You're likely familiar with the Shamrock Shake—the minty, psychedelic-green St. Patrick’s Day-themed treat that McDonald’s rolls out to much fanfare each March. Due to its popularity, the company announced they'll offer even more options this year, including a Chocolate Shamrock Shake (which has its own straw designed to deliver the ideal ratio of flavors in every sip), a Shamrock Chocolate Chip Frappe, a Shamrock Hot Chocolate, and a Shamrock Mocha. And while the shakes may taste dreamy, be warned: Inside the original concoction lurks a massive list of ingredients: Yellow #5. Blue #1. Polysorbate 80. Disodium Phosphate. Guar Gum. Vitamin A Palmitate. Also: 530 calories and the same amount of sugar—a whopping 73 grams delivered via 3 different kinds of corn syrup—that you’d get from eating 3 ½ Hostess cupcakes.
But before you go crying into your cup, take heart. We headed to the kitchen for some experimentation. The happy results? A homemade version that keeps the cool color and flavor, with just six ingredients.
DIY Shamrock Shake
The addition of heavy cream might seem indulgent here, but it has a practical purpose. Just as beating cream with a whisk will result in whipped cream, whirring some in your blender along with the rest of your ingredients will lend the finished drink a decadently rich, mousse-like texture.
Total Time: 5 minutes
Hands On Time: 5 minutes
Makes 2 shakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Directions
- Place the ice cream, milk, cream, mint, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and frothy.
And if you really want to live it up....
Boozy Shamrock Shake
Adults only, please. This twist on the classic gets a little pep in its step from the addition of a shot of Branca Menta, an Italian amaro with a complex minty, herbal edge. But if you can’t find it in your local store, classic creme de menthe will also do in a pinch!
Total Time: 5 minutes
Hands On Time: 5 minutes
Makes 2 shakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 oz Branca Menta liqueur
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Place the ice cream, milk, cream, mint, Branca Menta, mint, and vanilla extract in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and frothy.
