Homemade Copycat Shamrock Shake

The first time I attempted to recreate that iconic green shake, I went way overboard on the peppermint extract. One tiny bottle cap full too many, and suddenly my kitchen smelled like a dentist's office crossed with a candy factory. Now I know better—that stuff is potent, and a little goes a remarkably long way. The version I've landed on hits that perfect nostalgic sweet spot without overwhelming your senses.

My roommate walked in mid-blend last week and asked why I was making milkshakes on a Tuesday. Before I could explain, she'd already grabbed a glass and claimed the second serving as her own. Now it's become our weird little tradition—whenever someone's had a rough day, the blender comes out and suddenly everything seems a little more manageable.

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream: Full-fat creates that luxurious restaurant-style texture, though I've used lighter versions in a pinch
• Whole milk: The fat content matters here for silky smoothness, but 2% works if that's what you have
• Peppermint extract: Start conservatively because this stuff is essentially mint concentrate in a bottle
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and keeps the mint from tasting one-dimensional or artificial
• Green food coloring: Purely for the psychological effect that somehow makes it taste more authentic
• Whipped cream and cherries: Completely optional but strongly recommended for the full experience

Instructions

Combine everything in the blender:

Toss in your ice cream, milk, both extracts, and food coloring—the order doesn't matter since it's all getting blended together anyway.

Blend until completely smooth:

Start on low speed to break things up, then crank it up high for about 30 seconds until you don't see any ice cream chunks.

Taste and adjust:

Take a tiny spoonful—if the mint isn't singing enough, add another drop or two, but remember you can always add more but you can't take it back.

Pour and decorate:

Divide between two tall glasses and go wild with whatever toppings make you feel like a kid again.

Save

Last St. Patrick's Day, I made a double batch for friends who'd never had the original version. Watching them take that first suspicious sip, then immediately reach for seconds, reminded me how sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most universal. Now they text me every March asking when the green shakes are happening again.

Getting the Consistency Right

Some days I want it thick enough to stand a spoon up in, other times I prefer something closer to a drinking consistency. The secret is starting with less milk—you can always thin it out, but you can't un-thin a too-thin shake. Trust me, I've tried both approaches and learned this the messy way.

Making It Dairy-Free

I've tested this with coconut milk ice cream and almond milk, and while the texture shifts slightly, the flavor profile stays surprisingly intact. The key is finding a vanilla base that doesn't have too many competing flavors or sweeteners, since you want that clean mint taste to shine through.

Serving Ideas and Variations

Sometimes I'll crumble a thin mint cookie on top for texture, or drizzle with chocolate sauce if I'm feeling particularly indulgent. The base recipe is incredibly forgiving and plays well with pretty much any dessert topping you have lurking in your pantry.

• Try adding a splash of chocolate syrup for a thin mint variation
• A pinch of sea salt cuts through the sweetness and adds complexity
• For adult versions, a shot of creme de menthe transforms this into a proper dessert cocktail

Save

Whether it's March 17th or just a random Tuesday when you need something bright and cheerful, this shake delivers pure joy in a glass. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that stick around the longest.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What gives the shake its mint flavor?

Pure peppermint extract is used to deliver the refreshing mint flavor that defines this shake.

→ Can I make this shake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the vanilla ice cream and milk with plant-based alternatives to create a dairy-free version.

→ How do I achieve the green color naturally?

You can add a handful of fresh spinach leaves for natural color without affecting the taste.

→ Is it possible to adjust the mint intensity?

Absolutely. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and increase up to 3/4 teaspoon to match your preferred mint strength.

→ What toppings complement this creamy shake?

Whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and green sprinkles add festive flavor and texture to the shake.