Shamrock Shakes are creamy, minty, and perfectly refreshing with their iconic green color. This homemade version delivers the classic fast-food favorite using simple ingredients you can blend in minutes. Ideal for anytime you crave a cool mint dessert, this Shamrock Shakes recipe is smooth, sweet, and family-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, smooth milkshake texture
- Refreshing mint flavor with a classic green color
- Ready in minutes with simple ingredients
- Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
- Easy to customize with toppings or mix-ins
Ingredients

- 3 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 drops green food coloring
- Whipped cream for topping
- Optional: chocolate shavings or sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Add vanilla ice cream and milk to a blender.
- Pour in peppermint extract and vanilla extract.
- Add green food coloring.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust mint flavor if needed.
- Pour into glasses.
- Top with whipped cream and optional chocolate shavings.
- Serve immediately while cold and thick.
Tips & Variations
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant green color
- Add crushed chocolate candies for texture
- Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk if needed
- Chill glasses before serving for extra cold shakes
- Blend with ice for a thicker consistency
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Serve immediately for best texture
- Store leftovers in freezer for up to 1 hour and re-blend before serving
- Avoid refrigeration, as the shake melts and separates
- Prepare ingredients ahead and blend just before serving
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Serve with chocolate cookies or brownies
- Garnish with mint leaves for presentation
- Pair with vanilla cupcakes or sugar cookies
- Serve in clear glasses to highlight the green color
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Shamrock Shakes without food coloring?
Yes, the mint flavor remains the same. The green color is optional and only decorative.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and plant-based milk for similar results.
How strong is the mint flavor?
The flavor is mild and refreshing. You can increase peppermint extract slightly if desired.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh. You can pre-measure ingredients and blend just before serving.
Ready to Make It?
These Shamrock Shakes are creamy, minty, and fun to serve. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a refreshing dessert drink, this recipe comes together fast and delivers classic flavor every time.
You Might Also Like
- Grasshopper Pie – Creamy mint chocolate dessert with a rich chocolate crust.
- Green Velvet Cake – Moist layered cake with festive green color and creamy frosting.
- Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars – Soft, gooey dessert bars perfect for sharing.
- Homemade Dark Chocolate – Simple chocolate recipe made with minimal ingredients.
Shamrock Shakes
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and refreshing Shamrock Shakes with mint flavor and classic green color, perfect for festive occasions.
Ingredients
3 cups vanilla ice cream
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 drops green food coloring
Whipped cream for topping
Optional: chocolate shavings or sprinkles
Instructions
1. Add vanilla ice cream and milk to blender
2. Add peppermint extract and vanilla extract
3. Add green food coloring
4. Blend until smooth and creamy
5. Taste and adjust mint flavor if needed
6. Pour into glasses
7. Top with whipped cream
8. Serve immediately
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert Drink
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg