Spread the love

Bright mint shake you’ll want all season

A cool, minty copycat Shamrock Shake that delivers a fluffy, creamy texture and a bright mint aroma in under five minutes — perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or turning any ordinary afternoon into something festive. A practical tip: use slightly softened ice cream for faster blending and a silkier finish. If you enjoy simple, creamy shakes like a lighter fruit version, try the creamy strawberry milkshake with chia pudding for another easy treat.

Simple reasons to make this at home

This shake is fast, forgiving, and customizable — you can tweak the mint intensity, swap milks, or add mix-ins without changing technique. It’s great for families because the base is just ice cream and milk, and it plays nicely with other dessert ideas on the menu like peanut-butter-forward candies when you want a sweet-and-refreshing contrast; see a copycat version of a popular candy treat for inspiration at copycat Reese’s peanut butter eggs.

What people notice first

Quick highlights

Bright, minty flavor with a creamy vanilla background
Thick, shakeable texture that’s still pourable
Ready in minutes with a blender and pantry staples
Family-friendly: kids can help drop in the coloring and top with whipped cream
Easily scaled up for a party

How the making flows, at a glance

Measure, blend, adjust, and top — that’s the entire workflow. Start by scooping, pour a splash of milk for looseness, add mint extract and color, blend to a uniform texture, then finish with whipped cream and a cherry for a classic diner look. If you want a warm pastry beside it, consider serving with soft, gooey rolls like these copycat Cinnabon cinnamon rolls for a nostalgic pairing.

Prep strategies to speed things up

Chill your glasses in the freezer a few minutes beforehand to keep the shake colder longer. Slightly soften the ice cream on the counter for 5–10 minutes so it blends smoothly without overheating. For measuring ease, scoop the ice cream into a large measuring cup then pour into the blender to avoid sticky bowls. For another quick shake idea and textural inspiration, check a strawberry chia milkshake recipe like this strawberry milkshake with chia pudding.

Ingredients

2 cups vanilla ice cream, 1 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, Green food coloring, Whipped cream, Maraschino cherries (optional)

You can serve this alongside warm baked goods such as copycat Cinnabon cinnamon rolls for an indulgent dessert spread.

Substitutions and quality notes

Use whole milk for the creamiest result, or swap to 2% for a slightly lighter texture. If you prefer a non-dairy version, choose a full-fat coconut or oat-based ice cream and unsweetened oat milk. For peppermint intensity, start with 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and add in 1/8-teaspoon increments — peppermint extracts vary in strength. Choose a good-quality vanilla ice cream for the cleanest flavor, and use gel food coloring for a vivid hue with less liquid.

Step-by-step directions

Combine the ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring in a blender.
Blend on medium-high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no visible ice cream lumps.
Taste and adjust the color with more food coloring if needed, adding tiny drops until you reach the desired green.
Pour the shake into chilled glasses, top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and, if you like, a maraschino cherry.
Serve right away while cold and enjoy the bright mint flavor.

Visual and timing cues to watch for

Total active time: about 3–5 minutes.
Blending should take 20–40 seconds depending on your machine; stop when the texture is silky and uniform.
If the blender struggles, add a tablespoon of milk and pulse to finish.
The shake should be pourable but thick enough to hold a mound of whipped cream.

Best pairings and when to serve

Serve this mint shake as a festive afternoon treat, a St. Patrick’s Day dessert, or a cool finish to spicy meals. It pairs beautifully with warm baked goods, crispy cookies, or chocolatey bites.

Serving ideas

Top with chocolate shavings for an adult twist
Serve with warm cinnamon rolls for brunch
Add a small chocolate wafer on the rim for color contrast
Offer mini spoons so kids can enjoy the whipped cream topping
Pair with salty snacks to balance sweetness

Storage and safety guidance

Leftover shake is best enjoyed immediately; because of texture change, freezing and reheating aren’t ideal.

Storage reminders

Store extra blended shake in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week, but expect texture to be icy.
Thaw frozen leftovers briefly and re-blend with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Discard any shake left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Essential equipment and handy shortcuts

A basic blender is all you need; a high-speed blender makes the texture silkier but isn’t required. Use chilled glasses to keep drinks colder longer and a bench scraper to transfer sticky ice cream to the blender easily.

Extra technique tips

For an ultra-smooth shake, let softened ice cream sit for only 5–7 minutes.
Use a rubber spatula to get every last drop out of the blender.
If you prefer less dairy, replace half the milk with cold brewed green tea for a mint-tea twist.

Ways to vary the classic

Add chocolate syrup for a mint-chocolate shake, or swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter for a richer, nutty version. Use peppermint candy pieces for texture, or blend in a handful of spinach for a naturally green color without food dyes.

Easy swaps

Non-dairy: use coconut or oat-based ice cream and milk
Sugar-free: choose a sugar-free vanilla ice cream and omit added syrups
Adult version: add a splash of crème de menthe or peppermint liqueur (serve responsibly)

Estimated nutrition per serving

Makes about 2 servings. Per serving (approximate):
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Serving size: one 12–16 oz shake

Nutrition adjustment notes

Adding whipped cream and a cherry increases calories and fat slightly.
Use lower-fat milk or reduced-sugar ice cream to cut calories and carbs.
Non-dairy options may change fat and protein content — check labels for exact values.

Helpful answers to common questions

Q: Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
A: Peppermint oil is much more concentrated; use an appropriate food-grade extract and start very small. If you must use oil, start with a single drop diluted in a bit of milk.

Q: How can I make the color more vivid without more food coloring?
A: Use a touch of gel food coloring (a toothpick-sized amount) which gives stronger color than liquid drops.

Q: Will a hand blender work for this recipe?
A: A powerful hand blender can work in a tall container, but it may not create the same velvety texture as a countertop blender. Pulse and check for smoothness.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: It’s best blended just before serving. You can pre-measure ingredients and keep ice cream chilled until guests arrive for a quick blend-and-serve.

Ready to blend and enjoy

Give this copycat Shamrock Shake a try — it’s fast, festive, and endlessly tweakable. Once you’ve blended your first minty glass, you’ll see how easy it is to make a diner-style favorite at home.