Everyone has their own favorite way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Your yearly tradition might include corned beef and cabbage or perhaps a big pot of Guinness beef stew. For me, there’s nothing better than a cool and creamy Shamrock Shake.

Introduced by McDonald’s around 1970, the Shamrock Shake is a green, mint-flavored milkshake topped with whipped cream. This popular seasonal treat is only available during February and March to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Want to learn how to make it at home? This creamy green shake comes together with just a handful of basic ingredients! Here’s our easy recipe.

Why you’ll love it

Key ingredients in a shamrock shake

Variation

Boozy Shamrock Shake: There’s no alcohol in this family-friendly version, but we do have a recipe for a boozy Shamrock Shake if that’s more your speed.

Shamrock Shake

Makes about 2 1/2 cups; serves 2

For the milkshake:

1 pint vanilla ice cream (about 2 cups)

2/3 cup whole milk

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

8 drops liquid or 4 drops gel green food coloring

Garnish options:

Whipped cream

Green sprinkles

2 maraschino cherries

1. Let 1 pint vanilla ice cream sit out at room temperature until starting to soften, 10 to 15 minutes (softened ice cream will blend with ease and require less milk to get things moving). Give the container a squeeze — it shouldn’t be rock hard and should give slightly when it’s ready. Meanwhile, chill the glasses.

2. If you have room in your freezer, stick two tall drinking or milkshake glasses in there, or else chill the glasses in the refrigerator. This will ensure the milkshake stays cold as long as possible.

3. Place 2/3 cup whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, 8 drops liquid or 4 drops gel green food coloring, and the softened vanilla ice cream in a blender.

4. Starting on the lowest speed and working your way up to medium speed, blend until the milkshake is smooth and pourable, about 1 minute. Stop the blender and scrape down the sides or stir as needed to keep things moving.

5. Divide the milkshake between the glasses. Garnish with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and two maraschino cherries if desired. Serve immediately.

(Kelli Foster is a culinary producer for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)

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