Homemade Shamrock Shake is a naturally green mint milkshake with no food dye. Use fresh spinach or kale for color and added nutrition.
It's way too easy to make a shamrock shake at home! This St. Patrick's Day themed mint milkshake is colored green with mint leaves and spinach or kale in place of green food dye. Spearmint is said to improve digestion, as well as remedy nausea or headaches, and it makes everything tasty minty fresh! So, it's a win win!
Key ingredients
Get ingredient amounts in the printable recipe card below.
- ice cream - use vanilla bean ice cream
- 1% milk - or any milk
- fresh spinach leaves - or kale
- spearmint leaves - fresh mint milkshake
- spearmint extract - or peppermint extract
- whipped cream - canned or homemade
How to make a shamrock shake at home
- Add MINT LEAVES, SPINACH, MILK, VANILLA, ICE CREAM, and MINT EXTRACT to a high speed blender.
- Serve chilled, garnishe with fresh spearmint leaves and whipped cream.
What flavor is a Shamrock Shake?
Mint extract is what gives the classic Shamrock shake a minty flavor. I'm using spearmint leaves and spearmint extract for this recipe. You can use peppermint extract, but use it sparingly as it's much stronger than spearmint flavor.
The best blender for a fresh mint milkshake
A high speed blender such as Vitamix or NutriBullet or stick blender will puree spinach or kale leaves, making them undetectable. This is great for produce-finicky kids. A classic kitchen blender can make a milkshake, but the produce in this milkshake recipe might not get as pureed as you want.
Recommended tools
- high-speed blender (stick blender, NutriBullet or Vitamix)
- ice cream scoop
- milk bottle serving glasses
- paper straws
More St. Pat's Day Recipes
- Instant Pot Corned Beef
- Slow Cooker Corned Beef
- Reuben Sandwich
- Corned Beef Hash
- Homemade Coleslaw
- French Bread
- Smashed Potatoes
More ice cream recipes
Homemade Shamrock Shake
Equipment
- high speed blender or immersion blender
INGREDIENTS
- 2-3 scoops Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- ⅓ cup 1% Milk, or preferred milk
- ¼ cup Fresh Spinach (or Kale)
- 1 sprig Fresh Mint, strip leaves, disgard stem
- 1-3 drops Spearmint Extract, or Peppermint Extract
- optional Whipped Cream
Instructions
- Blend together ICE CREAM, MILK, SPINACH, MINT LEAVES, and SPEARMINT EXTRACT.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh spearmint leaves and (optional) whipped cream.
NUTRITION
Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.
I originally published this recipe to Amanda's Cookin in January, 2017.
Dana says
Great way to enjoy this great in a healthier way! I’m going to use peppermint essential oil in place of extract. Thanks!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Dana...So glad you're trying this one 🙂 Thanks!
Renee @ The Good Hearted Woman says
Your Shamrock Shake sounds absolutely heavenly! I love that you are using fresh spearmint leaves, too. I love the way they make my kitchen smell when I have a bunch waiting in the window.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Renee! I'm right there with you...and I esp love cutting into it. Such an aromatic treat 🙂
Sarah says
Love that you made such a pretty green drink without food coloring!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Sarah! I love this shake with the mint instead of dye 🙂
Lisa L Bynum says
One of my favorite St. Patrick's Day treats and you just made day by making in healthier! Does that mean I can drink two?
Traci Antonovich says
Haha thanks Lisa...the answer is always 'yes' lol 😉
Natalie says
This shake looks and sounds so refreshing and delicious! I love how easy it is to make it and will definitely try this recipe soon!
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome Natalie! Love hearing it...hope you get to try it out! 🙂
Jessica Fasano Formicola says
Love that there isn't any food dye in this! I love a good minty treat!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Jessica! Right there with you 🙂
Amy | The Cook Report says
Sounds delicious! Can't wait to give it a try
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much Amy! Hope you get to try it out 🙂
Darlene @ Dip Recipe Creations says
I really love how you got the green color with the mint leaves instead of food color! This looks fabulous and perfect for St. Patty's Day!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Darlene! It's super tasty too! 🙂
Monica | Nourish & Fete says
I love that this is minty without relying on a bunch of food coloring, etc.! It sounds like such a delicious flavor - pinning to try next week for a holiday treat!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Monica! Hope you get to try it...and hope you love it 🙂
Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake says
Yum! This easy shamrock shake sounds so good!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Rebecca! It's easily a favorite 🙂
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Shamrock shakes are my favorite! I can't wait to try yours, so much more natural than the chain version!
Traci Antonovich says
Yay Pamela! Hope you love it 🙂