Name: Vegan Mint Shamrock Shake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pint dairy free vanilla ice cream; 1/2 cup dairy free milk (preferably oat milk); 1/4 teaspoon mint extract; 8-10 drops green food coloring; Vegan whipped cream; Sprinkles; Maraschino cherries

There’s something magical about a minty, creamy shake that just brightens your day, and this Vegan Mint Shamrock Shake Recipe nails it perfectly. It’s a quick, refreshing treat that’s not only dairy-free but also bursts with that classic shamrock charm you can’t resist.

A tall, clear glass filled with a smooth, light green drink topped with a swirl of white whipped cream. On top of the whipped cream is a bright red maraschino cherry and some small green and red sprinkles scattered around. A metallic gold straw is placed inside the glass. The glass is sitting on a white round coaster against a white marbled surface, with a blurred second glass and some small bowls containing red and white ingredients in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Mint Shamrock Shake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Vegan Mint Shamrock Shake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Vegan Mint Shamrock Shake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of mint shakes in my kitchen, but this Vegan Mint Shamrock Shake Recipe stands out because it’s simple, delicious, and guilt-free. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just want a fun, plant-based treat, this shake has your back.

Ultra simple: You only need 4 basic ingredients to whip up a creamy shake that tastes like a dream.
Dairy-free delight: Perfect for vegans or anyone avoiding dairy without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Customizable color: You can choose natural or traditional food coloring depending on your preference.
Ready in minutes: This recipe comes together in about 5 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.

A tall clear glass filled with a smooth, light mint green milkshake topped with a swirl of white whipped cream. On top of the whipped cream sits a bright red cherry with a shiny surface, and colorful sprinkles in green, white, and yellow scattered on and around the cream. Two golden straws are placed leaning inside the glass from the right side. The glass is set on a small white saucer against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Vegan Mint Shamrock Shake Recipe plays an important role, balancing creaminess, minty freshness, and that perfect shake texture. Here’s the rundown on why these work so well together and a few tips for choosing the best versions.

Flat lay of a pint of creamy dairy free vanilla ice cream scooped to show texture, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth oat milk, a tiny white bowl holding clear mint extract liquid, another small white bowl with vibrant green liquid resembling natural food coloring, a dollop of fluffy vegan whipped cream on a simple white plate, a scattering of colorful sprinkles on a white ceramic dish, and two glossy bright red maraschino cherries placed neatly beside each other, all arranged symmetrically and evenly spaced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dairy-free vanilla ice cream: This is your creamy base. I love using a coconut or oat-based ice cream for the richest texture.
Dairy-free milk: Oat milk is my go-to because it’s creamy and neutral, but almond or soy works great too.
Mint extract: The key flavor punch here. Just a little goes a long way—too much can overpower.
Green food coloring: Traditional drops work perfectly, but if you prefer natural color, spirulina powder or matcha can add a subtle green tint.
Vegan whipped cream: For topping, this adds a decadent finish and makes your shake look extra festive.
Sprinkles and maraschino cherries: Optional but so fun—they add a pop of color and whimsy.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Vegan Mint Shamrock Shake Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. You can adjust sweetness, mint intensity, or the creaminess level to match your taste buds perfectly.

Variation: I sometimes add a handful of fresh spinach for a natural green color without food coloring—plus, it sneaks in some extra nutrients without changing the flavor much.
Sweetness Switch: If you like it sweeter, toss in a splash of maple syrup or agave nectar before blending.
After-dinner Treat: Try adding a teaspoon of cacao powder for a mint-chocolate twist—one of my personal favorites for cozy nights.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Mint Shamrock Shake Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Prep

Start by getting all your ingredients on the countertop. Measure the dairy-free vanilla ice cream and your preferred milk. I like to let my ice cream soften for a couple of minutes for easier blending. Having everything ready means the shake comes together effortlessly.

Step 2: Blend to Creamy Perfection

Into your blender, add the ice cream, milk, mint extract, and green food coloring. Blend on medium speed until everything is smooth and creamy—usually about 30 seconds. Watch the texture and stop when it looks like a thick milkshake; don’t over-blend or it might get too runny.

Step 3: Serve and Decorate

Pour the shake equally into two glasses. Top each with a generous swirl of vegan whipped cream, festive sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry on top if you like. This finishing touch always makes it feel like a special treat in my house.

Top Tip

This Vegan Mint Shamrock Shake Recipe is so easy it almost feels like cheating, but a few little tricks will really level up your game. From my experience, these tips save time and prevent common pitfalls.

Softening Your Ice Cream: Let your ice cream sit out for 5 minutes before blending for a silkier shake and easy blender work.
Mint Extract Measured: Because mint extract is potent, start with ¼ teaspoon and increase slowly if needed to avoid bitterness.
Color Control: Add food coloring a few drops at a time—you can always add more, but it’s harder to fix overdone color.
Whipped Cream Hack: Chill your whipped cream and glass beforehand so your topping stays firm longer.

How to Serve Vegan Mint Shamrock Shake Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for the classic garnishes—vegan whipped cream with colorful sprinkles and a bright red maraschino cherry always makes the shake look festive and inviting. Sometimes, I switch out sprinkles for crushed vegan peppermint candies for an extra minty crunch.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this shake with crunchy vegan cookies or a small plate of fresh fruit. The fruity brightness balances the rich mint flavor perfectly and makes the treat feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For party fun, I’ve served this shake in clear milkshake glasses with festive green-striped straws and little shamrock picks. It’s a simple way to elevate the experience and impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because this shake is best fresh, leftovers don’t keep well. If you have any, keep it covered in the fridge for up to a day, but expect the texture to separate. Just give it a quick stir before you sip again.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the blended shake because the texture changes after thawing. Instead, freeze any extra ice cream you have and blend fresh when you’re ready for another shake.

Reheating

Since this is a cold shake, reheating isn’t applicable. If you want a warm minty drink, try making a hot vegan mint mocha instead—another recipe I love in chilly weather.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh mint instead of mint extract?

Fresh mint is wonderful in many recipes, but it doesn’t deliver the same concentrated flavor as mint extract in this shake. You could steep fresh mint leaves in the milk before blending, but you might need to experiment with amounts to get the right mint intensity.

Is there a natural alternative for green food coloring?

Absolutely! Spirulina powder or matcha green tea powder are popular natural options that give a subtle, earthy green color without artificial dyes. Just add a small amount to the blender with your other ingredients.

What’s the best dairy-free ice cream for this recipe?

I recommend a creamy coconut milk or oat milk-based vanilla ice cream for the richest texture and taste. Brands vary, so pick one that melts well and blends smoothly for the best shamrock shake experience.

Can I make a sugar-free version of this shake?

Yes! Use a sugar-free vanilla ice cream and omit the sprinkles, or choose sugar-free vegan toppings. You might also need to adjust the mint extract amount to balance flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Mint Shamrock Shake Recipe is one of those rare treats that’s as easy as it is delightful. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how a few simple ingredients can create such a fun and festive experience. I truly hope you enjoy blending up this creamy, minty magic as much as I do—and maybe it becomes a new tradition for your celebrations too.