McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe

If you like the McDonald’s Shamrock shake, you’re in luck! This copycat recipe combines ice cream, heavy cream, and mint extract to bring you a classic treat you can enjoy year-round!

Mint fanatics across the nation eagerly wait for the annual return of the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake. Known for its thick, creamy texture and vibrant green color, this minty shake is the perfect treat to satisfy any cravings.

With a dessert that’s this delicious, why wait until it comes back to menus?!? Using this simple recipe, you can make your very own McDonald’s copycat shamrock shake!

History of the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake

Here’s a fun fact you’ll enjoy for the next time you go to grab one of these specialty shakes: McDonald’s Shamrock shakes were originally created in 1967 by a McDonald’s owner named Hal Rosen.

Three years later, McDonald’s decided to debut this item in a few locations across the United States. It was such a success, that they now bring it back every year as a seasonal menu item. Now, it is a treat that mint-lovers excitedly anticipate all year long. It has even garnered a sort of cult following!

If you liked that fact and want to learn even more unique details about the history of the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake, see their article here!

McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Ingredients

The normal Mickey D’s shamrock shake has a blend of their soft serve vanilla ice cream and what they call “Shamrock Shake syrup”, topped with whipped cream.

While we may not have McD’s specialty mint syrup, here’s the lucky news: we have come up with a recipe that truly rivals the McDonald’s version.

Now, you don’t have to wait for the season of leprechauns, four leaf clovers, and all-things-green to enjoy this delicious sweet treat. Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day (or any other day) with this easy recipe.

Ingredients for this recipe

• Vanilla ice cream
• Heavy cream
• Mint extract
• Whipped cream
• Maraschino cherries

Make it an Oreo Shamrock McFlurry

Another seasonal menu item in honor of St. Patrick’s Day is the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry. It has that same minty flavor and creamy texture that is so distinctive of a shamrock shake, except it is thicker and has chocolate cookie chunks in it.

If you want to try making this instead, add in half of the heavy cream and crumble 3-4 Oreo cookies into the blender!

Tips For Making Your Minty Shake

• Thaw ice cream before blending – While not necessary, this step can make your ice cream easier to scoop and blend. Simply pull it out 5-10 minutes before you plan to use it.
• Heavy cream substitute – Don’t stress if you don’t have heavy cream. You can swap it out for milk. Whole milk makes the best substitute, since it has a higher fat content, however any milk should work. Just know that this substitution may make your shake slightly runnier and less creamy.
• Make it for cheaper – Here are 2 ways you can potentially decrease the cost on this recipe. For one, skip buying food coloring and extract, and just buy mint chocolate chip ice cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but your grocery bill will be different too! Another option is to use the left over heavy cream (and some sugar) and whip it into whipped cream to add to the top of your shakes.
• French Vanilla vs. Homemade vanilla – Either kind of ice cream will work; however, I personally think that the french vanilla ice cream is better at replicating the flavor of the McDonald’s Shamrock shake.
• Mint extract NOT Peppermint – These two can be easy to mix up, so make sure you use MINT extract. Peppermint will make it taste like Christmas rather than St. Patrick’s day haha.

How to Make a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake

1. Gather your ingredients. Optional: Let ice cream sit out for a few minutes to soften.
2. Add vanilla ice cream, heavy cream, mint extract, and food coloring to a blender.
3. Blend ingredients together until mixture has a smooth consistency.
4. Scoop mint shake mixture into a glass.
5. Top shamrock shake with whipped cream and maraschino cherry. (optional addition of sprinkles or chocolate syrup)
6. Serve it fresh and enjoy!

More St. Patrick’s Day Inspiration

• 15 Leprechaun Traps Even the Irish Would Love
• St. Patrick’s Day Decoration Ideas
• Last Minute St. Patrick’s Day Fun for Kids
• St. Patrick’s Day Treats and Crafts
• Simple St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
• St. Patrick’s Day Tricks and Treats

AND if you like McDonald’s drinks, try our Grimace Shake recipe here!! It’s just as delicious as this Shamrock Shake recipe!

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