Introduction

The Copycat Shamrock Shake is a refreshing and festive treat perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or whenever you’re craving a minty milkshake. This easy recipe combines creamy vanilla ice cream with pure mint extract and a touch of green to create a delightful dessert you can enjoy at home.

A clear cup filled with a light green creamy drink fills the bottom two-thirds of the image. On top, there is a thick layer of white whipped cream with soft, swirled peaks, sprinkled with tiny bright green sugar crystals. A bright red cherry with a long stem sits right in the center of the whipped cream, and a white straw leans into the drink from the right side. The cup is placed on a white marbled surface with small green decorations scattered around. The background is blurred, showing faint shapes but keeping focus on the drink. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups vanilla ice cream (1.5 quart container)
1 1/2 cups whole milk
3/4 tsp pure mint extract (use mint, not peppermint)
1/8 tsp green food coloring (about 10–15 drops of liquid food coloring)
Whipped cream, for serving
Green sanding or sparkling sugar, for serving
Maraschino cherries, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Add the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, pure mint extract, and green food coloring to a large blender. If your blender is small, blend in batches for best results.
Step 2: Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. Pour the shake into serving glasses.
Step 3: Top each shake with whipped cream, sprinkle with green sanding or sparkling sugar, and finish with a maraschino cherry, if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger mint flavor, add a little more mint extract carefully— a little goes a long way.
Use natural green food coloring or spinach powder for a natural color alternative.
Try blending in a handful of fresh spinach for extra green color and some added nutrients without changing the taste.
Substitute vanilla almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version, though texture may vary slightly.

Storage

This shake is best enjoyed immediately for the creamiest texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 day. Let the shake thaw slightly and stir well before serving again.

How to Serve

Two tall clear plastic cups hold light green milkshakes. The front cup has a thick base layer of smooth, pastel green milkshake with scattered darker green spots. On top, there is a large swirl of white whipped cream with small green sprinkles and a bright red maraschino cherry perched on top. A white straw with red stripes is stuck into the milkshake at an angle. In the background, the second cup has a similar green milkshake with visible dark bits mixed in, topped with whipped cream and scattered dark cookie crumbs. Both cups sit on a bright white wood surface with small green clover decorations scattered around, set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint extract?

Peppermint extract has a stronger, more intense flavor that can overpower the shake. It’s best to use pure mint extract for a refreshing and balanced taste.

Can I make this shake without food coloring?

Yes, you can skip the green food coloring if you prefer. The shake will still taste great, but it won’t have the festive green color traditionally associated with a Shamrock Shake.

Copycat Shamrock Shake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 372 reviews

This Copycat Shamrock Shake is a refreshing and creamy mint-flavored treat, perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or whenever you’re craving a cool, festive dessert. Made with vanilla ice cream, whole milk, pure mint extract, and a hint of green food coloring, it replicates the classic fast-food favorite with an easy homemade twist.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Beverages
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Shake Ingredients

6 cups vanilla ice cream (1.5 quart container)
1 1/2 cups whole milk
3/4 tsp pure mint extract (preferably mint, not peppermint)
1/8 tsp green food coloring (about 10–15 drops liquid food coloring)

For Serving

Whipped cream
Green sanding or sparkling sugar
Maraschino cherries

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Add the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, pure mint extract, and green food coloring to a large blender. If your blender is not very large or powerful, you may need to do this step in batches to avoid overflow and ensure smooth blending.
Blend Smoothly: Blend the mixture on high until smooth and creamy, with no ice cream lumps remaining. The shake should have a vibrant green color and a consistent texture throughout.
Serve: Pour the freshly blended shamrock shake into serving glasses. Top each shake generously with whipped cream, sprinkle with green sanding sugar for extra sparkle and color, and finish with a maraschino cherry on top for a classic visual and flavor touch.

Notes

Use pure mint extract rather than peppermint extract for a more authentic shamrock shake flavor.
Adjust the amount of green food coloring to reach your preferred shade of green.
If you want a thicker shake, reduce the milk slightly or add more ice cream.
This recipe serves about 4 large shakes depending on glass size.
For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan vanilla ice cream and plant-based milk.

Keywords: Shamrock Shake, Mint Shake, St. Patrick’s Day, Copycat Recipe, Vanilla Ice Cream Shake, Mint Milkshake