No need to wait in the drive-thru when you can make this shamrock shake recipe right at home! 

This copycat shamrock shake recipe tastes exactly like the fast-food version! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day any time of the year with this DIY version. Using wholesome ingredients like ice cream, rich cream, and peppermint flavoring, this creamy beverage is hard to resist.

copycat shamrock shake in a clear glass with a straw

Best Homemade Shake

  • Creamy, cool, with a minty flavor, a shamrock shake is distinct in its color and its flavor! Plus it signals the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day!!
  • Even those not from an Irish heritage can enjoy this festive treat! Make it homemade with fresh and real ingredients, and for a lot less “green” from the wallet!
  • With simple ingredients like a scoop of ice cream, milk, and peppermint flavoring, this tasty copycat recipe can be ready to enjoy in minutes!
ice cream, cream, peppermint extract and food coloring gathered to make copycat shamrock shake

Shamrock Shake Ingredients

Have blender, will shake!

Dairy – The classic recipe starts with vanilla ice cream, cream (or milk), plus whipped cream for the topping.

Food Coloring – The real star of this shake recipe is the green food coloring! Make each shake as light or bright as desired!

Flavoring – Mint or peppermint extract gives a shamrock shake its distinctive creamy and minty flavor! We tested and compared multiple extracts, and found the best flavor match is to use peppermint & mint extract (it’s an all-in-one extract).

copycat shamrock shake in a clear glass with a straw and a towel beside it

Variations

  • Make a mint-chocolate shamrock shake with chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla. Add some chocolate syrup to the blender for extra chocolate flavor.
  • Add a squirt of whipped cream and a cherry on top for a deliciously creamy treat that’s like no other. As a party-ready beverage, serve with some fun M & M Cookies!
  • Create a flurry shamrock shake with mix ins such as cookie pieces, broken up Twix bars, or chopped caramels.
  • Make an Oreo shamrock shake with crushed Oreo cookies mixed into each cup and garnish the whipped cream with extra crushed cookies.
  • Not fond of Guinness beer on St. Patty’s Day? Make a grown-up boozy shamrock shake! Or add a little bit (or a lot) of homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream or rum. Irish eyes will definitely be a smilin’ with this tasty treat! OR, try one of our favorites, the Irish Flag Shooter!
copycat shamrock shake in a clear glass with a straw in the glass

How to Make a Shamrock Shake

Copycat Shamrock Shakes are as easy as 1, 2, 3!

  1. In a blender (or bullet blender for individual servings), layer ice cream, cream (or milk), mint extract, and green food coloring.
  2. Blend until smooth and pour immediately into glasses.
  3. Garnish with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry if desired. Serve immediately.
close up of copycat shamrock shake in a clear glass with a straw, and a towel beside it

Tips and Tricks 

  • To really get that rich, creamy flavor, use full-fat ice cream and real cream instead of milk. Calories should not be counted when celebrating the luck o’ the Irish!
  • Mint or peppermint extract can be used interchangeably, but real peppermint extract is preferred. Mint extract is a blend of spearmint and peppermint, and is not as sweet.
  • Make some homemade no churn ice cream if desired and use in this recipe! 
close up of copycat shamrock shake in a clear glass with a straw

Leftovers

Leftover shamrock shakes can be made into shamrock sundaes!

  1. Make a base by whipping heavy cream until it is stiff and then fold in the leftover shake. Cover and freeze.
  2. Serve with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, a sprinkle of nuts, and a maraschino cherry!

Other Tasty Drinks!

copycat shamrock shake in a clear glass with a straw
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Copycat Shamrock Shake

Homemade Shamrock Shakes are so delicious and can be easily modified by adding mint chocolate chips, caramel bits, or Oreo cookies – the possibilities are endless.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Author Candace

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • In a blender or bullet blender, add ice cream, cream, extract, and food coloring. Mix about 30 seconds, until smooth.
  • Pour into glass and garnish as desired.

Notes

  • Use full-fat ice cream and real cream for a rich and thick shake.
  • Real peppermint & mint extract is preferred over imitation extract, but both will do the trick if that’s what you have on hand!
5 from 3 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 689 | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 196mg | Sodium: 189mg | Potassium: 456mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 2000IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 305mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.

Course Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine American

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copycat shamrock shake in a clear glass with a straw and a towel beside it, with a title
copycat shamrock shake in a clear glass with a straw, with a title
copycat shamrock shake in a clear glass with a straw, with writing
copycat shamrock shake in a clear glass with a straw and a towel beside it, with writing
copycat shamrock shake in a clear glass with a straw, and a top view of the shake under the title
a copycat shamrock shake in a short, clear glass with a straw, and with a title

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About the author

I am a wife, mother of two, and professional accountant. I love fantastic food, and it is so often the center of our lives, from everyday dinner, to family gatherings, and special evenings at fabulous restaurants. I have always loved cooking and baking, with my mom and grandma, and now, with my daughter and son. I love trying new recipes while enjoying my favorites too. I’m so happy to share them with you.
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