McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes Are Back Early! Here’s Where You Can Get Yours.

Since 1970, McDonald’s has been ringing in St. Patrick’s Day with its Shamrock Shakes. This mint-flavored, vanilla-soft-serve-based drinkable dessert comes with whipped topping and a cherry on top. We love how the Shamrock Shake delivers all the cool, minty creaminess of old-school butter mints, except you can shamelessly pair it with a burger and fries.

…And now it’s back! That’s right, McDonald’s has officially welcomed the Shamrock Shake back to its menu as of February 13. St. Patrick’s Day is still a whole month away, but we’re not complaining, and neither are the thousands of Twitter users singing those minty praises.

My body is 70% Shamrock Shakes this time of the year #SoGood pic.twitter.com/xUHHUMxl20

— Erik Kostrzewa (@FOX17Erik) February 13, 2019

Me seeing the Shamrock Shake is back pic.twitter.com/aKYcvjew98

— Ryan (@20154Ryan) February 13, 2019

First Shammy shake of the season!! #ShamrockShake pic.twitter.com/2JY4ucQ9iV

— Sαrα Wαlĸer (@smwmariee) February 13, 2019

Fun fact: Baby Boomers might remember that the first Shamrock Shakes were actually lemon-lime-flavored—a concoction made with vanilla soft serve and lemon-lime sherbet. By 1973, McDonald’s decided to do away with the lemon-lime, leaving an emerald-hued vanilla shake for the next decade to enjoy.

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How to Track Down the Shamrock Shake

Depending on where you are, the Shamrock Shake can be as hard to find as a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Luckily, McDonald’s rolled out its brand new, free tie-in smartphone app to help fans of the Shamrock Shake locate restaurants that serve up the sweet treat. It’s called the Shamrock Shake Finder and is available for iOS and Android phones.

Psst: McDonald’s has a secret menu!

How to Make a Copycat McDonald’s Shamrock Shake

If you can’t get your hands on McDonald’s most popular milkshake this tasty season, here’s how you can make one yourself.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons creme de menthe or 3 tablespoons 2% milk plus a dash of peppermint extract
1-1/4 to 1-1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
Green food coloring, optional

Directions

Place all ingredients in a blender in order listed; cover and process until blended. Pour into two glasses. Serve immediately.

More Mickey D's Copycat Recipes

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An even tastier way to eat fries! The addition of Parmesan and garlic makes this side dish simple irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Inspired By: Shamrock Shake

Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California

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My 3-year-old is going through a stage where he'll eat only chicken nuggets and French fries. I like to make these golden nuggets for him so I know what he's eating. They're so good, we like them, too! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama

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This fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey-mustard dressing I have ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas

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Inspired By: Pico Guacamole with Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich

You can use any type of bread or roll for this sandwich. We like the ciabatta, but have used other breads and rolls, whatever I might have handy. You can also pan fry the chicken if you can't get to a grill.—Debbie Speckmeyer, Lakewood, California

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Cool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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This is the best fluffy pancakes recipe according to my family. They are quick and easy to prepare, but we still consider these homemade pancakes a special treat. —Eugene Presley, Council, Virginia

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These strips are designed for kids, but tasty enough for company. The tender strips are moist and juicy and would also be great on a salad. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado

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Inspired By: Tangy Barbecue Sauce

I've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California

Get Our Recipe for Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce Here