Shamrock Mint Milkshake Cherry

My youngest daughter spotted the green food coloring in the baking cabinet last March and immediately declared we needed something festive for our St. Patrick's Day movie marathon. We experimented with several versions, but this minty creation was the one that made her eyes light up.

Last year I made these for my book club meeting, and we ended up spending more time photographing the gorgeous green swirls than discussing our novel. The whipped cream melts into the shake creating this dreamy marble effect that everyone found irresistible.

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream: Use a high quality brand here since its the foundation of the entire drink
• Whole milk: Creates that perfect milkshake consistency, though any milk you have on hand works beautifully
• Pure mint extract: Start with the suggested amount and add more drop by drop to reach your preferred intensity
• Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the sharp mint and adds that classic milkshake warmth we all love
• Green food coloring: Completely optional but that emerald hue makes the experience feel special
• Whipped cream: The fluffy cloud on top that slowly melts into the shake below
• Maraschino cherries: That bright pop of red against the green makes every sip feel like a celebration
• Green sprinkles: Purely for the fun factor and that extra bit of festive magic

Instructions

Gather your ingredients:

Pull everything out beforehand because once you start, it moves fast

Blend it up:

Combine ice cream, milk, mint extract, vanilla extract, and food coloring in your blender until completely smooth

Taste and adjust:

Give it a quick sip and add more mint extract or coloring if you want either more pronounced

Pour and garnish:

Divide between two chilled glasses and crown each with whipped cream, a cherry, and sprinkles

Enjoy immediately:

Pop in a straw and serve right away while its perfectly frosty and thick

Save

My grandmother kept maraschino cherries in her fridge year round just for moments when someone needed a little extra joy in their day. Now whenever I see that bright red cherry against mint green, I think of her philosophy that dessert should always feel like a celebration.

Getting That Perfect Texture

If your shake seems too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your ideal consistency. Too thin and you can blend in another small scoop of ice cream. The goal is smooth enough to sip through a straw but substantial enough to feel luxurious.

Make Ahead Tips

While these are best enjoyed immediately, you can blend the base mixture and store it in the freezer for up to an hour. Give it a quick whirl before serving to restore that perfectly smooth consistency. Just be sure to add whipped cream and fresh cherries right before serving.

Easy Variations

Try swapping half the vanilla ice cream for chocolate ice cream to create a thin mint version. During summer, add a handful of fresh spinach instead of food coloring for natural green with no artificial ingredients. A tablespoon of chocolate syrup swirled into the glass before pouring creates a beautiful striped effect.

• Sprinkle crushed mint cookies on top instead of sprinkles for extra texture
• Try coconut milk and coconut ice cream for a tropical twist
• Add a shot of espresso for an adult version that tastes like a thin mint latte

Save

Whether its for St. Patricks Day or just a Tuesday that needs brightening, this shake brings simple magic to the table. Sometimes the smallest celebrations create the sweetest memories.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I enhance the mint flavor?

Add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of pure mint extract to intensify the cool mint taste.

→ Can I make this milkshake vegan?

Substitute the dairy ice cream and milk with plant-based alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version.

→ Is green food coloring necessary?

Green food coloring is optional and primarily used for a vibrant color; the flavor remains minty without it.

→ What toppings complement this milkshake?

Whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and green sprinkles provide classic garnishes that enhance the texture and appearance.

→ How do I achieve the perfect creamy texture?

Blend the ingredients until smooth, ensuring the ice cream softens and mixes thoroughly with the milk and extracts.