Shamrock Shake Copycat
In a couple of days, most of us will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day 🍀, although we’re not Irish. There will be parades, music, dancing, food, and drinking during this event. It’s actually a good excuse to get together with our friends, have a party at our place, or simply make some “green” food and beverages.
Many will also be wearing something green: hats, clothes 🧜♀️, hair (fake or dyed), shoes, makeup, and so on. After a couple of years of the pandemic, many cities will turn their rivers green – no worries, it doesn’t hurt the environment. Yep, there’s a lot of green that day!
As a foody, I like to find excuses to make something “green” in the kitchen. Let’s start the day with a healthy Avocado Sweet Pea Toast 🥑 or a Green Smoothie. A warm bowl of Split Pea & Ham Soup for lunch is so satisfying! What about a mid-afternoon snack with tortilla chips and Guacamole?
You could have Gnudi aka Malfatti, a comforting bowl of Pesto noodles, or an elegant Rack of Lamb with Herbes de Provence as a main course for dinner along with a lovely salad. Pair your protein with a side of Creamed Spinach 🍃 and finish your meal with a gorgeous dessert like Key Lime Pie or Matcha Cheesecake. Throughout the day, snack on some Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars and “green” popcorn .
When it comes to drinks, there’s the famous green beer 🍺 that many like so much, but sipping an Appletini, Japanese Slipper, Key Lime Gimlet, or a Chocolate Grasshopper Martini can set the mood as well.
Another one that would be great is my Shamrock Shake Copycat! Inspired by the ones McDonald’s sells, I created a grown-up version, and frankly, it’s more fun 🥳! It’s a delicious drink to enjoy with friends. Replace Spanish Coffee, Golden Sunset, or White Russian with this featured drink as a digestif after dinner.
It takes less than 5 minutes to make unless you want whipped cream from scratch… in that case, it’s a few more minutes. In the video 🎥, I don’t show you how to make it, but check it out by clicking on this link… Perfect Whipped Cream Every Time – How to
The key to making any milkshake is the ice cream 🍦. For this recipe, I use my No Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, which I let sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften it up. The reason behind this is that when the ice cream is too hard, it won’t break down easily and might end up adding more milk to the shake. If there’s too much milk in this Shamrock Shake Copycat, it will be too thin instead of nice and thick.
Another important point to bring up is the milk 🥛. Never use heavy cream, which, when processed, can end up with small particles of butter. Whole milk is the perfect ingredient for making milkshakes because it gives just the right creaminess. Some of you might want to use skim or 1%, which is fine, but keep in mind that the less fat the milk has, the more “watery” the shake will be, so add less and go from there. A big “no-no” is to add ice cubes to it, which will also water down the beverage. A quick tip is if the mixture is too thin, add a scoop or two of ice cream, and vice versa… if too thick, add more milk.
The kitchen tool you need for making this is a good ol’ blender. If you don’t own one, an immersion blender is the next best tool to use. When processing, the mixture has to be smooth, so 30 seconds ⏳ is sufficient. The texture of this milkshake won’t be as thick as the traditional ones because of the extra added liquid – Vodka + Crème de Menthe. I don’t mind it… that’s the purpose of making it with booze. For a non-alcoholic version, though, omit the vodka and substitute ½ tsp. mint extract for the Crème de Menthe.
As soon as the mixture is smooth, immediately pour it into a tall glass. Top it off with whipped cream and sprinkle on some green sanding sugar, then a maraschino cherry 🍒.
The first time I had one in New York 🗽, I really enjoyed it, but in the back of my mind, making a Shamrock Shake Copycat with alcohol sounded more fun, especially during St. Patty’s Day. Now, with this recipe, not only can you enjoy this iconic McDonald’s beverage all year round, but you can have the adult version…
Sláinte! 🥂
Check out these other great cocktail recipes…😀
– Pomegranate Martini
– Frostbite Cocktail
– Hurricane Cocktail
– Mint Julep
– Spanish Sangria
– Blood Orange Martini
– Paloma Cocktail
– Strawberry Mango Margarita
– Manhattan Cocktail
and for even more great cocktail, smoothie, and alcohol-free beverage recipes 🍹🧉🥃, click on this link… Recipe Category • Beverage
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Shamrock Shake Copycat
Hover to scale
Ingredients
SHAKE
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly soft see Recipe
- 2 ounces Vodka Footnote
- 1 ounce Crème de Menthe (substitute 1/2 tsp. mint extract)
- 1/4 cup whole milk, or to desired consistency
- 4 drops natural food coloring see Recipe
- 1/2 cup whipped cream, for topping
- 1/2 tsp. green sanding sugar, for topping
- 1 maraschino cherry, for garnish
WHIPPED CREAM
- 1/2 cup 35% heavy cream
- 1/2 tbsp powdered sugar tips & tricks
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Directions
- In the jar of a blender, add ice cream, Vodka, milk, Crème de Menthe, and food coloring. Process the ingredients until completely smooth before pouring into a large glass.
- Top with whipped cream, sprinkle on some green sanding sugar and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
WHIPPED CREAM
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the ingredients and using a whisk attachment, process until stiff peaks form.
Notes
Don't forget to rate and comment on this recipe!

Wow!I’m going to make it again for St. Patrick’s.
It’s a great drink! It’s quick & easy to make, plus deliciously “boozy”… perfect for St. Patrick’s Day 🍀! Have a nice evening 🌜.
I drizzled chocolate syrup before pouring in the shake. It was fabulous! Merci Frankie
Bienvenu, Kathy 😀.
Hey Frankie, did you know that there are a few out there who actually copied your copycat recipe? What a bunch of losers!! Anyway, we know where the best recipes are coming from >>> you!
I knew that 🙄. Aww, you’re so kind, thank you Wilf 🙏. Have a nice evening.
I’ve never heard of this McDonald’s milkshake however, I wanted to try it. I don’t know how the original tastes but I’m keeping this one!
Instead of the cherry, I topped with shaved dark chocolate, yummy!
Great idea 💡. Next time, I’ll do the same. Have a wonderful day, Ian.
I made it without the booze and it was as good, if not better, than McDonald’s. It’s a keeper.
This recipe was definitely a hit last weekend! Thank you for sharing!
It’s my pleasure, Sonja 😉. It’s a tasty drink to enjoy. Have a lovely day.
Delish with and without the alcohol.
I’ve been making it since it was posted. It’s a great digestif! Delicious!
Absolutely! Crème de menthe is a great liqueur when it comes to an after-dinner digestif. Have a beautiful day, Randy🌞.
Our friends came over, and after dinner, instead of serving dessert, my wife and I made these. Everyone loved them!
That’s awesome 😀! I’m happy your guests enjoyed it. Have a nice evening Thompson family🌛!
My kids loved it – of course, I didn’t add alcohol to it. It’s a winner! Thank you Francine.
It’s my pleasure 😉. Both ways are delicious. Have a nice evening, Rosanne.
Super cocktail! I don’t have to wait after McDonalds to put it on their menu to enjoy it. Thanks Frankie.
You’re welcome, Val 😉. That’s right, you now can enjoy it all year round. Have a nice evening.
I’ve made a few copycats from different blogs and this one blows your doors off! It’s smooth.
WARNING WARNING. They went down too easily lol!
I used 2% instead of whole milk. It was a little thin but incredibly tasty.
I’ve been sober for 5 years and made it an alcohol-free version as suggested in the blog. The flavor was delicious!
Congratulations, Nelson 😀! Both, with and without, it’s simply fabulous. Enjoy your evening 🌛.
I love Mcdo’s shamrock and used to add a shot of vodka to it. I tried this “boozy” version and it’s perfect! It has the right amount of alcohol. Thx
You’re welcome, Hilary 😉. Have a gorgeous day.
The best copycat there is! 👍
Aww, thank you Bev 🙏. Have a gorgeous day.
Great balance – not too minty or boozy
I followed as written and it was delicious!
I turned it into as an after-dinner drink and my gff and I loved it! 💗
It’s sinfully tasty!
lol 😅, I know! This adult version is so yummy! Enjoy the rest of your day.
I’m sipping one right now and it’s AMAZING! I had one from McDo long time ago but I have to admit that the alcohol version tastes better lol! Thanks again Frankie
Thank you, Bee😊. I totally agree with you… it’s more fun, lol! Enjoy the rest of your day.
Sláinte Frankie!
Thank you, Niamh 😉. Happy St. Patrick’s Day… sláinte 🍸!
Hope you have a wonderfully fun Saint Patrick’s Day ☘️ This looks YUMMY Thank You
Thank you, and you as well, Joe. It’s a nice cocktail to enjoy anytime. Happy St. Patrick’s Day ☘️!
It looks good…I will try to make one (minus the vodka) in a couple of days.
Thank you, Alvenh😀. If you want to make it without alcohol, don’t forget to use mint extract, not peppermint. Enjoy the recipe and have a fantastic day 🌞.
After the weekend I had, this is exactly what I need. It looks amazing! Thank you chef Frankie for another delicious recipe We 💗 U
It’s my pleasure and you’re welcome. Aww, you’re so sweet 🥰! It’s an easy recipe and a good way to get into St Patrick’s mood! Have a nice day, Bee.
This is a win 😋☘️
lovely I’ll sip one on Thursday
That’s awesome! Happy St. Patrick’s Day, JM 🥳.