Boozy Shamrock Shake with Whipped Cream

Flavorful
Description

Even if you’ve never ordered a Shamrock Shake, its reappearance on McDonalds’ menus come February is a universal reminder that St. Paddy’s Day is near. Our riff on the minty green milkshake is just a wee more grown up. A fraction of a teaspoon of mint extract takes this cloyingly rich dessert and transforms it into something you might even call refreshing. The boozy whipped topping is at your discretion, of course. And a light hand with the food coloring can subtly (dare we say beautifully?) tint the shake, so it looks less like a Kelly green and more like a hint of spring to come.

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon irish whiskey, or more to taste
  • 1 pint high-quality vanilla ice cream like häagen-dazs
  • 1/8 teaspoon mint extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup whole milk, more to taste
  • 3 drops green food coloring (either liquid or gel is fine)
Directions
  1. Take ice cream out of the freezer to soften while you prepare the whiskey whipped cream.
  2. In a cold bowl, with a cold whisk, whip the heavy cream and sugar to soft peaks. Add the vanilla extract and whip to combine. Fold in the whiskey. Taste and adjust, adding a little more sugar or whiskey if desired.
  3. In a blender or a tall vessel and an immersion blender, add the vanilla ice cream, mint and vanilla extracts, and the whole milk. Blend on low speed till you have a smooth, thick shake. Add the food coloring and continue to blend. If you like a thinner shake, add more milk until you have a smooth green drink.
  4. Pour into 2 glasses and top generously with the whiskey whipped cream. Enjoy immediately with a spoon or straw.