Shamrock Shake Recipe: How to Make the Classic Mint Milkshake

This copycat McDonald’s Shamrock Shake is minty, bright green, and finished with whipped cream—an ideal treat for St. Patrick’s Day.

This Copycat McDonald's Shamrock Shake is minty, green, and topped with whipped cream! Perfect for St. Patrick's Day!

When a cold, creamy shake is on my mind, this easy homemade Shamrock Shake never disappoints. With smooth vanilla bean ice cream, a hint of peppermint, and just enough milk to blend, it recreates that classic minty flavor at home. A few drops of green food coloring make it festive, and a generous swirl of sweetened whipped cream plus a sprinkle of green sugar crystals finishes it perfectly.

This Copycat McDonald's Shamrock Shake is minty, green, and topped with whipped cream! Perfect for St. Patrick's Day!

The recipe is straightforward and kid-friendly, so you can whip one up quickly for holiday parties or as a special treat. Use good-quality vanilla bean ice cream for the best flavor, adjust the peppermint extract to your taste, and if you like, rim the glass with green sugar for extra fun. Below you’ll find the full ingredient list and simple instructions.

This Copycat McDonald's Shamrock Shake is minty, green, and topped with whipped cream! Perfect for St. Patrick's Day!
5 from 2 ratings

Shamrock Shake

Created by Amber Brady
This copycat McDonald’s Shamrock Shake is minty, green, and topped with whipped cream—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
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1 serving

Ingredients

Shake (for 1 large serving):

  • 2 cups (264 g) good quality vanilla bean ice cream
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
  • ½ tsp peppermint extract
  • 6 drops green food coloring

Whipped Cream (enough for 4 shakes):

  • 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
  • 3 Tbsp powdered sugar

Optional:

  • green sugar crystals

Instructions

  • Combine the ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring in a blender. Blend until smooth.
  • Pour the shake into a tall glass.
  • Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spoon the sweetened whipped cream onto the shake and garnish with green sugar crystals, if desired.

Notes

*To rim the glass with sugar crystals, pour a little water on a small plate and place crystals on another plate. Dip the rim in the water, shake off excess, then press into the sugar crystals. Do this before filling the glass.
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.


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Recipe altered from The Slow Roasted Italian
This Copycat McDonald's Shamrock Shake is minty, green, and topped with whipped cream! Perfect for St. Patrick's Day!