Shamrock Shake Whipped Cream

The first time my youngest spotted that signature green cup through the drive-thru window, I knew I had to figure out a homemade version. Now every March becomes an excuse to experiment with mint swirls and whipped cream mountains until we land on something even better than the original.

Last year my friend Sarah came over expecting dinner and left with a green mustache and a new favorite tradition. We spent the whole evening tweaking the food coloring drops and debating whether soft peaks or stiff peaks made better whipped cream clouds.

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream: A high quality vanilla base makes all the difference here since the mint needs something creamy to cling to
• Whole milk: Creates that perfectly drinkable consistency though any milk works in a pinch
• Peppermint extract: Start with less than you think you need this stuff is potent
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sharpness of the peppermint and adds depth
• Green food coloring: Four drops gives you a subtle mint shade while six drops leans into full festive mode
• Heavy whipping cream: Cold from the fridge whips up best and stays fluffy longer on top of the shake
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream without adding graininess

Instructions

Blend the base:

Toss the ice cream milk peppermint extract vanilla extract and food coloring into your blender and blitz until completely smooth

Taste and adjust:

Give it a quick sip and add more peppermint extract or another drop of coloring if needed

Whip the cream:

In a chilled bowl beat the heavy cream powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form

Assemble and serve:

Pour the shake into chilled glasses pile on fluffy whipped cream and add sprinkles or cherries if you are feeling fancy

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My neighbor texted me at 8pm on March 17th last year desperate for a green fix after every drive thru had closed. We laughed over video call as she attempted the whipped cream with a fork because she did not own a mixer.

Making It Naturally Green

A handful of fresh spinach blended into the shake creates a beautiful green color without any artificial food coloring. The flavor completely disappears behind the mint and vanilla plus you get an extra serving of vegetables without anyone noticing.

Dairy Free Swaps

Coconut based ice cream whips into a surprisingly creamy shake and coconut cream makes an incredible dairy free whipped topping. Just let the coconut cream chill overnight then scoop out the solid part leaving the liquid behind.

Getting The Perfect Whipped Cream

The trick to restaurant style whipped cream is using a chilled metal bowl and keeping everything as cold as possible throughout the process.

• Place your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for at least fifteen minutes before starting
• Pour the heavy cream into the cold bowl and start whipping on low speed
• Increase to medium high once bubbles form and watch closely to avoid over whipping

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Whether you are celebrating St Patricks Day or just need a midweek pick me up this shamrock shake delivers pure joy in a glass.

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives the shake its mint flavor?

Pure peppermint extract is added to provide a fresh, minty taste balancing the vanilla base.

→ Can I use a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, substitute dairy-free ice cream, milk, and coconut cream in place of traditional dairy ingredients.

→ How is the whipped cream made fluffy?

Heavy whipping cream is combined with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then whipped until soft peaks form.

→ What is the purpose of green food coloring?

It adds a festive green hue without impacting the shake's creamy texture or taste.

→ Are there any garnish suggestions?

Green sanding sugar or sprinkles and maraschino cherries adorn the top for extra color and flair.