Go Back
Homemade Shamrock Shake made with vanilla ice cream, milk, and mint extract topped with whipped cream and green sprinkles in a tall glass.

Shamrock Shake

Olivia Carter
A creamy, dream-like minty milkshake that rivals the drive-thru classic! This "low-effort, high-reward" recipe uses premium vanilla bean ice cream and just the right touch of mint for a refreshing, festive treat you can make in seconds.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
10 minutes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
COST Maybe $3–$5 for a whole batch
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Shamrock Shake
Servings 2 Tall glasses
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • A decent blender
  • Tall glasses

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 1 cups milk
  • ¼ tsp mint extract
  • 10 drops green food coloring
  • 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
  • 2 tbsp whipped cream
  • ½ tsp green decorator sugar

Instructions
 

  • Round Up the Goods: First things first, grab your ingredients. You’ll need your favorite vanilla ice cream, some milk, mint extract, and that classic green food coloring. Having everything ready on the counter makes this a total breeze!
    Ingredients used to make a homemade Shamrock Shake including vanilla ice cream, milk, mint extract, and green food coloring.
  • The Big Blend: Toss the ice cream, milk, mint extract, and food coloring into the blender. Whiz it all together until it’s perfectly smooth and has that iconic, neon-green glow we all love.
    Blender mixing ice cream, milk, and mint extract to create a creamy green Shamrock Shake.
  • Make It Look Fancy: Now for the fun part! Grab two tall glasses—bonus points if they’re chilled—and drizzle chocolate syrup around the inside for that professional cafe vibe. Pour your shake in, then pile on the whipped cream and a sprinkle of green sugar. It’s basically edible art at this point.
    Chocolate syrup drizzled inside a milkshake glass to decorate a homemade Shamrock Shake.
  • Sip and Enjoy!: That’s it! Stick a straw in and enjoy. It’s way better (and thicker!) than anything you’ll get at a drive-thru, and you didn't even have to put on real shoes to get it.

Notes

  • Mint vs. Peppermint: This is the golden rule. McDonald’s uses "Mint Extract" (which is like a spearmint/peppermint blend). Regular peppermint extract is way sharper—think candy canes.
  • The Food Processor Trick: If you want it extra fluffy and airy, use a food processor instead of a blender. It’s a total game-changer.
  • Don't Forget the Cold Glass: Using a warm glass is a rookie mistake. A frosty glass keeps your shake thick until the very last drop.

NUTRITION  (Serving Size 1 Glass)

  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 19g 
  • Saturated Fat: 12g 
  • Cholesterol: 70mg 
  • Sodium: 183mg 
  • Total Carbohydrates: 53g 
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Total Sugars: 45g
  • Protein: 10g 
  • Calcium: 350mg 
  • Potassium: 534mg 
  • Iron: 1mg 
  • Vitamin C: 1mg