Boozy Shamrock Shake Recipe
Our Boozy Shamrock Shake is the ultimate grown-up twist on the classic Shamrock Shake with a blend of creamy minty goodness and a spirited kick.
If you love the classic McDonald’s Shamrock Shake, you’re going to obsess over this Boozy Shamrock Shake recipe. Our take on this cult-favorite, this creamy mint milkshake cocktail blends vanilla ice cream, Irish cream liqueur, and crème de menthe into the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day dessert drink.
Our Boozy Shamrock Shake recipe is made with actual fresh mint and no green dye! I, Colleen use Branca Menta (Fernet’s minty cousin) for herbal mint goodness and Irish Cream… because… well, it is a St. Paddy’s Day drink and all.
It’s smooth, minty, perfectly sweet, and ready in just 5 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party, planning a festive happy hour, or just want a fun adult milkshake, this alcoholic Shamrock Shake is an easy crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Boozy Shamrock Shake
- Tastes like a grown-up version of the classic Shamrock Shake
- Quick and easy and ready in 5 minutes
- Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day parties
- Creamy, minty, and dessert-worthy
- Easy to customize with different liquors
If you love festive cocktails like our grasshopper ice cream or other mint chocolate desserts, this one belongs on your must-make list.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
- Irish cream liqueur: We love Baileys Irish Cream which can be used for cocktails and alcoholic desserts.
- Fernet-Branca Menta: Fernet-Branca Menta is a mint-flavored amaro, which is a type of Italian herbal liqueur. It is produced by Fratelli Branca Distillerie, the same company that makes the well-known Fernet-Branca. Branca Menta combines the distinctive herbal flavors found in Fernet-Branca with a pronounced peppermint and menthol profile.
- Fresh mint leaves
- Vanilla ice cream
- Blender
How to Make a Boozy Shamrock Shake
1 — In a blender, combine Irish cream liqueur, Branca Menta, mint leaves and vanilla ice cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2 — Pour the boozy shake into your favorite glass. Top it off with a generous swirl of whipped cream and garnish with a mint leaf.
How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Shamrock Shake
1 — Start by blending together 1 cup of vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of mint extract.
2 — If you want your shake to be extra thick, add in 1/2 cup of whipping cream or ice cream instead of the milk.
3 — Once everything is blended together, pour it into a glass and garnish with a few drops of green food coloring, a sprinkle of green sugar, or a sprig of fresh mint.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Chill your glasses first. Pop them in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before serving to keep your shake cold longer.
- Dairy free option: Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and almond or oat milk for a lactose-free shamrock shake.
- Adjust the alcohol level. Prefer it stronger? Add an extra splash of Irish cream. Want it lighter? Reduce the liqueur slightly.
- Blending technique: Start with a low-speed blend to avoid an overly melted shake. Gradually increase speed until you achieve a velvety consistency.
- More topping ideas: Some other fun garnishes include Maraschino cherries, chocolate shavings, grated peppermint bark (for an added mint flavor), Andes mint candies, green sprinkles or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- For a more vibrant green drink: Add a few drops of green fold coloring. Remember that a little goes a long way.
More St. Patrick’s Day Drinks
Anyone else love a good boozy shake? We’ve made a peppermint mocha and salted caramel chocolate version so far this year, and it isn’t even summered yet!
- 3 Ingredient Coconut Shake
- White Chocolate Shamrock Matcha Cookies
- Boozy Cereal Milk Egg Cream
- Irish Trash Can Drink
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 2 oz Fernet-Branca Menta liqueur
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- 1 ½ cup fresh mint leaves and more for optional garnish
- Whipped cream optional garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine Irish cream liqueur, Branca Menta, mint leaves and vanilla ice cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the boozy shake into your favorite glass. Top it off with a generous swirl of whipped cream and garnish with a mint leaf.
Nutrition
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup milk sub for whipping cream or more ice cream for an extra thick milkshake
- ¼ tsp mint extract
- 1 mint sprig
- Green food coloring optional
- Green sugar optional
Instructions
- Blend the vanilla ice cream, milk, and mint extract until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and garnish with green food coloring, a sprinkle of green sugar, or fresh mint. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Tried this recipe? Share your Boozy Shamrock Shake with us on Instagram, using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Find them all right here!
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I will love one now. Fresh mint, yummy.
We could take one right about now, also haha ;)
I would totally drink this!! #yum
You will love it!!
Clearly, I’ve led a sheltered life. I have never had a Shamrock Shake before and it’s about time I had one. Thank you for the recipe and love the pictures!
Well, hey! There’s a first for everything!! Glad you love it! xo
I totally agree with your opinion of the typical Shamrock Shake, and this recipe looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it. P.S. Those straws are so chic, love them!
I know, I’m obsessed with these straws too!
Yesssss this looks amazing. Can’t wait for March <3
Me either, Libby!
I prefer a mintier shake too! These look SO delicious!
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Agreed! Mint is a great flavor for St. Patricks Day!