The McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe
This is probably the only time you'll ever find me imitating a recipe from McDonald's.
I generally steer clear of all fast food restaurants, except in March. The minute the Shamrock Shake hits the menu I am in the drive-thru faster than you can say "shake." In fact, I once attended a formal dance in high school in March, and we took the limo through the drive-thru just to get Shamrock Shakes before we were dropped off at home! I don't know what it is about the mint green shake - it is just so darn delicious that I can't get enough of it. It is also the best way I know how to celebrate St. Patrick's Day when you are not Irish!
There are tons of copycat recipes on the web, and I've been experimenting with my own. I like to go heavy on the ice cream so that it is extra thick. Sometimes I don't use green food coloring since it only adds color, not flavor. No matter how you serve it up, I guarantee it will be a hit at home.
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Before you get to blending, why not learn a few fun facts about everyone's favorite St. Patty's Day drink?
The Shamrock Shake has been offered by McDonald's restaurants around St. Patty's Day since 1970 (it even used to have its own mascot - Uncle O'Grimacey!). Like leprechauns, however, the frothy drink has developed somewhat of an elusive reputation, as it only pops up in select McDonald's venues throughout the country. Because of this, it has quite the cult following: the site ShamrockShake.com allows shake fans to record the locations where the drink has been spotted, as well as the date. And viewers can even search by state in the hopes of finding the McDonald's that carries it.
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Then there's also the general fascination with the drink's "exotic" green color (which, by the way, comes from the syrup used to make it). Who - kid or grown-up - can resist such a bright and festive sipper? Happy St. Patrick's Day!
McDonald's Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe
(makes 1 giant shake, or 2 generously sized shakes)
Ingredients:
3 cups good quality vanilla ice cream
1 3/4 cups 1% milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Green food coloring, if desired
Directions:
Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely thick and smooth. Pour into glasses and serve!
- By Kelsey Banfield
Follow Kelsey on Babble
For 41 copycat recipes from your fave fast food joints, visit Babble!
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