Pin It This Shamrock Mint Milkshake features creamy vanilla ice cream blended with whole milk and pure mint extract, enhanced by a touch of green coloring for a festive look. Creamy and refreshing, it’s topped with whipped cream and sprinkles or a cherry for an extra touch. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for a cool, sweet treat anytime.
My youngest daughter declared last March that we needed something green for our St. Patricks Day movie marathon, and this mint milkshake became an instant tradition. The way she carefully counted each drop of food coloring, then insisted on adding the sprinkles herself, made the whole kitchen feel like a tiny celebration.
Last year my neighbor knocked on the door just as I was blending these up, drawn by the sound of ice cream hitting the blender. She left with her own glass, and now texts me every March asking if its mint shake season yet.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream: Use a good quality brand here since its the foundation of the entire shake
- Whole milk: Creates that perfect creamy consistency, though you can adjust for thickness
- Pure mint extract: Not peppermint, which is crucial for that smooth mint flavor
- Green food coloring: 3 or 4 drops gives that festive shamrock hue without looking artificial
- Granulated sugar: Only if your ice cream isnt already sweet enough to your taste
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients:
- Measure everything out beforehand so the blending process moves smoothly
- Blend it up:
- Combine the ice cream, milk, mint extract, sugar if using, and food coloring in your blender
- Check the consistency:
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy, then taste to adjust the mint or sweetness
- Pour and garnish:
- Divide between two tall glasses and top with whipped cream and sprinkles if desired
- Serve immediately:
- Add straws and enjoy while still frosty cold
Pin It My husband now requests these on random Tuesday evenings just because the color makes him smile, which is probably the best endorsement any recipe could get.
Making It Your Own
Ive learned that adding a splash of creme de menthe transforms this into an adults only treat perfect for St. Patricks Day parties. Just reduce the sugar slightly since the liqueur adds sweetness.
Dairy Free Swaps
Plant based ice cream works surprisingly well here, especially almond or oat based varieties. The texture might be slightly different but the mint flavor still shines through beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
We like serving these with fun straws and sometimes rim the glasses with green sugar for extra festivity. Kids love getting involved with the garnish step.
- Keep your ice cream extra cold for the thickest results
- Chill your glasses in the freezer beforehand
- Have all toppings ready before you start blending
Pin It Heres to many green tinted kitchen moments and the simple joy of something sweet, cold, and minty fresh.
Recipe Questions
- → What gives the milkshake its green color?
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Green food coloring is added to provide the vibrant shamrock green shade.
- → Can I adjust the mint flavor intensity?
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Yes, vary the amount of pure mint extract to achieve a milder or stronger mint taste.
- → How can I make the shake thicker or thinner?
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Use less milk for a thicker texture and more milk for a thinner consistency.
- → Are there dairy-free alternatives available?
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Plant-based ice cream and milk substitutes can replace dairy for a similar creamy result.
- → What toppings enhance this milkshake?
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Whipped cream, green sprinkles, or maraschino cherries add a festive and flavorful finish.
