One of the most anticipated and perhaps polarizing seasonal flavors of the year has officially made its presence known, cloaking the fast-food scene in its signature green hue.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake is back.
It hit locations nationwide on February 17, and thankfully (for some of us, at least), the recipe has not changed. It’s still that same creamy vanilla soft serve blended with minty Shamrock syrup and crowned with a swirl of whipped cream. The bright green sip has been dividing opinions since the ’70s, but for fans, it’s the unofficial kickoff to spring and St. Patrick’s Day vibes.
A Nostalgic Tradition
McDonald’s introduced the Shamrock Shake nationwide in 1970. What started as a regional experiment by a Connecticut franchisee in 1967 turned into one of the chain’s most enduring seasonal rituals after profits from Shamrock Shake sales helped fund and open the very first Ronald McDonald House Charities in Philadelphia in 1974.
The best thing about the Shamrock is perhaps its predictability, in that it is somewhat familiar and comforting and arrives just when the holiday blues have taken over. It always shows up ahead of St. Patrick’s Day and then disappears not long after. No long explanations, no permanent spot on the menu. Just a few weeks and it’s gone again.
This year, though, the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry is coming back too. McDonald’s first rolled it out in 2020 to celebrate the Shamrock Shake’s 50th anniversary, and it’s been a fan-favorite return ever since.
It takes the same minty Shamrock syrup and vanilla soft serve base, then mixes in crushed Oreo cookie pieces for that perfect crunch, essentially turning a classic mint flavor into a minty-chocolaty treat with extra texture. Offered in mini or regular size, it’s a great option if you love the shake but want something a bit more substantial (or just crave that Oreo contrast).
Both items will be available for a limited time at participating restaurants.
Sources: McDonald’s, Allrecipes