Enjoy a refreshing Shamrock Milkshake with only 4 ingredients plus toppings. It’s creamy, minty, and, oh, so very delicious!

You really can make your very own copycat version of a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake right in the comfort of your own home. It takes only a few minutes to put together, and yet it delivers the same satisfying flavor as the real thing.
If you are one of the few people who have never had a Shamrock Shake before, then you are in for a wonderful and delicious surprise. Let’s go right to it so that you can start working on your own right away.
What You’ll Love About This Shamrock Shake Recipe
- Super simple
- Easy to follow directions
- Comes together in mere minutes
- Cleanup is a breeze
- Can be customized
- Great for entertaining
- Kid-approved
- Adults love them
- Minty and delicious
What is a Shamrock Shake?
A Shamrock Shake is known for being sold in Mcdonald’s stores since the late 1960s. It’s minty, creamy, and green for the perfect St. Patrick’s Day dessert.
Because the shakes are seasonal, you can’t find them on the menu year-round. Well, that is why I was on a mission to make my own! Now you can enjoy a frosty shake any time of year.
Ingredients Needed

- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Mint Extract
- Milk
- Green Food Coloring
- Whipped Cream
- Maraschino Cherry
- Sprinkles
How To Make A Shamrock Shake
Step 1: Blend
Combine the milk, scoops of ice cream, green food coloring, and mint extract in a blender. Blend until creamy and smooth.
Step 2: Add toppings
Pour the creamy Shamrock Shake into a tall glass. Add some whipped cream, a cherry, and some green sprinkles. Drink right away and enjoy!

McDonald’s Copycat Shamrock Shake Tips
- Add more milk if you like a thinner shake. If it’s too thin, you can always add in another scoop of ice cream.
- For best results, allow the ice cream to sit for 5-10 minutes before blending. It will soften it slightly and allow it to become smoother.
- For best results, drink the shake right away. It will melt quickly and doesn’t refreeze that well.
- To make the shake a little runnier in consistency, go ahead and add an extra tablespoon or two of milk.
Variations
There are lots of ways you can make and serve this homemade Shamrock Shake! It’s a fun recipe to play around with to get even more awesome combinations. Here are a few of our favorite easy to make it:
- Chocolate fudge – Drizzle the shake with warm chocolate fudge. It’s a tasty way to incorporate chocolate, and it looks pretty too.
- Mint chocolates – Break up your favorite mint chocolates like Andes mints or Peppermint Patties and mix them into the shake. It will have a few tasty chunks and will enhance the minty flavor.
- Mint Oreos – Really, there isn’t much better than a Mint Oreo! Add them to the shake and add one as a garnish to finish the look.
- Mint chip ice cream – If you want to go really wild, swap the vanilla ice cream for your favorite brand of mint chocolate chip. YUM!
- Alcohol – If you want to transform this into an adult beverage, feel free to add in some Bailey’s Irish Cream. Kaluha would also be a great option, but you can certainly add any alcohol you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to use whole milk?
It’s best if you make the Shamrock Shake with whole milk. The fat in the whole milk makes it super creamy. However, you can use milk with less fat or a dairy-free milk alternative if you prefer. Just remember, the texture and flavor will be different if you make a change like that.
Can I Make a Shake Without A Blender?
Yes! You can make a shake without having a blender. The first option is to use an immersion blender. You would simply add all the ingredients to a large bowl or pitcher and blend.
Another option is to add all of the shake ingredients to a glass jar. You’ll need to shake it constantly until it reaches the desired texture.
What Else Can I Add As Toppings?
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed cookies – Thin Mints, Oreos, and Teddy Grahams are great options.
- Chunks of candy bars
- Caramel sauce
Shamrock Milkshake

Ingredients
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Mint Extract
- Milk
- Green Food Coloring
- Whipped Cream
- Maraschino Cherry
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Combine the milk, scoops of ice cream, green food coloring, and mint extract in a blender.
- Blend until creamy and smooth.
- Pour the creamy Shamrock Shake into a tall glass. Add some whipped cream, a cherry, and some green sprinkles. Drink right away and enjoy!