The Search for Shamrock Shakes

By Hanna Aronovich in Food on Mar 1, 2006 7:35PM

It’s March 1, which means Spring is coming up, Easter is around the corner and, more immediately, St. Patrick’s Day is less than three weeks away. The parade is two Sundays away, and Chicagoist is busy planning a weekend of binge drinking green beer.

But somewhere in the recess of our minds, we have vague memories of sipping cool, frothy green concoctions, and that’s when we realize: It’s Shamrock Shake season at McDonald’s!

A close friend of Chicagoist says the minty goodness is available in some suburban McDonald’s, but what about here in the city? We stopped by the McDonald’s in the Illinois Center, and not only did they not have the Shamrock Shakes, the milkshake/ice cream machine was out of commission entirely.

Turning to McDonald’s for answers, we came up empty handed. The corporate Web site has no mention of the Shamrock Shake, except locations in Ireland.

So, we throw the questions out there: Is the Shamrock Shake available in the city? Where can we get our hands on one? And does anyone remember Uncle O’Grimacy?

To get you through these confusing times, we’ve included a recipe for a homemade Shamrock Shake.

In a blender, mix:
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon mint extract
8 drops green food coloring

Blend until smooth, pour into glasses and dream of a day when Shamrock Shakes are available year ‘round.