St. Patrick's Day (Luckily) Came Early: McDonald's Shamrock Shake Is Back Now

Saint Patrick's Day is over a month away, but that doesn't mean you can't get a head start on celebrating—especially when ice cream is involved. If you wait all year for McDonald's to drop their minty-flavored milkshake, you're in luck: You get a few extra weeks to enjoy it this year.

On February 2, the fast food chain announced that their Shamrock Shake and OREO Shamrock McFlurry would come to participating restaurants nationwide starting February 5—nearly two weeks before last year’s launch on February 20. The treat, which has been part of the McDonald's menu since 1967, has earned its reputation as a fan-favorite, seasonal classic.

Of course, the shakes will only be around for a limited time (and McDonald's ice cream machines aren't always the most reliable), so don't wait to get your fix.

“Our classic Shamrock Shake is made with creamy vanilla soft serve, blended with mint syrup, and topped with a sweet, whipped topping. Or, for a hint of something different, try our fan-favorite OREO Shamrock McFlurry, which comes blended with crushed OREO cookies,” McDonald’s said in an announcement post. “Make your friends green with envy and snag one of these famously minty treats while supplies last.”

There’s something unbeatable about treating yourself to a seasonal shake from McDonald’s, but if you want to make your own version at home, you have options of fresh ways to recreate it.

Add your own sweet, flavorful twist by whipping up our Mint Matcha Milk Shake: Whisk together matcha powder and milk, then combine that with mint-chocolate chip ice cream and chopped fresh mint. Top it off with some whipped cream or, if you’re feeling particularly festive, lightly place a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter on top of the whipped cream and sift on matcha powder to create a shamrock topping.

If you're not a big milkshake person, you don't have to miss out on the mint-themed desserts. Try out the Shamrock Shake's flavors in cupcake form—this recipe requires a bit more effort than the milkshakes, but they deliver on presentation and taste. As one reviewer wrote, “5 stars, delicious & I'm making them again this St. Patrick's Day!”