The shamrock shake is one of Mcdonald’s most popular seasonal items. You can only get this minty sweet treat for about a month leading up to Saint Patrick’s Day. Any other time of the year, you’d normally be out of luck. But you know this recipe, so you can have it any time you want to.

What is a Shamrock Shake?

The Shamrock shake is a McDonald’s menu item that is only available on the weeks leading up to Saint Patrick’s Day. Due to its limited time availability, it’s a pretty popular item. The shamrock shake is very simply put: A vanilla milkshake that’s flavored with mint and dyed green. In that sense, this copycat recipe is the EXACT same as McDonalds. But somehow this one tastes even better.

Ingredients

This shamrock shake copycat recipe is made with only 5 simple ingredients!

Vanilla Ice Cream– This is the main body of the milkshake, so use a decent brand. Avoid cheap stuff like Breyers or Edy’s, because those brands are pumped full of air, which will leave you with a subpar milkshake.

Heavy Cream– It is possible to use milk, it is called a milkshake after all. But if you want the ultra-rich and smooth texture that the professionals get you gotta use cream.

Mint Extract– The signature flavor of the shake. I am partial to Mccormick Pure Mint Extract. In my opinion it has the closest flavor to the Mcdonald’s version. I use a ¼ tsp for a more subtle mint flavor that I think tastes better. But if you want a punchy in-your-face mint flavor that’s more similar to the Mcdonald’s shake, then double that amount.

Green Food Coloring– This only serves to dye the shake green. You may completely omit this and it will still taste the same. Up to you.

Whipped Cream– I don’t see the point in whipping up homemade cream for this recipe, since the shake is the star of the show. Canned sprayable whipped cream is perfectly suitable for the job. Plus it’s just so fun to use.

Where’s the Cherry On Top?

They don’t do that anymore! At least my local Mcdonald’s doesn’t. I was sad to see my shamrock shake this year with no green sprinkles or the cherry on top. But that’s the beauty of making it at home! You can add those things if you wish.