Homemade Shamrock Shake Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered what flavor a Shamrock Shake is, here’s the answer: it’s a mint-flavored, green-hued iconic milkshake originally created to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. While early versions flirted with lemon-lime and simply green-vanilla blends, the modern classic is unmistakably minty, with a creamy vanilla base.

That flavor became entrenched when McDonald’s standardized it in the 1970s and began offering the promote-green treat each March.

The history is fun: the Shamrock Shake was created in 1967 by franchise owner Hal Rosen in Connecticut, and made its broader debut in select U.S. locations in 1970.

That year-upon-year tradition of the green shake has become a part of seasonal food culture, each spring bringing its return and those distinctive minty notes paired with whipped topping and a green straw.

For a vegan, gluten-free take, this version from Thrive Market flips to plant-based ingredients — think avocado, mint, and a dairy-free milk/cream base — so anyone can join in the fun without compromising on dietary preferences. It retains the nostalgia of the original green-shake moment while stepping firmly into inclusive, modern eating. Whether you’re sipping it for St. Patrick’s Day, blending it as a dessert or enjoying it as a green-themed snack, this vegan version delivers on flavor, intention and celebration.

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Homemade Shamrock Shakes

Recipe Details

Yield: 1 serving
Active Time: 5 minutes

Shamrock Shake Ingredients

• 1 cup oat milk
• ½ avocado, pitted and frozen
• 4 sprigs mint, plus more for garnish
• ¼ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sweetener of choice, like Swerve or maple syrup
• Ice
• Coconut whipped cream, for serving

How to Make a Shamrock Shake

1. Add all ingredients except coconut whipped cream to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Top with coconut whipped cream before serving.

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Shamrock Shake Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 1 serving). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 shake
Calories	≈ 250 kcal
Protein	≈ 3 g
Carbs	≈ 25 g
Sugar	≈ 10 g
Fiber	≈ 4 g
Fat	≈ 16 g

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Shamrock Shake Variations & Tips

• Boost the mint intensity: Add a teaspoon of fresh mint leaves or a drop of mint extract if you want a stronger mint punch.
• Swap the base ingredient: Use coconut milk or oat milk instead of almond or cashew milk for different flavor profiles or allergy considerations.
• Add green-superfood lift: Blend in a small handful of spinach or kale (no green color change) for added nutrients while keeping the green hue.
• Make it protein-rich: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored vegan protein powder to turn this into a recovery or breakfast shake.
• Top it creatively: Garnish with dairy-free whipped cream, a sprinkle of matcha, or crushed gluten-free mint cookies for extra texture and fun.
• Freeze-pop version: Pour the blended shake into popsicle molds and freeze for vegan, gluten-free Shamrock-shake pops—great for warmer weather.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sugar, reduce or omit added sweetener and rely on ripe banana or maple syrup for natural sweetness.

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Best Shamrock Shake Pairings

• Gluten-free mint cookie: Serve alongside a crisp gluten-free mint cookie for a matching minty duo.
• Fresh fruit plate: A side of fresh strawberries or raspberries offers a ruby contrast to the green shake and freshens the palate.
• Dairy-free dark chocolate bites: Pair a small square of dairy-free dark chocolate—especially mint-infused—for an elegant mini dessert combo.
• Herbal green tea: Serve a chilled or lightly brewed spearmint or peppermint herbal tea next to the shake for extra-refreshing vibes.
• Gluten-free brownie sundae: For a richer spread, serve the shake beside a gluten-free vegan brownie topped with dairy-free ice cream and mint sprig.
• Sparkling water with lime twist: A tall glass of sparkling water with lime keeps the palette clean between shakes and supports digestibility.

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When to Make Shamrock Shakes

• St. Patrick’s Day celebration: This vegan, gluten-free Shamrock Shake is perfect to serve at a green-themed gathering or family celebration.
• Spring brunch or lunch: Offer the shake as a fun dessert or snack during a casual brunch—bright colour and creamy texture make it memorable.
• Dessert alternative at vegan/vegetarian gatherings: Include this shake as a treat option that accommodates plant-based and gluten-free guests without feeling like an “afterthought”.
• Warm-weather treat: On a sunny afternoon, blend up the shake, serve over ice or in mason jars, and enjoy outdoors as a refreshing snack.
• Kitchen fun for kids: Invite children to help blend the ingredients and decorate the shake with green sprinkles or edible gold stars for a festive twist.
• Meal-prep ready treat: Pre-blend the base, store in freezer-safe jars, and when you’re ready, thaw slightly and whip it for an instant treat with minimal effort.

Recipe credit: Angela Gaines