Thursday, February 23, 2012

Make Your Own Shamrock Shakes - Even Better Than the Real Thing!


I didn't believe it when I read the claim...a copycat recipe for Shamrock Shakes?  I could believe a tasty mint shake, but one that tastes like THE Shamrock Shake?  Is it possible to re-create it right in our kitchens?  In a word:  Yes!  Here's how you do it:

McDonald's Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe
Recipe by Naptimechef

3 cups good quality vanilla ice cream
1 3/4 cups 1% milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
green food coloring

Put all of the ingredients into a blender and blend.  That's it.  Seriously.



 Here are my notes:

  • I used 2% milk and it turned out fine.  I also used French Vanilla ice cream, which may alter the taste just a bit.  Next time I'll use plain old vanilla just for comparison.
  • I have a blender, but I don't really blend things, so I didn't know which setting to put it on.  I used a little of each!  None of them seemed to combine all of the ice cream and milk, so I used a spoon to push the ice cream down (after turning the blender OFF, of course) and mix it up a bit.
  • I wanted my shake a little thicker, so I used almost all of a 1.5 gallon carton of ice cream.
  • This makes about 3 full beer mugs of shake.  You can easily make it for one or two people by playing around with the measurements.  It's certainly not an exact science, as some like their shakes thick, and some like them thin.
  • A little mint extract goes a long way.  If I had added one drop more than 1/2 teaspoon, it would have been too strong.  Again, though, it's a preference thing.
  • The dye did not mix up in the blender, I had to mix it by hand, after the ice cream and milk were blended.  I started with two drops of liquid green dye and ended up using quite a bit more until I reached the pale, green color I wanted.
  • To store the leftovers I poured the shake back into the ice cream container and put it in the freezer.  When I am ready to serve more, I'll blend it back up and hope it tastes good.  :)
  • It's delicious and I loved it.  You should make it, too!!


Sláinte!!

18 comments:

  1. Yum, I'm making these for St. Patrick's Day. I love the glass mug they are served in.

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    1. The mugs are fun...and we keep them in the freezer so when they are used they're all frosty! You'll really love this shake when you make it. Thanks for stopping by Life Is Sweets...please come back soon! :)

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  2. So yummy! My husband and I were tempted to buy this at McDonald's Yesterday! So glad you posted this. So simple too! Looks AWESOME!

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    1. Very simple! I hope you had a chance to make them. :) Thanks for stopping by Life Is Sweets...please visit again!

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  3. Oh that looks good. If you have not linked up yet at Bacon Time for the Go Green giveaway please do.

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    1. Thank you so much! I did link up...thanks for the invitation. :)

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  4. Replies
    1. It really is delicious! Thank you so much for stopping by - please visit Life Is Sweets again soon. :)

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  5. Totally making this for my hubby and 3 year old for St Patty's day. Found you through Mangia Monday. -Kelly @ Semi Homemade Mom

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    1. I think you'll all enjoy it, Kelly! Thank you for visiting Life Is Sweets through Mangia Monday...hope to see you again soon. :)

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  6. Yum! Thanks for sharing such a great recipe. I can't wait to try. I've pinned this one. I'm your newest follower via the link party at Bacon Time... ~ Megan

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    1. Thank you, Megan! I hope you enjoy this shake when you give a try. :) Thanks for the follow - I'm following you back! Have a great weekend!

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  7. I love Shamrock Shakes and had never thought (sadly!) of just making them at home. Thank you...I can't wait to make them! =0)

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    1. It never occurred to me to make them at home, either! Thank Heaven's for people sharing recipes!! I hope you enjoy them. :) I appreciate you stopping by Life Is Sweets. Please visit again soon!

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  8. Yummy! We just got these last night and the kids want more... Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday :)

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    1. You're welcome....thanks for hosting each week! Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend! :)

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  9. Thank you - I need this! We loved having you join us at "Strut Your Stuff Saturday." We hope you'll be back next week! -The Sisters

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    1. Thank you - and thanks for hosting such a great party each week! :)

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