St Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shake
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful Shamrock Shake? This luscious green treat is a creamy combination of vanilla ice cream and refreshing mint, making it the perfect indulgence for this festive occasion. Whether you’re planning a party or just craving something sweet, the Shamrock Shake delivers a fun surprise that stirs up all the nostalgia from past St. Patrick’s Days.
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When I first made this shake, I was instantly transported back to simpler times, sipping on a creamy concoction while enjoying the festivities. This treat isn’t just a seasonal drink; it’s a fun, homemade version of something you might find at a popular fast-food chain. And let me tell you, making it at home? Super easy and economical! Soon enough, you’ll find yourself looking for reasons to whip it up more often. So gather your ingredients, and let’s create a classic St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shake that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 10 minutes, making it a breeze for any celebration.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy vanilla and refreshing mint is simply divine.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant green hue and fluffy whipped cream topping make it a show-stopper.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a sweet treat, party dessert, or even an afternoon snack!
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily make a dairy-free version with coconut or almond milk and dairy-free ice cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream: The base of your shake; choose rich, creamy ice cream for the best texture.
- ¾ cup whole milk: This helps reach the ideal shake consistency. You can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- ½ teaspoon mint extract: Essential for that signature mint flavor. You can adjust to your taste!
- 4 drops green food coloring: Just a bit to give your shake that festive green hue. Feel free to omit if you prefer a more natural look!
- whipped cream: Topping that adds a delicious, creamy texture; it’s best freshly whipped, but store-bought works too.
- 1 maraschino cherry: A classic garnish that adds a pop of color and sweetness at the very top.
How to Make St Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shake
Blend the Ice Cream and Milk: Start your Shamrock Shake by putting 2 cups of vanilla ice cream and ¾ cup of whole milk in a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture that’s irresistible.
Add Mint Extract and Color: Next, incorporate ½ teaspoon of mint extract along with 4 drops of green food coloring. Blend again until everything is well combined. Don’t rush; the blending ensures the flavors blend beautifully!
Taste and Adjust: Now, here’s where you take charge: taste your shake! If you’d like a stronger mint flavor, you can gradually add a bit more mint extract until it’s just right for you.
Pour and Garnish: Once you have your perfect shake, pour it into glasses. Don’t forget to top each one generously with whipped cream! The finishing touch is a maraschino cherry on top, adding just a hint of elegance.
Serve Immediately: This is the best part—serve your Shamrock Shake right away! Everyone will appreciate the freshly made treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to drink.

Storing & Reheating
While this Shamrock Shake is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be mindful that the texture may change a bit. If you’d like to freeze it, it can last up to 3 months, but be sure to allow it to thaw in the fridge for a bit before serving. Just give it a good stir to refresh its creamy texture!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- When measuring your ingredients, ensure that the vanilla ice cream is slightly softened for easier blending.
- If the shake becomes too thick, add a splash more of whole milk to loosen it up.
- Chill your glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving to maintain that ultra-cold experience when you sip it.
- If you want to have some fun, experiment with toppings like chocolate shavings or crushed cookies for extra texture and taste.
- For a stronger mint flavor, ensure to add the mint extract gradually, tasting after each addition.
When you’re making your St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shake, remember that the key is to have fun! This is a perfect opportunity to get creative and put your spin on a beloved treat.
Who wouldn’t want to sip on a glorious green shake while celebrating the luck of the Irish? It’s creamy, refreshing, and simple, perfect for those sweet cravings that pop up unexpectedly. Find some friends and maybe a cozy blanket, settle in, and enjoy this delightful concoction any time of year—because why should the good times be confined to just one day?
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of ice cream?
Absolutely! While vanilla is traditional, feel free to experiment with different flavors like mint chocolate chip or even a pistachio base for a unique twist. Just remember, the right flavor pairing with mint can elevate the whole experience.
How do I get my shake to be the perfect thickness?
Achieving the perfect thickness is all about the balance between ice cream and milk. If your shake is too thin, add a bit more ice cream. If it’s too thick, pour in a little extra milk. Blending it thoroughly ensures that you’ll reach your desired consistency.
Is it possible to add alcohol to this shake?
You can definitely make a fun adult version of this Shamrock Shake! Consider adding a splash of crème de menthe or Irish cream liqueur for an extra festive touch. Just be sure to adjust the milk and ice cream slightly to balance the additional liquid.
Can I make this shake in advance?
While this shake is best served fresh, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into glasses, or, if it’s frozen, allow it to thaw slightly for easier blending!
PrintMore Drinks Recipes
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- Irish Coffee with Whipped Cream (Hot or Iced Version)
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📖 Recipe Card

St Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shake
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
This St Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shake is a delightful blend of vanilla ice cream and mint extract, topped with whipped cream and a cherry. It’s an easy, homemade treat perfect for celebrating the holiday with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon mint extract
- 4 drops green food coloring
- whipped cream (for topping)
- 1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream and whole milk.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add mint extract and green food coloring; blend again until combined.
- Taste and adjust mint flavor if desired.
- Pour the shake into glasses, top with whipped cream, and garnish with a cherry.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Adjust the amount of mint extract to your preference for stronger mint flavor.
For a festive twist, add some chocolate syrup to the shake before blending.
Use dairy-free ice cream for a vegan version of this shake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shake
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
