresh Whipped Cream: Adds a luxurious, creamy topping to the shake, enhancing its texture and visual appeal.
- Food Coloring: Provides the signature green color of the Shamrock Shake, making it visually appealing and festive.
- Optional Chocolate Chips: Can be added for extra flavor and texture, giving a slight chocolatey twist to the shake.
- Mint Leaves (for decoration): Used as a garnish, they enhance the presentation and add a fresh mint aroma.
Tips & Tricks
- Perfect Ice Cream Consistency: The key to a great shake is the consistency of the ice cream. I’ve found that slightly softened ice cream blends more smoothly, creating that perfect creamy texture. Let the ice cream sit out for a few minutes before blending.
- Balancing the Mint Flavor: Mint extract can be quite potent. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. In my trials, adding the extract gradually helped me reach the ideal balance without overpowering the shake.
- Achieving the Right Color: Getting that signature green color can be tricky. I recommend adding the food coloring one drop at a time until you get the desired shade. It’s easy to go overboard, so patience is key here.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Don’t skimp on the whipped cream! It adds a luxurious feel to the shake. I always whip my own cream with a bit of sugar to get that fresh, light texture that complements the minty shake perfectly.
- Serving and Presentation: Serve the shake immediately after blending for the best texture. Using a chilled glass enhances the experience. And don’t forget to garnish with a mint leaf for that authentic touch – it makes a world of difference in presentation.
Related Recipes: Mcdonald’s strawberry banana smoothie
Conclusion
Well now you also know how to make a McDonald’s shamrock shake with this smooth ice cream based recipe for yourself. Forget queuing at the drive thru, waiting in line at the restaurant or hoping McDonald’s still have this shake in stock. The power is in your hands, or should I say shamrock 🙂
As shamrocks can help bring about luck, let me know what you thought of this McDonald’s copycat recipe. Is there another recipe you absolutely would love to recreate but just haven’t been able to replicate? Let us know in the comments below and we may be able to recreate it for you.
Can you add an email link so I can email the recipe directly to my friends and family?
Hi Diane,
Unfortunately I don’t have an easy way to do this but will look into it. Thanks for commenting.