This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product using one of our affiliate links we will receive a small commission from your purchase which helps us to provide this website as a service to you for free. We appreciate your support!
Every year, around this time, McDonald’s brings back their super popular Shamrock Shake. McDonald’s Shamrock Shake is made with creamy vanilla soft serve, blended with Shamrock Shake syrup, and topped with delicious whipped topping. We love it so much, we had to figure out how to make it at home so that we can have it all year long.
The shamrock shake is minty and refreshing. Its beautiful light green color makes it the perfect drink for St. Patrick’s Day but is so yummy, you’ll want to drink it all year long. You can make it with vanilla ice cream or chocolate. Either way, it’s sure to be a favorite in your home.
Before I share our McDonald’s shamrock shake copycat recipe, let me share a few tips about the ingredients.
What is the best vanilla ice cream to use?
You can use any vanilla ice cream, but we choose one that has no sugar added and is reduced fat. It really depends on your taste. Homestyle or French vanilla does taste closer to McDonald’s soft serve to us. Make sure that you leave it out of the freezer for 10-15 minutes so that it isn’t too hard to scoop.
Can I use peppermint extract?
No, you should not substitute mint extract for peppermint extract. You’ll want to buy a mint extract, not peppermint extract. The flavors are very different. Mint extract has more of a spearmint flavor.
Can I use green food dye instead of gel food coloring?
I prefer to use gel food coloring (it also happens to be all we had in the house), but you can definitely use food dye. You’ll probably only need a couple of drops of food dye since it’s much stronger.
What type of milk is best?
You can use your preferred milk for this recipe. I personally like to use whole milk.
What if my mixture is too thick or too thin?
If your McDonald’s shamrock shake copycat is too thick, just add a little bit more milk. If it’s too milky, just add a bit more ice cream. It’s easy to fix!
How much will this copycat recipe make?
The measurements I’ve provided in the recipe below will make around 12 oz (maybe a little more). I usually double the recipe and it’s enough for my three daughters.
Where did you get those cute cups and straws?
I got them on Amazon! The cups are 12 oz cups with dome lids. They also come in a 16oz size. I find that 12oz is the perfect size for the shamrock shake copycat. The reusable straws are BPA-free and come in a pack of 12 (six different colors). They also come with a cleaning brush which is extra convenient!
Have any additional questions I haven’t answered? Make sure to leave those in the comments below!
I’ve tried to show the steps in the photos above for you, to make it a bit easier to make your McDonald’s shamrock shake copycat recipe:
Step 1: Add milk, ice cream, mint extract, and green coloring gel into a blender.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake is made with creamy vanilla soft serve, blended with Shamrock Shake syrup, and topped with delicious whipped topping. Now, you can make it at home with this copycat recipe!
Ingredients
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 tsp mint extract
green food gel coloring
whipped cream
green sanding sugar
maraschino cherry
Instructions
Blend everything together in a blender until creamy and smooth.
Top with whipped cream, sanding sugar and a cherry.
I'm so honored that you've found us! I'm Heather, a Mom of 3 who blogs about parenting, food, occasional travel and how I overcame my daily struggle with anxiety. I miss sleeping and rely on coffee and laughter to get me through the day. I hope you enjoy and visit often!
YES! Now I can have a Shamrock Shake any time I want. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted one of these shakes outside of the St. Patrick’s Day season, and I was just so out of luck!
Yum! What a beautiful shamrock shake! I love the color and I am even more intrigued with how easy it is to make. I showed it to my son and he’s now asking to make some!
I need to make this with my daughter, who also loves a shamrock shake. We always get excited when they come back to McDonalds but I bet these taste better!
I’ve never tried this shake (but I love the bright green color!) but this tutorial on how to make it seems so easy and fun. I think my younger cousins would really love whipping this up with me for the holiday ahead.
YES! Now I can have a Shamrock Shake any time I want. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted one of these shakes outside of the St. Patrick’s Day season, and I was just so out of luck!
What a fun recipe and the perfect way to celebrate up coming St Patrick’s Day.
I never ate at McDonald’s as a kid…EXCEPT for when the shamrock shake came out! That is so cool you have figured out a copycat!
Yum! What a beautiful shamrock shake! I love the color and I am even more intrigued with how easy it is to make. I showed it to my son and he’s now asking to make some!
I need to make this with my daughter, who also loves a shamrock shake. We always get excited when they come back to McDonalds but I bet these taste better!
I’ve never had Shamrock shake from Mcdonald’s, the shake seems super delicious! I can’t wait to make it.
I’ve never tried this shake (but I love the bright green color!) but this tutorial on how to make it seems so easy and fun. I think my younger cousins would really love whipping this up with me for the holiday ahead.