Boozy Shamrock Shake Recipe

For a bright and refreshing spring treat, make this Boozy Shamrock Shake Recipe that’s bursting with sweet mint flavor and a special alcohol twist!

We love a McDonald’s shamrock shake, a frozen treat with an iconic green color and minty flavor. But, they are only available around Saint Patrick’s Day. So we make our own, right here at home!

And we’re happy we can show you just how we did that. With this copycat shamrock shake recipe, you can easily create your own version of the classic treat any time. Right in your own kitchen!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BOOZY SHAMROCK SHAKE

This boozy milkshake recipe takes the classic McDonald’s shamrock shake and turns it into a rich, creamy adult dessert.

With common ingredients, this homemade shamrock shake is incredibly easy to make any time of year and doesn’t require a trip to the drive thru.

Thanks to Baileys Irish cream, this boozy shamrock shake is particularly indulgent and has just the right amount of bite to it.

You could even make your own homemade Baileys if you like! 

Want to turn these into pudding shots? Here’s how to make Shamrock Pudding Shots with Baileys!

Similar to our Peanut Butter Whiskey Milkshake, this is an excellent treat when you want something cold, satisfying, and with a little bit of kick.

It’s a fun counterpart to this Baileys Strawberries and Cream Milkshake, and you could even serve them side by side for various dessert options!

And, here’s our collection of St. Patrick’s Day cocktails – over 15 green drinks you will enjoy celebrating the holiday with!

INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE SHAMROCK SHAKE

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Acts as the base for this boozy shamrock shake.
• Baileys Irish Cream – Provides a little bit of alcoholic bite, and also helps balance the thickness of the ice cream.
• Mint Extract – Gives this homemade shamrock shake its signature minty flavor.
• Green Food Coloring – For the green hue that this dessert is known for.
• Toppings – I like to top my boozy milkshake with a swirl of whipped cream, and some festive sprinkles and a maraschino cherry also give it some extra flair.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

Blender – In order to blend everything together for your shake, you’ll need a decent blender.

Ice Cream Scoop – You could also use a large spoon, but this will help you scoop the ice cream with no issues.

HOW TO MAKE A HOMEMADE SHAMROCK SHAKE

1. Place the vanilla ice cream, Baileys, mint extract, and food coloring in the blender.
2. Blend all of the ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour into a glass (we used these hurricane glasses).
4. Top with whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry.

POPULAR VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Use mint chocolate chip ice cream instead of vanilla. If you do, you probably won’t need to add the mint flavoring or food coloring.
• This recipe can also be used to make a regular shamrock shake with the booze. Replace the Baileys with your milk of choice.
• On the flip side, you can make this boozy shamrock shake even stronger by adding a splash of a liquor like vodka. Plain vodka works fine, but you could also use a flavor like vanilla for an added layer of sweetness.
• Drizzle the inside of each glass with chocolate syrup for some additional flavor and fun presentation.

EXPERT TIPS

• Check the consistency of your boozy milkshake before pouring it into your glass. If it’s too thick, add a bit more Baileys (or just some milk). If you want it thicker, blend in a bit more ice cream.
• Start with less food coloring and mint extract than you think you’ll need. It can always be added, but if you put too much in, you can’t take it out.
• If you don’t have a blender, you could also combine the ingredients in a large bowl and whisk by hand. It will take a lot of whisking, but the end result will be worth it!
• An immersion blender can also be used if you don’t have a stand blender.
• Add a sprig of fresh mint as another optional garnish.
• Pair your homemade shamrock shakes with a savory appetizer like Loaded Baked Potato Bites or a bowl of Salt and Vinegar Popcorn.

FAQ’s

What’s in a shamrock shake?

The classic McDonald’s milkshake is comprised of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and “Shamrock Shake Syrup”, which is where the green color and mint flavor come from.

This homemade shamrock shake recipe uses mint extract and food dye to achieve the same effect.

When are shamrock shakes available?

The shamrock shake is typically available starting sometime in February, and McDonald’s continues to sell them through March.

With this recipe, you can enjoy them all year round!

BOOZY SHAMROCK SHAKE RECIPE