Easy Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe

Easy Copycat Shamrock Shake

This Easy Copycat Shamrock Shake recipe brings all the nostalgia of the McDonald’s classic right to your kitchen—no drive-thru required! Made with simple ingredients like vanilla ice cream, milk, and peppermint flavoring, this homemade version is just as delicious (if not better) than the original. Plus, you can customize it to be dairy-free, lower in sugar, or extra thick to match your perfect shake preference.

In our family, we love this Copycat Shamrock Shake because my son is lactose-free, and I love that he doesn’t have to miss out on fun treats like this just because regular ice cream bothers his stomach!

Copycat Shamrock Shake – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe! | Skip the drive-thru and make your own Copycat Shamrock Shake at home! This creamy, minty treat tastes just like McDonald’s but is easy to customize. Try it dairy-free or extra thick!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Vanilla Ice Cream – Classic choice for a creamy texture.

• Dairy-free option: Use lactose-free vanilla ice cream or a non-dairy alternative like coconut, almond, or oat milk ice cream.
• Healthier swap: Try banana-based ice cream or a high-protein ice cream for a lower-calorie version.

Whole Milk – Helps blend everything into a smooth shake.

• Dairy-free option: Use almond, oat, coconut, or soy milk—oat milk provides a creamier texture similar to dairy.
• Thicker shake: Reduce the milk slightly or use half-and-half instead.

Green Food Coloring – Gives the shake its signature Shamrock color.

• Natural alternative: Use spinach juice or matcha powder for a naturally green shake without artificial coloring.

Peppermint Extract (NOT mint extract) – Provides that cool, refreshing flavor.

• Important: Avoid mint extract, which has a spearmint taste that doesn’t match the classic Shamrock Shake.
• Stronger flavor: Add a tiny bit more extract, but go slow—it can become overpowering quickly!

Whipped Cream and Cherry to garnish – Adds the perfect finishing touch!

• Dairy-free option: Use coconut whipped cream or a store-bought dairy-free alternative.
• Extra toppings: Try chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or crushed Oreos for a fun twist!

How to Make a Shamrock Shake at Home – Simple & Creamy! | You don’t need a special trip to McDonald’s for a Shamrock Shake—make this quick and easy version at home! It’s thick, minty, and totally delicious.

Can I make this Shamrock Shake dairy-free?

Yes! To make a dairy-free Shamrock Shake, simply swap out the dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives:

• Vanilla Ice Cream → Use a non-dairy ice cream made from coconut, almond, oat, or cashew milk.
• Whole Milk → Replace with almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk—oat milk is the creamiest option!
• Whipped Cream → Use coconut whipped cream or a store-bought dairy-free alternative.

With these substitutions, you’ll still get a creamy, minty shake that’s just as delicious as the original!

*Note: Our lactose-free version uses Wegman’s brand lactose-free vanilla ice cream, Organic Valley lactose-free half-and-half, and Reddi-whip non-dairy whipped cream.

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Easy Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe

Yield: 1-2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Love McDonald's Shamrock Shake? Now you can make it at home in just a few minutes! This easy recipe is creamy, minty, and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day (or anytime!).

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Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 5-8 drops green food coloring
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract (NOT mint extract)
• whipped cream and cherry to garnish

Instructions

1. Blend together the ice cream, milk, food coloring, and peppermint extract.
2. Pour into a cup and garnish with whipped cream and a cherry. Serve immediately.

Notes

Dairy-Free Option – To make this shake dairy-free, use non-dairy vanilla ice cream and your favorite plant-based milk (oat milk is the creamiest!). Top with coconut whipped cream for a fully lactose-free treat.

Peppermint Extract vs. Mint Extract – Be sure to use peppermint extract, not mint extract, which contains spearmint and will change the flavor. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Adjusting Thickness – For a thicker shake, use less milk or add extra ice cream. If you prefer a thinner consistency, increase the milk slightly.

Natural Food Coloring – If you prefer to avoid artificial dyes, use spinach juice, matcha powder, or spirulina for a natural green hue without affecting the flavor.

Storage – This shake is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can freeze it for up to 1 hour and re-blend before serving.

Fun Toppings – Customize your Shamrock Shake with chocolate shavings, crushed Oreos, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a fun twist!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 341Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 146mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 1gSugar: 33gProtein: 8g

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