How To Make A Shamrock Shake At Home Slideshow

If you can make a vanilla milkshake, you're more than prepared to make a Shamrock Shake at home. All you need is vanilla ice cream and milk to make the base.

Peppermint extract goes a long way, remember, so don't overdo it in your vanilla milkshake. When adding the ingredients to a blender, add the peppermint extract for a creamy mint treat. Our best proportions for a shamrock shake:

2 cups vanilla ice cream

¾ cup of milk

¾ teaspoon peppermint extract

As the final touch to your Shamrock Shake, add up to eight drops of green food coloring. (Remember, like peppermint extract, it's a potent ingredient — so don't overdo it.) Blend all ingredients on high speed until smooth, and you're good to go. (Whipped cream and a maraschino cherry not included.)

There's lots of ways to amp up your average Shamrock Shake. The easiest way? Add some chocolate syrup to your glass before pouring in the shake — consider it a homemade version of mint chocolate chip ice cream. Or, as Tasty Kitchen does it, add some Oreos for a crunchy milkshake. The ultimate add-on for a Shamrock Shake? A Girl Scouts Thin Mint. That is, if you're willing to sacrifice a few for a shake.

For an Irish treat, you had better add some Irish whiskey to the mix. Jameson or Tullamore is always a good basic Irish whiskey to add to the blender — but keep away from the kids. Not a whiskey fan? Peppermint Schnapps can add a minty kick to your shake, or crème de menthe, as in the Twinkiebelle (adult) milkshake. (If you can still get your hands on a Twinkie, that's one good way to spice up a Shamrock Shake.) There's more than one way to spike a Shamrock Shake.

Like we said, we can't — or don't want to — control just how much whipped cream or ice cream we're adding to our Shamrock Shakes at home. If you're looking to avoid the calories, try low-calorie frozen yogurt and skim milk instead, and avoid the toppings at all costs. Want to add some vitamins and protein to the shake? We like Peanut Butter and Pepper's healthy recipe for a Shamrock Shake, with a banana, Greek yogurt, and coconut milk.