Shamrock Mint Milkshake Cherry

My youngest daughter begged for green milkshakes after seeing them at a diner, so we made a kitchen experiment out of it one Sunday afternoon. The blender whirred and she squealed with pure delight when that electric green swirl appeared in the pitcher. Now it's become our St. Patrick's Day tradition, though honestly she requests them year-round whenever she wants something festive and sweet.

Last March I doubled the batch for a playdate and six kids sat around our kitchen table with green mustaches, slurping happily while parents asked for the recipe. Something about that bright color just makes people smile before they even take a sip.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream: The quality here really matters since its the base of everything
• 1 cup whole milk: Creamy milk makes all the difference in texture
• 1/2 teaspoon pure mint extract: Start here then add more drop by drop
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds depth that rounds out the mint
• 2–3 drops green food coloring: Optional but somehow makes it taste more festive
• Whipped cream: Store-bought or homemade works equally well
• 2 maraschino cherries: That bright red pop against green is everything
• Green sprinkles: Totally unnecessary but kids go wild for them

Instructions

Gather your ingredients:

Take everything out of the fridge so the ice cream softens slightly.

Blend it up:

Dump the ice cream, milk, mint extract, vanilla extract, and food coloring into your blender and blitz until completely smooth.

Taste and tweak:

Give it a quick taste and add more mint if you want that extra cooling sensation.

Pour and garnish:

Distribute between two chilled glasses then go wild with whipped cream and those cherries.

Save

My grandmother would have called this frivolous but sometimes you just need something that makes you feel like a kid again at the kitchen counter.

Getting The Texture Right

The secret is using slightly softened ice cream straight from the freezer. If it melts too much you lose that thick diner-style consistency that makes a milkshake feel indulgent.

Customizing The Color

Natural food coloring works just as well as artificial brands if you prefer avoiding dye. You can also skip it entirely and still have a delicious minty treat that just happens to be off-white.

Serving Suggestions

These shine brightest as a celebration drink but they are equally welcome after school on a random Tuesday. Pair with chocolate mint cookies or keep it simple with just the cherry on top.

• Use a wide straw so you get both liquid and whipped cream in each sip
• Stick a chocolate mint candy on the rim for extra flair
• Make mini versions in shot glasses for party sampling

Save

Hope these bring a little extra joy to your kitchen table. Happy shaking.

Common Questions

→ How can I intensify the mint flavor in this milkshake?

Adding an extra 1/4 teaspoon of pure mint extract will boost the minty freshness without overpowering the creaminess.

→ Can I substitute dairy ingredients for plant-based options?

Yes, use plant-based ice cream and non-dairy milk alternatives to make a vegan-friendly version without compromising texture.

→ Is green food coloring necessary for the milkshake’s flavor?

No, the green food coloring is optional and only adds to the visual appeal; the flavor remains minty and creamy without it.

→ What toppings best complement the mint milkshake?

Whipped cream paired with maraschino cherries and green sprinkles enhances both taste and festive presentation.

→ How should this beverage be served for best taste?

Serve chilled immediately after blending in tall glasses with a straw to enjoy the fresh, smooth texture and cool flavor.