Pin Recipe This creamy minty milkshake blends full-fat vanilla ice cream with whole milk and peppermint extract for a refreshing, smooth texture. A few drops of green food coloring create its iconic hue, enhanced with vanilla extract for depth. Blend to a silky consistency and serve chilled in tall glasses, optionally topped with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and green sprinkles. A delightful cool treat with easy preparation and adaptable to dairy-free options.
My teenage job at the local drive thru taught me that March meant one thing, chaos in the drive through lane and that bright green shake flying out the window faster than we could blend it. Years later I found myself craving that cool minty creaminess without the wait, so I started experimenting in my own kitchen. Now this copycat version has become our familys signal that spring is finally coming, even when theres still snow on the ground.
Last year my daughter insisted we host a St Patricks Day party, and I made two full blenders of these shakes. Within ten minutes, every glass was empty and the adults were hovering around the blender asking for seconds just one more. Now I double the recipe automatically whenever friends come over in March.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream: Full fat creates that restaurant style thickness we all love
- Whole milk: Essential for the perfect pourable consistency
- Peppermint extract: Start with half teaspoon because this stuff is potent
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the mint flavor beautifully
- Green food coloring: Four drops gives you that classic bright shamrock hue
Instructions
- Combine everything in the blender:
- Toss in your ice cream, milk, both extracts, and food coloring
- Blend until completely smooth:
- Let it run for about thirty seconds until no ice cream chunks remain
- Check your consistency:
- Add splashes of milk if you prefer it thinner
- Pour and serve immediately:
- Divide between two tall glasses while its frosty cold
Pin Recipe My husband was skeptical about the green color at first, calling it chemistry experiment food. One sip changed his mind completely, and now hes the one reminding me to buy peppermint extract every February. Something about that icy cold mint just makes people smile.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have. Sometimes I use vanilla bean ice cream for those gorgeous little specks, other times I grab whatever is on sale and it still turns out perfect.
Natural Color Options
If you prefer avoiding artificial food coloring, a handful of fresh spinach blends right in without altering the taste. My kids actually think the slightly darker green color looks more like real shamrocks anyway.
Serving Ideas
Rim your glasses with green sugar or sprinkles before pouring for a festive touch. Keep everything extra cold by chilling your glasses in the freezer beforehand.
- Top with whipped cream and a cherry for the full experience
- Add a dash of chocolate syrup for a thin mint variation
- Crush an Andes mint into the blender for extra richness
Pin Recipe Whether youre celebrating St Patricks Day or just treating yourself on a hot afternoon, this shake brings that special magic into your kitchen. Cheers to simple recipes that make us feel like kids again.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives the shake its minty flavor?
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Pure peppermint extract is added to provide a fresh and distinct minty flavor that makes the shake refreshing.
- → Can I use non-dairy alternatives?
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Yes, substituting plant-based ice cream and milk works well for a dairy-free version without compromising creaminess.
- → How can I adjust the shake's consistency?
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Add more milk to thin it out or more ice cream for a thicker, creamier texture based on your preference.
- → What ingredients create the iconic green color?
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Green food coloring drops are added to give the milkshake its classic shamrock green shade.
- → Are any toppings recommended?
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Optional toppings include whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and green sprinkles to enhance flavor and presentation.
