McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Turns 40!

40th Anniversary Shamrock Shake

Lovers of all things minty are certainly not strangers to Shamrock Shakes, the seasonal milkshake offered annually at McDonald’s restaurants in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The triple-thick milkshake has flavoring similar to the vanilla shakes, but with a hint of mint and a bright green hue. McDonald’s restaurants served the drink annual for several years until many restaurant locations stopped serving the shakes in the early 1990s. The public outcry was heard and the Shamrock Shake was brought back, but not before several websites, such as ShamrockShake.com, were organized to let the public know exactly which locations are selling the shake. The shakes begin to sell in late-February and stop sometime in late March (typically beyond St. Patrick’s Day).

For the 40th anniversary in 2010, McDonald’s decided to upgrade the shake to feature a whipped topping and a cherry, resembling a sundae or birthday cake. Purist should order the shake sans whipped cream and cherry for the pure mint flavor of the original.

The cult following of the Shamrock Shake is nothing new. For decades devotees of the milkshake have tried to decode the recipe for enjoyment year-round. One of the most simple, and possibly most accurate replication can be found on FoodGeeks.com:

Shamrock Shake Recipe

INGREDIENTS
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1-1/4 cup milk, 2% lowfat
1/4 tsp. mint extract
8 drops green food coloring

INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth. Stop blender to stir with a spoon if necessary to help blend ice cream. Pour into 12-ounce cups and serve each with a straw. Serves 2.

Extra Tip: For the gourmet foodies add a sprig of mint for garish.

The Shamrock Shake is an American tradition that continues to spread across the globe. In 2008, the Shamrock Shake returned to Canada after a five year absence. The shake makes news all over the internet as well as traditional media. This year treat yourself by stopping into a McDonald’s or pulling out your blender, and enjoy the mint milkshake! Happy birthday Shamrock Shake! read more

Last Call: Order Jagerbombs and Check Out My New Haircut

Happy St. Patrick’s Day AbD readers. Its time for last call.   Hope that everyone had a fun and safe night.

Again, don’t watch that video if you’re offended by words.  Soon I’m going to stop typing that disclaimer because it’s stupid.  It is time to go sleep off the oncoming hangover and hope I’ve recovered in time to act normal at work tomorrow.  I wish everyone a pleasant morning.

We All Love Green Beer

Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy your green beer in moderation. Check out the video of The Friars, an a capella group from the University of Michigan. I don’t care if you are Irish, I’m not kissing you. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!