McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe

two shamrock shake copycat drinks
Author: Heather
Category: Copycat
Published Date: 02/28/2022
Comments: 37

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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.

cup with a green milkshake, whipped cream and a cherry

two cups of McDonald's shamrock shake copycat

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.

looking down at a green drink with whipped cream and a cherry

close up of the shamrock shake copycat recipe

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!

ingredients on a counter with subway tile backsplash

steps to make a shamrock shake

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.

Step 2: Blend until fully combined

Step 3: Pour into a cup.

Step 4: Top with whipped cream.

Step 5: Sprinkle green sanding sugar.

Step 6: Add a maraschino cherry. 

looking down at a green drink with whipped cream and a cherry

shamrock shake copycat

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two shamrock shake copycat drinks

McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat


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5 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Heather l The Super Mom Life
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 oz 1x

Description

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

Scale
  • 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.
  • Prep Time: 5 min

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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.
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.

Share with a friend!

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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!

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  • Believe it or not, I’ve never had a Shamrock shake! But this looks as good as the ones I see advertised! Such a fun and delicious treat for the holiday…so creamy!






  • It’s almost summer here in our country and this will be perfect for refreshment. Thanks for the recipe. I will try to make this.






  • Did not know that Mcdonalds did this and I’m super impressed that you were able to do it on your own. Will definitely try out this recipe too!

  • Hmm our Mcdonalds doesn’t have the Shamrock Shake, so I’d love to try this one out! I think my kids will like it.