Make sweet and creamy treats with this copycat shamrock shake recipe.
This homemade recipe for shamrock shakes is so easy to make with a few ingredients and no drive-through.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: This is so sweet and creamy, with a refreshing hint of mint.
- Difficulty: This is so easy that even the kids can make it!
- Prep note: Adjust the amount of mint extract to taste—start small and add more if needed.
Four Simple Ingredients
Dairy: For the best shakes, use real dairy and full-fat ingredients like vanilla ice cream and half-and-half. Non-dairy milk can be used, but the consistency will be lighter. Whipped cream is the finishing touch.
Mint Extract: Mint, peppermint, or spearmint extracts will all work.
Food Coloring: Green food coloring or gel food coloring will give shakes their signature green color – go lighter or darker.
Garnish: Add some green sprinkles to make them extra festive. Don’t forget the cherry on top before serving!
Variations: For those who can’t do dairy, freeze canned coconut milk into cubes and blend it with any dairy-free frozen dessert. This combination has the full flavor and creamy texture of a shake. Opt for a dash of vanilla protein powder for even more vanilla flavor and a nutrition boost.
Tasty Twists: Swap out the vanilla for coffee or chocolate ice cream and mix in some Junior Mint candies or crushed Oreo cookies. Omit the mint extract and spike shamrock shakes with a shot (2 oz) each of vanilla vodka and Crème de Menthe, Bailey’s Irish Cream, or Jameson’s Whiskey for a grown-up shake. Whip up a healthy(ish) shake by adding a dash of vanilla protein for a flavorful boost of nutrition.
How to Make a Shamrock Shake
- Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend and blend until smooth and creamy. (Full recipe below.)
- Garnish with optional whipped cream.
Holly’s Tips for the Best Milkshake
- Avoid over-mixing the milkshakes so they stay light and airy. A few pulses should do. Stir in extras after blending, including alcohol.
- Got leftovers? Freeze shamrock shakes in popsicle trays and enjoy them again as a frozen dessert.
More Creamy Desserts!
Did you enjoy this Copycat Shamrock Shake? Leave a comment and rating below!
Copycat Shamrock Shake Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup half and half
- 5 drops mint extract
- 4 drops green food coloring
- whipped cream optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine ice cream, half and half, mint extract and food coloring in a blender and puree for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Pour into glasses.
- Top with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Add any mix-ins after blending.
- Freeze any leftovers into ice cubes to add to fresh milkshakes or smoothies!
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
©The Shortcut Kitchen. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
REPIN this Copycat Shamrock Shake Recipe
Half and Half is commonly used in coffee in the states. It is half heavy cream and half whole milk.
What is half and half please. I’m Australian. This looks great so I would like to try it.