If you’re a fan of festive treats and refreshing flavors, you’re going to love this Homemade Peppermint Shamrock Shake Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, minty, and sweet that feels like a lucky charm in a glass. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just want to brighten your day with something special, this shake has got your back. Trust me, once you try making it at home, you won’t want to go back to store-bought versions.

🧡

Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of things you probably already have in your fridge or pantry.
Customizable Flavor: The peppermint extract lets you dial up or down the minty kick exactly how you like it.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes — perfect for an impromptu treat or last-minute party.
Creamy & Refreshing Balance: The combination of vanilla ice cream and whole milk keeps it velvety smooth without being too heavy.

Homemade Peppermint Shamrock Shake, festive peppermint milkshake, St. Patrick's Day green shake, easy mint shake recipe, holiday shamrock shake - Two clear glasses are filled with a light green creamy drink. Each glass has a thick white straw. On top of the drink is a swirl of white whipped cream with a bright red cherry placed in the center, its dark stem standing up. The glasses sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Homemade Peppermint Shamrock Shake Recipe really comes from the harmony of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building that iconic flavor and creamy texture you crave. When shopping, I like to pick the best quality ice cream and pure peppermint extract — it makes a noticeable difference!

Homemade Peppermint Shamrock Shake, festive peppermint milkshake, St. Patrick's Day green shake, easy mint shake recipe, holiday shamrock shake - Flat lay of a small scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with whole milk, a tiny white bowl with clear peppermint extract, a tiny white bowl containing a few drops of vibrant green liquid, a dollop of fresh whipped cream on a simple white plate, a single glossy red maraschino cherry on a small white dish, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vanilla Ice Cream: Acts as the creamy base that sweetens and thickens the shake naturally.
Whole Milk: Adds just enough creaminess and helps smoothly blend everything together.
Pure Peppermint Extract: Gives that fresh mint flavor that defines the Shamrock Shake; quality really matters here.
Green Food Coloring: Creates the festive green color; just a couple of drops will do the trick.
Whipped Cream & Maraschino Cherry (Optional): Classic toppings that add a fun and nostalgic finish to your shake.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Homemade Peppermint Shamrock Shake Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Sometimes I add an extra splash of peppermint extract when I’m craving a stronger mint hit, or swap whole milk for almond milk to lighten it up. You do you!

Make It Thicker: I like reducing milk to just ⅓ cup for an ultra-creamy shake that almost feels like a dessert spoon.
Dairy-Free Twist: Swap ice cream and milk for coconut milk and a dairy-free vanilla frozen dessert, and you’ll still get that minty goodness.
Seasonal Spins: Around the holidays, I sometimes sprinkle a little crushed peppermint candy on top for extra crunch and festivity.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Peppermint Shamrock Shake Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Chill Your Glass

First things first — I like to have everything ready right on my countertop: the ice cream, whole milk, peppermint extract, and green food coloring. If you want your shake extra frosty, pop your favorite glass in the freezer to chill while you blend. It just makes that final sip even more refreshing.

Step 2: Blend Until Smooth and Minty Green

Into your blender goes 1 cup of vanilla ice cream, ½ cup of whole milk, and ½ teaspoon of pure peppermint extract. Add 1-2 drops of green food coloring to get that classic Shamrock Shake hue. Blend on high until it’s silky smooth and you’re happy with the color. Make sure you don’t overdo it on the food coloring — a little goes a long way, and I like to adjust after tasting.

Step 3: Serve and Elevate with Toppings

Pour your shake into the chilled glass, then if you’re feeling fancy, top with a swirl of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. I find this adds a nostalgic touch that brings back so many fun memories from childhood. Now, grab a straw and dig in!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Peppermint Shamrock Shake Recipe

Use High-Quality Peppermint Extract: It really makes a difference—pure extract has a refreshing natural flavor, unlike artificial stuff.
Don’t Skip Chilling Your Glass: Helps keep the shake colder longer and makes every sip feel indulgent.
Adjust Milk Gradually: Start with less and add more if needed to control thickness perfectly.
Blend Quickly: Over-blending can melt the ice cream too much—blend just until smooth.

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Shamrock Shake Recipe

Homemade Peppermint Shamrock Shake, festive peppermint milkshake, St. Patrick's Day green shake, easy mint shake recipe, holiday shamrock shake - A tall clear glass filled with a light green creamy drink that has a smooth texture with some small bubbles near the top. On top of the drink is a layer of white whipped cream with soft peaks, crowned by one bright red cherry with a long stem. A thick white straw is placed inside the glass, standing upright. The glass is set on a white marbled surface with a soft cream-colored cloth in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually go classic with my garnishes: a generous dollop of fluffy whipped cream, a bright red maraschino cherry on top, and sometimes a few mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies if I’m feeling festive. These little touches bring a party vibe and make the shake look irresistible.

Side Dishes

This shake pairs beautifully with light, crispy treats like buttery shortbread cookies or even a warm slice of homemade pound cake. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a batch of peppermint-infused brownies for double the minty fun!

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this shake in fancy mason jars decorated with green ribbon for a St. Patrick’s Day party, adding shamrock-shaped sprinkles on the whipped cream. It was such a hit! You could also rim your glasses with crushed candy canes or green sugar for extra sparkle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Honestly, I recommend making this shake fresh for the best texture, but if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir or quick re-blend before drinking because some separation naturally happens.

Freezing

I’ve never frozen the shake itself once blended, but you can definitely freeze the ice cream and peppermint extract mixture (without milk) in advance. Then just blend with milk when you’re ready for a fresh shake.

Reheating

Since this is a milkshake, reheating isn’t really ideal. My trick: if leftovers aren’t cold enough, just blend again with a few ice cubes to refresh the texture.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint candy instead of peppermint extract?

It’s possible to use crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, but it won’t dissolve as evenly and can make the shake gritty. Peppermint extract gives a smoother, more consistent mint flavor.
What if I don’t have green food coloring?

You can skip the coloring altogether—the shake will still taste fantastic, just not the traditional green color. If you want a natural option, try a tiny pinch of spirulina powder, but be careful as it can affect the flavor.
How can I make this shake vegan?

Use a plant-based vanilla ice cream and your favorite dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. Make sure the peppermint extract you choose is vegan-friendly, and you’re good to go!
Can I multiply this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just scale up the ingredients and blend in batches if your blender can’t hold the volume. It’s a big hit at parties and super easy to make in larger amounts.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Homemade Peppermint Shamrock Shake Recipe as delightful and simple as I do. It’s the kind of treat that brings back sweet memories and puts a smile on your face — without any fuss. Make it your own, enjoy it fresh, and maybe even share it with a friend. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a special ritual for me every spring. Happy sipping!