They’re Back! My Love Affair With McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes

There are two limited-time menu items at McDonald's that I am always on the lookout for. One is the elusive McRib which was retired from the menu in 2022. The other has made regular appearances around late February or early March every year since 1970. That's right! The Shamrock Shake is back!

I loved Shamrock Shakes as a kid and still love them today, so when I saw that my friend Lori (not THAT Lori) snagged one on Sunday at the South Paris McDonald's, I have been ready to get my own!

This particular Shamrock Shake is being served in the "The Cardi B & Offest Meal," even though the Shamrock Shake is not included in either one of their meals of choice at McDonald's.

For the past 53 years, the Shamrock Shake has been relatively unchanged. At its core, it has always just been a mint-flavored shake, but there have been subtle changes over the years.

In the 80s McDonald's offered both Shamrock Shakes and Shamrock Sundaes.

With the introduction of McDonald's McCafé in the early 2000s, the shake was served in a McCafé cup with whipped cream on top. Personally, I always ask for no whipped cream. Not just because I'm not a big whipped cream kind of guy, but I like to keep my Shamrock Shakes tasting like I remember when I was a kid. Uncle O'Grimacey sold me on this the moment he showed up in McDonaldland. Yes, there was once a green Grimace.

If McDonald's really wants to blow my mind, bring back the McRib and the Shamrock Shake simultaneously! I'd kiss Ronald McDonald if that ever happened.

If you're on the lookout for the Shamrock Shake, remember the saying: "Price and participation may vary," meaning don't blame me if you're local McDonald's doesn't have it.