What is a Shamrock Milkshake
What is a Shamrock Shake? Everything You Need to Know About McDonald’s Famous Green Mint Milkshake
The Shamrock Shake is one of the most iconic limited-edition milkshakes in fast-food history. Every February or March, millions of people rush to McDonald’s for this bright-green, mint-flavored treat that has become synonymous with St.
Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States and beyond. But what exactly is a Shamrock Shake, where did it come from, and why does it disappear the rest of the year? In this complete guide, we’ll cover the ingredients, history, calories, copycat recipes, and tips to get your hands on one in 2025 and beyond.
What Is a Shamrock Shake Made Of?
At its core, the Shamrock Shake is a vanilla soft-serve ice cream base blended with shamrock shake syrup (a mint-flavored, artificially colored green syrup) and finished with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top.
Official McDonald’s ingredients (U.S. version, 2025):
- Vanilla Reduced Fat Ice Cream (milk, sugar, cream, corn syrup, natural flavor, etc.)
- Shamrock Shake Syrup (high fructose corn syrup, water, natural flavor, xanthan gum, citric acid, sodium benzoate, and yellow 5 + blue 1 for that signature neon green color)
- Whipped Light Cream
- Maraschino Cherry
The name “shamrock” simply refers to the three-leaf clover symbol of Ireland and the green color associated with St. Patrick’s Day.
A Brief History of the Shamrock Shake
The Shamrock Shake was first introduced in 1970 as a seasonal fundraiser. Here are the key milestones:
- 1967 – Chicago franchisee Hal Rosen created a green vanilla shake for St. Patrick’s Day parades.
- 1970 – McDonald’s officially launched the Shamrock Shake nationwide.
- 1974-1980s – Proceeds helped fund the first Ronald McDonald House charities.
- 2017 – McDonald’s released chocolate and other limited variants in select countries.
- 2020 – 50th anniversary brought back the shake with massive social media hype.
- 2022 – The OREO Shamrock McFlurry returned permanently in some locations.
- 2025 – Expected return date: mid-February (usually around February 10–15).
Over 60 million Shamrock Shakes have been sold since 1970, making it one of the most successful limited-time offers in fast-food history.
Shamrock Shake Nutrition & Calories (2025)
A medium (16 fl oz) Shamrock Shake contains approximately:
| Size | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 460 | 13 | 74 | 63 | 10 |
| Medium | 560 | 16 | 91 | 78 | 12 |
| Large | 800 | 23 | 131 | 112 | 17 |
It’s definitely an indulgence, not a health food! If you’re watching sugar, consider splitting one or making a lighter homemade version (recipe below).
When Does the Shamrock Shake Come Back in 2025?
McDonald’s typically brings back the Shamrock Shake in mid-February and keeps it on menus until late March or while supplies last. In recent years:
- 2024: February 5 – March 21
- 2023: February 15 – March 25
- 2022: February 21 – March 23
Pro tip: Download the McDonald’s app and turn on notifications. Many locations run out early in high-demand cities like Chicago, Boston, and New York.
How to Make a Copycat Shamrock Shake at Home (Better Than the Original!)
Craving one in July? Here’s the internet-famous copycat recipe that tastes almost identical:
Ingredients (makes 2 large shakes)
- 3 cups good-quality vanilla bean ice cream (or vanilla reduced-fat)
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract (NOT mint extract – peppermint is key)
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional, enhances flavor)
- 6–8 drops green food coloring (or more for neon effect)
- Whipped cream and cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, vanilla, and food coloring to a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy (about 30–45 seconds).
- Pour into tall glasses, top with whipped cream and a cherry.
- Serve immediately.
Healthier version: Use low-fat frozen yogurt or banana nice cream + spinach for natural green color (though the taste won’t be quite the same).
Fun Facts About the Shamrock Shake
- The original 1970 version was lemon-lime flavored, not mint.
- In Canada, it’s sometimes called the “St. Patrick’s Day Shake.”
- Uncle O’Grimacey (Grimace’s Irish uncle) was created in the 1970s just to promote the shake.
- In 2019, fans started the #ShamrockShakeSightings trend on social media to track early releases.
- Some McDonald’s locations secretly sell it year-round if you ask nicely (the “secret menu” hack).
Where Can You Still Get a Shamrock Shake Outside the U.S.?
While primarily an American tradition, you can find it in:
- Canada (often year-round in some locations)
- Ireland (ironically rare – sometimes appears as a special promotion)
- South Korea, Australia, and the UK (occasional limited runs)
Final Thoughts: Is the Shamrock Shake Worth the Hype?
For many, the Shamrock Shake is pure nostalgia in a green cup. It’s sweet, minty, and instantly transports you back to childhood St. Patrick’s Day parades. While it’s far from healthy, its once-a-year availability makes it a fun treat rather than a daily habit.
Mark your calendar for mid-February 2025, check the McDonald’s app, and grab one before they vanish again. And if you miss the window, the homemade version above is so close you might actually prefer it.
Happy (early) St. Patrick’s Day – may your shake be cold and your cherry perfectly centered!
For the latest Shamrock Shake release dates and secret menu hacks, bookmark bytepoint.site and follow us on social media. Erin go bragh… and pass the green shake! 🍀