In search of the shamrock shake

Today, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we discuss a sweet, frothy concoction that’s become traditional St. Patrick’s Day fare for people the world over: the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake. Green and minty, the Shamrock Shake is available only for a limited time, in a limited number of McDonald’s stores. How does it stack up to other seasonal fast foods?

Kyra Kyles has written extensively about the Shamrock Shake for the Tribune Red Eye in Chicago. Arguably the biggest Shamrock Shake fan in the world, she knows where to go if you can’t find them, and how to make them at home if you’re really in a bind.

And Kevin Stirtz is the publisher of AmazingServiceGuy.com. A business and customer loyalty specialist, he’s written about why the Shamrock Shake survives as a successful brand.

Here’s our own version, if you can find your green food coloring:

* 2 cups vanilla ice cream
* 1 cup milk
* 1/4 cup half & half
* 1/2 teaspoon mint extract (spearmint, not peppermint)
* 8 drops green food coloring

Blend on high until thoroughly mixed, pour into two tall paper cups, and drink through long straws for the authentic experience.