Save This creamy milkshake blends vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and pure mint extract into a smooth, refreshing treat. Green food coloring adds a festive touch, while optional whipped cream and sprinkles create a delightful garnish. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for a cool, sweet indulgence anytime. Adjust milk for desired thickness and experiment with peppermint extract or liqueur variations for more intensity and flavor.
My youngest came home from school last March absolutely puzzled that his friend claimed leprechauns turned everything green overnight. We laughed about it, but then I thought, why not actually make something magical and green together? His eyes widened when the blender whirred that first batch into the most brilliant emerald shade.
Last St. Patricks Day, I made these for the whole family before our annual movie marathon. My teenager who swears shes too cool for everything admitted she had two glasses, and even my husband took a sip and said this actually works.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream: Premium brands give that velvety restaurant texture that cheap versions miss
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Start here and adjust based on how thick you like your shake
- 1/2 teaspoon pure mint extract: Mint, not peppermint, gives that refreshing herbal sweetness without being overpowering
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Only if your ice cream isnt sweet enough or you like it dessert sweet
- 3 to 4 drops green food coloring: Gel coloring keeps the texture smooth while liquid works fine too
- Whipped cream and sprinkles: These turn a simple drink into something worth celebrating
Instructions
- Gather everything first:
- Measure your ingredients before you start because the food coloring can stain if you spill while rushing
- Blend until completely smooth:
- Pour in the ice cream, milk, mint extract, sugar if using, and food coloring, then let the blender run for at least thirty seconds
- Taste and adjust:
- Dip a spoon in and decide if you want more mint or sugar before pouring
- Pour into chilled glasses:
- Cold glasses keep the shake thick longer, which I learned after one too many watery attempts
- Add the fun toppings:
- Pile whipped cream high and finish with green sprinkles or a cherry while everyone watches
Save These became our unofficial start to spring even when it is still freezing outside. Something about that bright green color against gray March days makes everyone smile before they even take a sip.
Getting the Texture Right
Some days we want a thick shake that requires a spoon, other days something closer to what you get at a drive thru. I have started keeping a small measuring cup of extra milk beside the blender so I can thin it on the fly.
Making It Fancy
Rim the glasses with green sugar sprinkles before pouring by running a lemon wedge around the rim and dipping it into sprinkles on a small plate. My niece calls this the grownup version even though it is just more fun.
Dairy Free Swaps
Coconut based ice cream works surprisingly well here, just know the coconut flavor does peek through the mint. Almond milk ice cream disappears into the background more completely if you want that pure mint taste.
- Let plant based ice cream soften for five minutes before blending
- Some dairy free versions need slightly less milk to reach the same thickness
- Taste before adding extra sugar since some brands are already quite sweet
Save Hope this brings a little bright green magic to your kitchen too.
