Shamrock Shake Whipped Cream

My youngest daughter has been obsessed with St. Patrick's Day since she was six, mostly because she discovered she could convince me to make milkshakes for breakfast if they were green enough. Now it is our unofficial tradition every March, and honestly, I look forward to it just as much as she does.

Last year I accidentally used way too much food coloring and ended up with an electric green concoction that looked radioactive. The kids absolutely loved it and now request the nuclear version specifically.

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream: Use a good quality brand with real vanilla bean specks if possible, it makes the flavor noticeably better.
• Whole milk: Creates that perfect milkshake consistency, though any milk you keep on hand works just fine.
• Peppermint extract: Start small because this stuff is potent, you can always add more but you cannot take it back.
• Vanilla extract: Balances out the mint and adds that classic milkshop flavor base.
• Green food coloring: Gel coloring gives the most vibrant shade without thinning out the shake.
• Heavy whipping cream: Cold straight from the refrigerator, it whips up beautifully and holds its shape longer.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream while helping stabilize those soft peaks.

Instructions

Blend the shake base:

Pile the ice cream, milk, both extracts, and food coloring into your blender. Let it rip until completely smooth and no ice cream chunks remain.

Taste and tweak:

Give it a quick taste test before pouring. You can always add another drop of peppermint or more coloring at this point.

Whip the cream:

In a chilled metal bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft, cloudlike peaks form.

Assemble and serve:

Pour that gorgeous green shake into chilled glasses, pile on fluffy whipped cream, and add sprinkles or a cherry on top.

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One St. Patricks Day my sister came over and we made a whole assembly line, turning the kitchen into a makeshift shake shop while the kids customized their toppings. The mess was worth it for the memories and those happy sugar buzzed faces.

Getting The Perfect Green

I have tried natural food dyes and even spinach, but nothing beats gel food coloring for that shamrock bright shade everyone expects from this classic treat.

Make It Dairy Free

Coconut milk ice cream works surprisingly well here, just make sure to use full fat versions to keep that rich, creamy texture intact.

Serving Suggestions

These shakes are sweet enough to stand alone as dessert, but if you are serving them as part of a St. Patricks Day spread, they pair beautifully with chocolate Guinness cake or simple sugar cookies.

• Use wide straws so you get both shake and whipped cream in every sip.
• Add a splash of Irish cream liqueur to the adult version for a festive kick.
• Make mini versions in shot glasses for party sized tastings.

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However green you go, enjoy every minty refreshing sip of this simple tradition that brings so much joy to such a small moment.

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives the shake its green color?

Green food coloring is typically added to achieve the festive green hue, though fresh spinach leaves can be used for natural coloring without altering flavor.

→ Can I make the whipped cream topping dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut cream and adjust sweetness accordingly for a dairy-free whipped topping.

→ How can I adjust the mint flavor strength?

Start with half the peppermint extract recommended and add more gradually until the desired mint intensity is reached.

→ What tools are needed to prepare this shake?

A blender for the shake, a mixing bowl, and a hand mixer or whisk for whipping the cream are essential.

→ Are there optional garnishes to enhance presentation?

Yes, green sanding sugar, sprinkles, and maraschino cherries can be used for decoration and added sweetness.