Shamrock Shake Recipe

This homemade Shamrock Shake Recipe captures the magic of St. Patrick’s Day with a creamy blend of premium vanilla bean ice cream and cool mint extract. Tinted a festive emerald green and topped with a cloud of whipped cream, it delivers a thick, frosty treat that is fresher and more customizable than the seasonal drive-thru favorite.

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Shamrock Shake Ingredients

The Minty Base:

• 2 cups Vanilla Ice Cream: Use a high-quality brand with real vanilla flecks for the best flavor foundation.
• 1/4 cup Half and Half: Provides the perfect liquid ratio to blend the shake without making it watery.
• 4 drops Mint Extract: Crucial: Use pure “Mint” extract (often a blend of spearmint and peppermint) rather than straight “Peppermint” extract, which can taste like candy canes.
• 2 drops Green Food Coloring: Liquid or gel coloring works to achieve that iconic pastel green hue.

The Toppings:

• 2 tbsp Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped or from a can.
• Optional: Green sprinkles, a maraschino cherry, or crushed Andes mints for extra texture.

How To Make Shamrock Shake

1. Temper the Ice Cream: Remove your vanilla ice cream from the freezer and let it sit on the counter for about 10 minutes. Softened ice cream blends smoothly with less liquid, resulting in a thicker, more luxurious shake.
2. Blend: In a blender canister, combine the softened ice cream, half and half, mint extract, and green food coloring.
3. Pulse to Perfection: Blend on medium speed for about 30 seconds. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed. You want a uniform, pale green color and a thick, pourable consistency. Taste Test: If you want it mintier, add another drop of extract, but be careful—it’s potent!
4. Serve: Pour the shake into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish: Top immediately with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Add sprinkles, a cherry, or crushed mint chocolate if desired. Serve with a straw.

Recipe Tips

• Mint vs. Peppermint: This is the most common mistake. The fast-food version uses a generic mint flavor that leans towards spearmint. If you only have peppermint extract, start with 2 drops, as it is sharper and stronger.
• Thick Shake Secret: If you like your shake so thick you need a spoon, reduce the half and half to 2 tablespoons and use the tamper stick on your blender to push the ice cream down.
• Natural Green: For a dye-free green color, you can blend in a small handful of spinach (you won’t taste it!) or a pinch of matcha powder.
• Adult Version: Add 1.5 ounces of Irish cream liqueur or vanilla vodka to the blender for a boozy St. Paddy’s treat.

What To Serve With Shamrock Shake

• Sugar Cookies: A simple vanilla cookie is great for dipping.
• French Fries: The salty-sweet combo is a classic.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle the inside of the glass for a “thin mint” vibe.
• Reuben Sandwich: Pair with a savory corned beef sandwich for a full holiday meal.

How To Store Shamrock Shake

• Freeze: If you can’t finish it, pour the remainder into a freezer-safe cup and freeze. Let it thaw on the counter for 10-15 minutes until drinkable again. Do not store in the fridge.

Shamrock Shake Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugar: 38g
• Protein: 6g

Nutrition information is estimated per shake.

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