St Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shake
What makes a St Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shake so special? It’s a delightful blend of creamy vanilla ice cream, rich whole milk, and a burst of refreshing mint that transforms it into the ultimate festive treat. With its vibrant green color, this shake captures the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day and is sure to charm everyone who takes a sip. Whether you enjoy it as a sweet snack, after-dinner treat, or a fun way to celebrate the holiday, it’s hard to resist this luscious shake.
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I first discovered the joy of making a Shamrock Shake during a family St. Patrick’s Day gathering. The combination of flavors and the cheerful green hue instantly brightened the day. There’s something undeniably nostalgic about this shake. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills but delivers amazing results every time. If you’re looking for a quick treat that feels special, this recipe will not disappoint. So gather your ingredients and let’s shake things up a bit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 10 minutes—perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The creamy vanilla pairs perfectly with a fresh mint flavor that’s refreshing yet indulgent.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright green color and whipped cream topping make it a showstopper for any occasion.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or just as a fun dessert at home.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust for gluten-free or dairy-free variations with suitable swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream: This creamy base gives the shake its rich texture. For a lighter option, you could use frozen yogurt.
- ¾ cup whole milk: Adds silkiness and smoothness; substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free shake.
- ½ teaspoon mint extract: Provides that refreshing mint flavor. For a stronger minty taste, feel free to increase gradually.
- 4 drops green food coloring: Not just for fun; it gives the shake that iconic St. Patrick’s Day look. Use natural green food coloring if preferred.
- Whipped cream (for topping): A dollop of whipped cream adds extra indulgence; you can also use coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free version.
- 1 maraschino cherry (for garnish): A sweet cherry on top makes every shake feel festive!
How to Make St Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shake
Blend the Base: Start by adding 2 cups of vanilla ice cream and ¾ cup of whole milk to your blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, resembling a delicious milkshake.
Add Mint & Color: Next, pour in ½ teaspoon of mint extract and add the 4 drops of green food coloring. Blend again until everything is fully combined. This step is essential for achieving that refreshing mint flavor and festive look.
Taste & Adjust: It’s critical to taste your shake at this point. If you desire a stronger mint flavor, carefully add more mint extract, a drop at a time, blending after each addition. Once you’re satisfied, it’s time to pour!
Serve with Flair: Carefully pour the shake into chilled glasses for an extra-cold experience. Top off each shake with a generous swirl of whipped cream and finish it off with a maraschino cherry perched atop.
Enjoy Immediately: Don’t wait too long—serve your Shamrock Shakes right away and enjoy the delightful blend of creamy, minty goodness!

Storing & Reheating
The shake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you want to store it longer, place the shake in the freezer where it can last up to 3 months. Just remember, when freezing, the texture may change slightly. A quick blend can help refresh its consistency before serving again.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid over-blending; stop when the shake is just smooth—this helps maintain a perfect creamy texture.
- For an extra touch, chill your glasses in the freezer before serving to keep your shake colder longer!
- Feel free to experiment with toppings; think crushed cookies or chocolate shavings for an added crunch.
- If your shake is too thick, you can gradually stir in more milk until achieving your desired consistency.
- Use high-quality ice cream for the best flavor—premium brands have richer ingredients.
The St Patrick’s Day Shamrock Shake is a wonderful treat that combines nostalgia, festive flair, and irresistible flavor in one cup. It’s incredibly simple to make, allows for personal touches, and is sure to make your celebrations even more enjoyable. Experiment with toppings and variations, and don’t be afraid to make it your own.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this shake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the vanilla ice cream with dairy-free ice cream and use almond milk or coconut milk. You can still enjoy all the delicious flavors without the dairy.
How can I enhance the mint flavor?
If you’d like a stronger mint flavor, start with a small amount of mint extract and gradually increase it until you reach your desired taste. Remember to blend well after each addition!
What can I use instead of vanilla ice cream?
You can use frozen yogurt or a dairy-free alternative such as coconut or almond milk ice cream. Each option will give you a slightly different taste but will still be delicious!
How do I prevent my shake from becoming too icy?
If you find the shake becomes too icy after storing, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before blending it again. This helps regain some creaminess!
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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 offers a delicious combination of vanilla ice cream and refreshing mint. Prepared in just minutes, it’s perfect for celebrating the holiday with a tasty treat.
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
- Combine vanilla ice cream and whole milk in a blender.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add mint extract and green food coloring, then blend again until everything is combined.
- Taste the shake and adjust the mint flavor if needed.
- Pour the shake into glasses and top with whipped cream and a cherry for garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious drink!
Notes
Make it vegan by using non-dairy ice cream and milk alternatives.
Adjust the mint extract based on your taste preference for mint flavor.
Add extra food coloring for a vibrant green look, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shake
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
