If you’re craving that iconic green treat but want a fresh twist, then you’re in for a real treat with this Homemade Shamrock Shake with Peppermint Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe brings the perfect blend of creamy richness and refreshing peppermint flavor right into your kitchen. Plus, making it yourself means you can control the sweetness and the mintiness exactly how you like it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Customizable Mint Flavor: You get to decide how strong or subtle the peppermint taste is, making it perfect for every palate.
- Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy required—just good quality vanilla ice cream and a splash of peppermint extract.
- Fun and Festive: The vibrant green color and classic whipped cream topping make this a standout at any gathering.
- Quick to Make: Whip it up in around 15 minutes, perfect for a last-minute St. Patty’s treat or anytime you need a cool refreshment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic really comes from the balance between creamy vanilla ice cream and that bright peppermint punch. You’ll find that these ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store, which makes whipping this up a no-brainer whenever the mood strikes.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Choose a high-quality, creamy one for the best texture and authentic indulgence.
- Milk: I like whole milk for richness, but you can use any milk you prefer; almond milk works too if you’re dairy-free.
- Peppermint Extract: This is where the flavor shines. Start with a small amount and add more to avoid overpowering the shake.
- Green Food Coloring: Regular food coloring works great here – just add a few drops to get that perfect shamrock hue.
- Whipped Cream: A fluffy topper that adds creaminess and a classic look.
- Cherries: For that nostalgic finish on top of the whipped cream.
- Honey and Green Sanding Sugar: Optional, but fabulous for decorating your glass rims, adding sparkle, and extra sweetness.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Homemade Shamrock Shake with Peppermint Recipe by tweaking flavors a bit each year. You can personalize it easily, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Non-Dairy Version: Switching the vanilla ice cream and milk to coconut or almond-based alternatives worked wonderfully when I had a vegan crowd over.
- Mint Chocolate Lover: Adding a tablespoon of chocolate syrup blends beautifully with the peppermint for a mocha mint twist my family goes crazy for.
- Less Sweet Version: I sometimes skip the green sanding sugar rim and use unsweetened whipped cream to cut down the sugar but keep the festive vibes.
How to Make Homemade Shamrock Shake with Peppermint Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Glasses
If you want to dazzle your guests (or yourself!), decorating your glass is a lovely touch. Pour some honey onto a small plate, and on another plate, spread green sanding sugar. Dip the rim of each glass first into the honey, then immediately into the sugar – this sticky, sparkly crust is so fun to make and adds a sweet crunch with every sip. Set your glasses aside while you blend the shake.
Step 2: Blend the Shake
In your blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, and green food coloring. I usually start with about 1 cup of milk and ¾ teaspoon of peppermint extract, adding more milk for a thinner consistency or more extract if I want a bolder mint flavor. Blend it all until smooth and creamy—should take about 30 seconds depending on your blender. Taste it before pouring to make sure it’s perfectly balanced. Remember, peppermint can be strong, so go slow!
Step 3: Pour, Top, and Serve
Pour the luscious green shake into your prepared glasses. Crown each with a generous swirl of whipped cream, then pop a bright red cherry right on top for a festive finish. I promise, this presentation makes the shake feel like a little celebration in a glass!
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Shamrock Shake with Peppermint Recipe
- Start Small with Peppermint: Peppermint extract is powerful, so always start with less than you think you want—you can add more, but can’t take it out.
- Choose Quality Ice Cream: I learned the hard way that the better the ice cream, the creamier and more indulgent your shake will be.
- Adjust Milk for Perfect Texture: Depending on how thick or thin you like your shake, adjust the milk quantity—less for thick and spoonable, more for a drinkable consistency.
- Avoid Over-Blending: Blend just until smooth to keep air bubbles from making the shake too foamy or watery later on.
How to Serve Homemade Shamrock Shake with Peppermint Recipe
Garnishes
I always go for a good dollop of whipped cream and a bright red cherry because it brings that classic diner feel. If I’m feeling fancy, sprinkling some green sanding sugar or even crushed peppermint candies on top adds both sparkle and crunch. Plus, it makes the whole experience more joyful!
Side Dishes
My family loves pairing this shake with warm, soft chocolate chip cookies or even a slice of rich chocolate cake if we’re celebrating. The coldness and freshness of the peppermint shake cut through the warm, gooey desserts beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For St. Patrick’s Day parties, I’ve served this shake in mason jars tied with green ribbons and tiny shamrock picks. It’s such an easy way to elevate your presentation and share a little holiday spirit. You could also layer the shake in clear glasses with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a pretty effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This shake tastes best fresh, but if you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just know the texture will thin out as the ice cream melts. Give it a quick stir before serving.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing the shake once made—it affects the creamy texture and peppermint flavor. Instead, freeze your ice cream and milk separately and blend fresh when you’re ready.
Reheating
Since this is a cold dessert, reheating doesn’t apply—but if leftovers become too watery, try turning them into a minty iced coffee or milkshake float by mixing with soda or brewed coffee instead.
FAQs
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Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint extract in this Homemade Shamrock Shake with Peppermint Recipe?
Absolutely! Mint extract has a slightly different flavor profile than peppermint extract—more spearmint-like and milder. Some people prefer it for a less intense mint flavor. If you try it, start with a smaller amount as it can be stronger than peppermint, and adjust from there.
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How can I make this shake vegan or dairy-free?
Simply swap out the vanilla ice cream and milk for your favorite non-dairy options like coconut milk ice cream and almond milk. I’ve done this many times, and the shake stays creamy and delicious, just with a slightly different texture.
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What if I don’t have green food coloring?
That’s no problem! The green color is mainly for fun. You can leave it out or try blending in some fresh spinach for a natural green tint, but that will change the flavor slightly. For the classic look, green food coloring is easiest.
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Can I make this shake without a blender?
It’s definitely tougher without a blender since you want that smooth, creamy texture. You could try vigorously whisking softened ice cream with milk and peppermint extract by hand, but it won’t be as silky. A blender really makes the process quick and effortless.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Shamrock Shake with Peppermint Recipe hits that nostalgic spot while giving you full control over flavor and sweetness. I’ve made this year after year for friends, and the smiles say it all. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just want a cool, minty treat on a warm day, this recipe is a keeper. Give it a try and see for yourself how simple ingredients and a little peppermint magic create something truly special!
Print
Homemade Shamrock Shake with Peppermint Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Copycat Shamrock Shake recipe recreates the iconic minty green milkshake with creamy vanilla ice cream, refreshing peppermint extract, and a vibrant touch of green food coloring. Perfectly topped with whipped cream and a cherry, this festive shake is ideal for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you crave a cool, minty treat.
Ingredients
Shake Ingredients
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1–2 cups milk (see notes)
- 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (or mint extract, see notes)
- 3-4 drops green food coloring
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Cherry
- Honey
- Green sanding sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: If desired, dip the rim of each glass in honey placed on a plate, then immediately dip into green sanding sugar on another plate to coat and decorate the rim. Set the prepared glasses aside.
- Blend the Shake: In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, 1 to 2 cups of milk depending on preferred thickness, peppermint extract, and green food coloring. Blend on high speed until smooth and fully combined.
- Adjust Flavor and Color: Taste the shake and add more peppermint extract if you want a stronger mint flavor. Also, add more green food coloring if you desire a deeper green shade, blending after each addition to maintain even color and flavor.
- Serve: Pour the milkshake evenly into the prepared glasses. Top each shake with a generous swirl of whipped cream and finish with a cherry on top for a classic shamrock shake presentation.
Notes
- Use peppermint extract for a traditional minty flavor or mint extract if you prefer a spearmint taste.
- Start with ¼ teaspoon of extract and increase gradually to avoid overpowering the shake.
- Use regular liquid food coloring; gel coloring requires much less and should be added sparingly.
- The amount of milk can be adjusted to reach your preferred shake consistency.
- A previous version of this recipe used almond milk and vanilla pudding mix for a lighter alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
