Shamrock Shakes (copycat McDonald’s recipe)

It’s that time of year!  McDonald’s is offering their Shamrock Shakes for a limited time and, while full of all sorts of unhealthy stuff, they sure are tasty.  Have you seen them?  Or perhaps tried them?

image source

Yum.

Habits like that can quickly become expensive, however, and, as I alluded to earlier, the ingredient list isn’t exactly stellar.  Never fear!  You can replicate this tasty treat at home with just a few simple ingredients.  Not only will this save you money, it will also give you more quality control over what you put in it.  Ready?

Ingredients:

• 2 cups good quality vanilla ice cream (look for a short ingredient list!)
• 3/4 – 1 cup milk (I used 2%, but I always advocate using what you’ve got.)
• 1/2 cup green creme de menthe (the real, aka alcoholic, stuff) OR 1/3 cup creme de menthe syrup (the stuff you buy in the grocery store alongside the hot fudge and other ice cream toppings)*, **
• 1 cup, or so, ice cubes
• whipped cream (the stuff in the can is my choice for this because you can make pretty swirls)

Combine all ingredients (except the whipped cream) in blender and mix until smooth and creamy– you can adjust the thickness to your liking by using more or less milk.  Pour into glass or empty “shake cup”.  Top with whipped cream, insert straw, and enjoy!  (makes 2 generous shakes)

*Using real creme de menthe will, of course, add alcohol and thus should not be consumed by children or pregnant women.  I wouldn’t worry too much about winding up impaired from it, though.  Once it’s been all mixed with the ice cream and milk, the alcohol percentage is pretty low and it’s too filling for you too really drink too much of it.

**Real creme de menthe is made from grain alcohol, mint leaves, and sugar– nothing too creepy or chemical.  It’s also not quite as sweet as the “syrup” version (which contains HFCS and artificial color).  Personally, I prefer the “real” stuff from the liquor store.  The syrup version will give you a closer replica of the McDonald’s shake and, since alcohol-free, is safe for children or those who can’t have alcohol for health or other reasons.

My husband and I love to whip up a quick batch of these for after the kiddos are all tucked in.  So fun to snuggle on the couch with a blanket and some “grown-up” Shamrock Shakes!

linked to:

Tasty Tuesday

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday