Shamrock Shake Recipe
Posted Feb 15, 2026
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This homemade shamrock shake recipe is even more delicious than a McDonald’s shamrock shake! Made with 4 ingredients you can pronounce in 5 minutes, and no food coloring (if you wan to skip it)!
My husband loves McDonald’s shamrock shakes, and looks forward to them every March. I, however, do not love the ingredients – so I decided to create a homemade shamrock shake that is just as delicious but made with ingredients that even my 6 year old can pronounce and recognize.
This shamrock shake recipe contains whole milk, vanilla ice cream (buy organic so you know what’s in it), vanilla extract and mint extract – that’s it. No corn syrup, food coloring, preservatives, etc. that are presented the beloved version from the golden arches.
Now, you can add some green food coloring if you feel so inclined (this green food coloring is all natural made with whole food ingredients not dyes), but that is completely up to you! And obviously serve it topped with homemade whipped cream and a cherry for the full shamrock shake experience!
Shamrock Shake Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions
- Whole milk. 2% milk, half and half or even heavy cream are good substitutes for whole milk. Remember, the higher the fat content -the creamier your shamrock shake will be.
- Vanilla ice cream. I suggest using organic vanilla ice cream so you get pure ice cream without undesirable ingredients. Or you can simply use your favorite vanilla ice cream!
- Mint extract. you can use peppermint extract – but for the most authentic shamrock shake flavor I suggest hunting down mint extract which is a mix of spearmint and peppermint.
How to Make a Shamrock Shake
This shamrock shake recipe is so easy to make – and as always I will walk through through it step-by-step. You can watch the video for additional guidance!
Begin by removing the ice cream from the freezer about 5 minutes before making this recipe to soften slightly.
Then, put the ingredients in the order listed in the container of a high powered blender (like a Vitamix). Honestly, this recipe blends easily so any blender should work.
Blend, staring on low speed and increasing to high, for 15-20 seconds for a thick milkshake.
Be very careful not to over-blend the recipe or it will be runny instead of thick!
Serve
Pour the shamrock shake into two glasses (more if you’re serving little kids).
Then top each shake with homemade whipped cream and a cherry for an authentic presentation!
Serve the shakes immediately for the best taste and texture.
Store/Freeze
If you have leftover shamrock shake (which I highly doubt will happen – but just in case), you can store it in a glass jar in the freezer for up to 1 month. Just make sure to leave space in the glass jar for the shake to expand as it freezes.
Thaw slowly in the fridge before enjoying.
Shamrock Shake Recipe FAQS
In this recipe it’s the mint extract. I tried using mint leaves and to be honest no one in my family liked it. The leaves make the shake taste leafy – if that makes sense. So I suggest sticking with the extract.
Yes, using or omitting food coloring does not change the flavor of this recipe at all. I don’t use it when I make them at home. For these photos a very small amount was added just to show it being a little green. If I did use green food coloring I would use this dye-free food coloring made with whole food ingredients.
No. Peppermint extract has a stronger, sharper flavor, while mint extract (which is a mix of spearmint and peppermint extracts) is milder and slightly sweeter.
Yes for sure. Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free shamrock shake!
If you make and love my recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so I can see your creations!
Shamrock Shake Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (1 pint)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Mint extract
- 2 drops green food coloring (optional)
For Serving
Instructions
- Remove ice cream from the freezer about 5 minutes before making this recipe to soften slightly.
- Put ingredients in the order listed in the container of a blender, breaking up the ice cream as you add it to the blender (for easier blending).
- Blend, staring on low speed and increasing to high, for 15-20 seconds for a thick milkshake. Do not over blend or it will be runny.
- Pour into two cups, top with whipped cream and a cherry and serve.
Notes
- Whole milk. 2% milk, half and half or even heavy cream are good substitutes for whole milk. Remember, the higher the fat content -the creamier your shamrock shake will be.
- Vanilla ice cream. I suggest using organic vanilla ice cream so you get pure ice cream without undesirable ingredients. Or you can simply use your favorite vanilla ice cream!
- Mint extract. you can use peppermint extract – but for the most authentic shamrock shake flavor I suggest hunting down mint extract which is a mix of spearmint and peppermint.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
