Shamrock Shake

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I’ve never been all that into shamrock shakes. Mint-flavored drinks? Not really my thing. Fast-food milkshakes? Even less appealing.

But lately, I’ve been blending just about everything in my kitchen (pretty sure my blender is working overtime at this point), and since St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner, I figured I’d jump on the green drink bandwagon.

Plus, I’m still trying to make myself like peppermint, so why not? This isn’t your typical thick, sugary shake—it’s more of a fresh, creamy smoothie with just the right balance of sweetness and minty coolness.

The banana and vanilla yogurt make it naturally sweet, while a tiny bit of peppermint extract gives it that signature flavor. And yeah, the green color comes from spinach. But before you start making a face, trust me, you won’t taste it.

At all. Just a secret way to get in some extra greens without ruining the fun. Also, this is barely a recipe—more of a “throw things in a blender and see what happens” kind of situation.

Want it thicker? Swap in frozen banana or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Need a dairy-free version? Use plant-based yogurt and milk.

Not into protein powder? Skip it. No matter how you tweak it, it’s creamy, refreshing, and way better than the fast-food version.

Table of Contents

Shamrock Shake Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup creamy vanilla-flavored yogurt (use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option)
2 tablespoons vanilla-flavored protein powder (optional; use plant-based for vegan)
1 ripe banana
2 handfuls of fresh spinach leaves
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (swap with oat or coconut milk for nut-free)
1 tablespoon natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup (use agave for vegan)
1-2 drops of pure peppermint essence
A handful of ice cubes

Instructions

Put all the ingredients into a blender.
Blend on high speed until you get a smooth and creamy texture.
Pour into a glass and enjoy right away.

Fascinating Facts About The Shamrock Shake

The Shamrock Shake has been a fan-favorite for decades, but there’s more to this minty green treat than meets the eye. Here are some interesting facts about its history and evolution:

Introduced in 1970: The Shamrock Shake was first created in 1967 by a McDonald’s franchise owner but became an official menu item in 1970.
Helped Start a Charity: In 1974, sales from the Shamrock Shake helped fund the first-ever Ronald McDonald House, providing a place for families with sick children to stay during medical treatments.
Had Its Own Mascot: In the 1970s, McDonald’s introduced a character named Uncle O’Grimacey, a green relative of Grimace, to promote the shake.
Not Always Minty: The original Shamrock Shake had a lemon-lime flavor, but it was later changed to the mint vanilla combination we know today.
Limited Edition Treat: Although mainly available in the U.S., the shake has made occasional appearances in Canada and Ireland.

Tips For The Best Shamrock Shake Experience

Want to make the most of this seasonal favorite? Here are some tips:

Check for Availability: It’s only sold for a few weeks between February and March, so don’t wait too long to grab one.
Customize It: Some locations allow add-ons like chocolate syrup, turning it into a delicious mint chocolate shake.
Make It at Home: If you miss the seasonal release, blending vanilla ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, and a little green food coloring can give you a similar taste.
Enjoy in Moderation: The Shamrock Shake is a sweet indulgence, so consider sharing or opting for a smaller size if you want to balance your intake.

How To Store Shamrock Shake?

Best When Fresh: The texture and flavor are at their peak when enjoyed immediately.
Freezing Option: If you can’t finish it, store it in a sealed container in the freezer.
Thawing and Reblending: Let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature, then stir or blend it to restore the consistency. However, freezing may slightly alter the texture.