Love Shamrock Shakes (aka green peppermint milkshakes) from McDonald’s but tired of buying them? Save money by making this copycat shamrock shake recipe at home! For adults, top it with Irish cream whipped cream. Make these milkshakes for a last minute St. Patrick’s Day treat or make them all year round.
I very rarely eat at McDonald’s, not because I don’t like the food (I enjoy the burgers very much actually), but because of how unhealthy it is.
I’m no health nut, but the less I eat of it, the better I feel.
Well that theory goes completely out the window for two months out of the year when Shamrock Shakes are back. Seriously I think I’ve had about four this season (ok maybe five).
If you aren’t familiar with them, they are mint milkshakes (think mint chocolate chip but without the chocolate chip).
In case you aren’t aware of how McDonald’s food is prepared, the shakes are made with this powdered mixture added to whatever they call “ice cream”.
I’m a huge believer in making things from scratch, so why don’t I make my own Shamrock Shakes (seriously, why didn’t I do this earlier)?
Four ingredients, one which is completely optional if you don’t want to use food coloring.
Shamrock Shakes are made with four ingredients – vanilla ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, and green food coloring (which you can leave out if you aren’t going for presentation).
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can always buy mint chocolate chip ice cream instead.
The ratio of ice cream to milk is 2:1, so you can easily double or half this recipe.
When I said I made these homemade, I went all out with homemade vanilla bean ice cream.
I could’ve gone out and buy a pint, but I had the milk, cream, and vanilla beans, so I didn’t want to spend more money than I had to.
However, I’ve also made these with store bought ice cream. Make sure you buy vanilla bean ice cream vs. plain vanilla ice cream. Trust me.
A milkshake isn’t complete without some whipped cream on top!
You can certainly top it with traditional homemade whipped cream.
However, I decided since it’s St. Patrick’s Day, I’d take it one step further and make Irish cream whipped cream.
It’s heavy cream, powdered sugar, and Irish cream. Three ingredients and only a few minutes to whip up.
If you’re looking for a last-minute St. Patrick’s Day treat, these milkshakes take very little time to throw together. Mint chocolate chip is one of my favorite ice creams, so I’ll be making these babies all year round.
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Copycat McDonald's Shamrock Shakes
Love Shamrock Shakes (aka green peppermint milkshakes) from McDonald's but tired of buying them? Save money by making this copycat shamrock shake recipe at home!
Ingredients
- 2 cups good-quality vanilla bean ice cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
- Homemade Whipped Cream (get recipe here)
- 2 teaspoons Irish cream liqueur (optional)
- 2 maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, add the ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring. Blend until smooth. Divide between two glasses.
- Next, make the whipped cream (get instructions here). If you're using Irish cream liqueur, add it in place of vanilla extract.
- Top milkshakes with whipped cream and cherries.
More Ice Cream Recipes
Cheesecake Milkshakes
Cadbury Creme Egg Milkshakes
Jenne Kopalek says
My daughter is going to love these :) I need a new blender.
Sam says
These look awesome, Its a shame Mcdonalds don’t do them in the UK!. We do have creme egg Mcflurries though! Mwahaha. I made a hybrid inspired by thisand your creme egg milkshake the other day using areo mint chocolate bars instead of the mint flavouring and colour. It also works well just blending most kinds of chocolate bars in.
Stacy says
This sounds delicious, Carla, but very dangerous! I could drink one of these down in no time flat!
Carla says
Oh I have, probably one too many ;)
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I think you know how I feel about this whipped cream!
Beth says
I made these for my kiddos and they love them! delicious!
Carla says
Oh perfect! Thank you for sharing.