Homemade Vegan Shamrock Shake (Gluten-Free)

What is Shamrock Shake?

If you haven’t heard of Shamrock shake before, you’re in for a delicious surprise!

The original Shamrock shake is a green-colored and mint-flavored milkshake that is sold in some McDonald’s outlets during the months of February and March to celebrate St. Patricks Days (in the US, Canada and Ireland).

With minty freshness and its obviously green color, this shake is highly popular during this time of year.

Make Your Own Copycat Shamrock Shake!

Because it is a seasonal drink that is only available for a limited time (starting in the weeks leading up to St. Patrick’s day), you can only enjoy it during that time.

The only issue is that the classic Shamrock shake served at McDonald’s is not certified gluten-free and it is not dairy-free (since it uses vanilla soft serve which is made from dairy).

Today we’re making a gluten-free vegan shamrock shake (using vegan ice cream and dairy-free milk) that you can prepare in the comfort of your home and enjoy it all year round, not just during St Patrick’s day!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Few Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients for this homemade shamrock shake, all of which are easily accessible at the local grocery store.
• Easy to Make: With the help of a high speed blender, this recipe is literally ready in just 10 minutes!
• Deliciously Minty Flavor: With it’s vibrant green color and fresh mint flavor, this minty milkshake is the perfect treat for celebrating St Patricks day!
• Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan: The best part is that this copycat shamrock shake recipe is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. This means that even those with Celiac disease, or gluten or lactose intolerances, or those simply on a vegan diet can enjoy it without worries!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for this vegan shamrock shake recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipes Notes + Substitutions:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: I used dairy-free vanilla ice cream to keep this recipe vegan and gluten-free. If you are not vegan or lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal vanilla ice cream instead.
• Coconut Milk: I used full-fat coconut milk to keep this recipe dairy-free, and because coconut milk is thicker and creamier. Alternatively, you may also use another plant-based milk or non-dairy milk (such as almond milk, cashew milk, tigernut milk, oat milk, soy milk or rice milk) if you prefer. If you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal whole milk instead.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds extra vanilla flavor to the shake. If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to use gluten-free vanilla extract.
• Mint Extract: Make sure to use mint extract and NOT peppermint extract, it resembles the flavor of the McDonald’s shamrock shake more. If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to use gluten-free mint extract.
• Green Food Dye: The green food dye is a key component in this copycat shamrock shake recipe to give the shake its characteristic green color. If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to use gluten-free green food dye.
• Whipped Cream: I use dairy-free whipped cream or coconut cream to keep this recipe vegan and dairy-free, but if you are not vegan or lactose-intolerant, you can use normal whipped cream instead.
• Green Sanding Sugar: Sprinkling a little green sanding sugar makes this dairy-free Shamrock shake a little more festive. Alternatively, you can use green sprinkles if you prefer. However, this is completely optional and you can totally leave this out.

How to Make This Vegan Shamrock Shake (Step by Step)

1. Combine Shake Ingredients in Blender:

In the bowl of a high-speed blender, combine the dairy-free vanilla ice cream, coconut milk, vanilla extract, mint extract and green food dye.

2. Blend Until Creamy

Blend the ingredients for about 30 to 45 seconds until you get a homogeneous green mixture with a smooth and creamy texture.

3. Pour Shake into Cups and Garnish

Pour the homemade vegan shamrock shake into your desired cup and top with whipped cream and sanding sugar. Enjoy

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

• Make Shamrock Shots: If you prefer to serve this dairy-free Shamrock shake in smaller portions, you can serve it in shot glasses instead.
• Add Chocolate Chips: You may also blend in dairy-free chocolate chips to make a mint chocolate chip shake.
• Optional Toppings: If you like, you can also sprinkle mini dairy-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs on top of the whipped topping. You can also garnish this green smoothie with fresh mint leaves.

Recipes FAQs:

Other St. Patricks’s Recipes to Enjoy:

• Irish Soda Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Irish Brown Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Other Mint-Flavored Recipes:

• Gluten-Free Thin Mints (Dairy-Free)
• Gluten-Free Peppermint Patties (Vegan)

Gluten-Free Holiday Recipes: