This healthier shamrock shake recipe is thick, creamy, and minty just like the original—with a fraction of the calories. And when you make it yourself, you can enjoy it anytime of year!
Skinny McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat
I spent a lot of time on this shamrock shake recipe because I really wanted it to taste sweet and creamy like a real ice cream shake—not a smoothie. I’m happy to say, I think I succeeded! You’re going to love adding this to your St. Patrick’s Day festivities. (If you’re looking for more St. Patrick’s Day recipes, these Chocolate Stout Cupcakes with Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheese Frosting and adorable Rainbow Cake Pops are perfect treats for the occasion.)
What Makes This Shamrock Shake So Delicious
You can skip the drive-thru window with this shamrock shake copycat! Here’s why it’s the perfect lightened up version of the original.
- Froyo nails the ice cream texture. This shamrock shake starts with Stonyfield’s 0% fat vanilla frozen yogurt. I’m always amazed at how much it tastes like full fat vanilla ice cream!
- The RIGHT mint flavor. I also knew I would add a little spearmint extract to give it that minty flavor, not peppermint. Peppermint is candy cane flavor, while spearmint is the minty flavor in a shamrock shake.
- Fabulous green color. For the coloring, I was stumped at first. Then it hit me… avocados are green, creamy, and rich so it was the perfect solution. They nail that color without having to add any artificial coloring.
What You’ll Need
You only need a short list of ingredients to make this copycat shamrock shake at home! Scroll down to the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Fat-free milk – I use dairy milk, but a plant milk will work if that’s what you have on hand.
- 0% fat vanilla frozen yogurt – Or Halo Top ice cream.
- Avocado – The key ingredient for a rich texture and wonderful color!
- Sweetener – Stevia, raw sugar, or whatever sweetener you like.
- Mint extract – Not peppermint, but spearmint.
- Crushed ice – For that frosty consistency.
How to Make a Shamrock Shake
This recipe is a cinch! See the recipe card below for printable instructions.
- Combine. Add all the ingredients to your blender.
- Blend. Turn on the blender and blend for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Serve. Divide into two glasses and serve with a straw.
Tips and Variations
Here are some pointers for a perfect shamrock shake, along with ways to make it your own.
- Blend it completely smooth. It can be hard to tell if there are still bits of unblended ice in the shake just by looking at it, so I like to open up the blender and stir it with a wooden spoon to check before pouring it into glasses.
- Add some chocolate. I may drizzle a little chocolate syrup on top or down the sides of the glasses next time I make this to get that mint chocolate experience!
- Make it dairy-free. Swap in your favorite plant-based vanilla froyo or ice cream, along with a non-dairy milk.
How to Store
This isn’t a recipe that stores well, so I recommend making only as much as you can use right away. If you do end up with leftovers, store the shamrock shake in a freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer. Thaw it slightly in the refrigerator before serving—once it’s partially thawed, you can blend it in the blender again to reach the original consistency. You can also freeze leftovers into popsicles similar to these Avocado Coconut Pops.
More St. Patrick’s Day Food
Shamrock Shake
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup fat free milk
- 3/4 cup 0% fat vanilla frozen yogurt or Halo Top ice cream
- 1/3 cup sliced avocado
- a few drops Nu Naturals Stevia or 1 tbsp raw sugar
- 1/4 tsp mint extract, not Peppermint
- 1 cup crushed ice
Instructions
- Pour the milk, frozen yogurt, avocado, sugar, mint extract and ice into your blender.
- Blend 3-4 minutes until the mixture is thick and icy.
- Pour into two glasses, and serve with a straw. Serve immediately.
