Shamrock Shake

FoodSmoothieDessertSt Patricks DaySpringMintSpinachIrish
Written By Sophia Vincent

If there’s one thing I love, it’s taking a nostalgic treat and giving it a slightly better-for-you twist without ruining the fun. And this shamrock shake? This one checks all the boxes.

It’s creamy.
It’s minty.
It’s naturally green.
And it tastes like something you’d grab as a special treat - not a “health drink.”

I originally made this because I wanted that classic shamrock shake vibe without artificial dyes or anything weird. You know when you look at the ingredient list and think, “Do I really need this?” Yeah. Same.

So I started playing around with fresh mint and a handful of spinach, and honestly… it worked better than I expected. The color is beautiful, the flavor is fresh and cool, and it feels like the perfect little springtime treat.

This is one of those recipes that feels festive for St. Patrick’s Day, but you’ll absolutely keep making it long after March is over.

Why You’ll Love This Shamrock Shake

Let me give you the quick rundown before we get into the recipe:

  • Naturally green - no food coloring needed

  • Creamy and milkshake-like, not icy or watery

  • Fresh mint flavor, not overpowering

  • Comes together in under 5 minutes

  • Easily adjustable depending on how sweet or minty you like it

It’s perfect as:

  • A fun dessert

  • A special afternoon treat

  • A festive St. Patrick’s Day drink

  • Or honestly… breakfast if we’re being real

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for one large shake or two smaller ones, depending on how you serve it.

For the Shamrock Shake

Optional Toppings

How to Make the Shamrock Shake

This is one of those “dump and blend” recipes - my favorite kind.

Step 1: Add Everything to the Blender

Add the ice cream, milk, spinach, mint, vanilla, and sweetener (if using) to your blender.

Step 2: Blend Until Smooth

Blend on high for 30–45 seconds, or until completely smooth and creamy. You don’t want any green flecks - just a beautiful, soft minty green.

If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk.
If it’s too thin, add a bit more ice cream.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

This part is important. Taste it.

Want it sweeter? Add a touch more maple syrup.
Want it more minty? Add a couple extra mint leaves and blend again.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Pour into a glass, top with whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy right away.

The Secret to the Green Color (and Why You Can’t Taste It)

The green color comes from two simple ingredients:

Before you scroll away - trust me.

The spinach is doing nothing but providing color. Mint completely takes over the flavor, especially once it’s blended with vanilla and milk. If you didn’t know it was in there, you’d never guess.

This is the same trick I use in smoothies all the time. A small handful of spinach disappears, but the color sticks around - which is exactly what we want here.

Make It Your Own (Easy Variations)

This recipe is super flexible, which I love.

Make It Dairy-Free

Make It Extra Thick

  • Add more ice cream

  • Reduce milk slightly

Make It Lighter

  • Use frozen banana instead of some of the ice cream

  • Still creamy, just a little lighter

Make It Dessert-Level

What This Shake Tastes Like

If you’re wondering what to expect flavor-wise, here’s the best way I can describe it:

It tastes like cool vanilla-mint, almost like mint ice cream but fresher. Not toothpaste-y. Not overwhelming. Just clean, creamy, and nostalgic in the best way.

The mint is present but soft, and the vanilla rounds everything out so it feels indulgent - not like a smoothie pretending to be a dessert.

Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day

I love making this around St. Patrick’s Day because it feels festive without being neon green.

It’s such a fun way to celebrate:

  • For kids

  • For a little themed dessert

  • Or just because you want something green and fun

And honestly? People are always impressed when you tell them it’s naturally colored. It’s one of those quiet flex recipes

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This shake is best enjoyed right after blending, but if you need to prep ahead:

  • Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours

  • Shake or re-blend before serving

  • The color may darken slightly (totally normal)

If it thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of milk and blend again.

Final Thoughts

This shamrock shake is proof that you don’t need artificial colors or complicated ingredients to make something fun and festive.

It’s simple.
It’s cozy.
It feels a little special - like a treat you’d make just for yourself.

And honestly? That’s my favorite kind of recipe.

If you make it, I hope you pour it into a pretty glass, add that swirl of whipped cream, and actually sit down to enjoy it - you deserve it!

Looking for more St Patricks Day recipes? Try my popular recipes below:

Yield: 2 servings
Shamrock Shake

Shamrock Shake

Prep time: 5 MinTotal time: 5 Min

Anclassic shamrock shake vibe without artificial dyes or anything weird. This is one of those recipes that feels festive for St. Patrick’s Day, but you’ll absolutely keep making it long after March is over.

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the Shake
Optional Toppings

Instructions

Notes

Make It Dairy-Free

Make It Extra Thick

  • Add more ice cream
  • Reduce milk slightly

Make It Lighter

  • Use frozen banana instead of some of the ice cream
  • Still creamy, just a little lighter

Make It Dessert-Level


Nutrition Facts

Carbs

32 g

Cholesterol

57 mg

Fiber

1 g

Fat

15 g

Net carbs

31 g

Sat. Fat

9 g

Sodium

123 mg

Sugar

28 g

Protein

7 g

Calories

291
Sophia Vincent
Next

Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream Frosting