Buzz
St. Patrick's Day often leads to overindulgence, but it's not just Guinness or Jameson causing the buzz. McDonald's Shamrock Shake, a vibrant green and limited-time seasonal favorite, also steals the spotlight. Here's what you need to know about this 660-calorie delight.
1. The Shamrock Shake had a different name when it first debuted.
Initially, this iconic milkshake was known as the St. Patrick’s Day Green Milkshake. Not quite as catchy, right?
2. The Shamrock Shake supports a good cause.
The Shamrock Shake is deeply connected to the Ronald McDonald House and the Philadelphia Eagles, according to McDonald's. In 1974, Eagles tight end Fred Hill's daughter was undergoing leukemia treatment, and he noticed many exhausted families in hospital waiting rooms. Inspired, he envisioned a home-like space for families during their children's treatments. Leveraging his football connections, he partnered with a local ad agency working with McDonald's. Profits from the Shamrock Shake were used to establish the first Ronald McDonald House near Philadelphia's Children’s Hospital.
3. Uncle O'Grimacey once served as the Shamrock Shake's mascot.
During the early 1980s, a controversial character named Uncle O’Grimacey was featured in promotions for the seasonal shake.
4. Offering the Shamrock Shake is optional for McDonald's locations.
In 2012, the Shamrock Shake became available nationwide, but individual restaurants aren't obligated to sell it. Regional managers determine each year whether their stores will feature the shake.
5. Jimmy Fallon once emptied an entire New York City McDonald's of its Shamrock Shake stock.
If you were in New York in 2011 and missed out on the Shamrock Shake, you can likely blame Jimmy Fallon. After discovering a Union Square McDonald's had the seasonal treat, he bought over 100 shakes for his audience, leaving none for others. New Yorkers were far from happy with his stunt.
6. The Shamrock Shake inspired an ice cream spin-off that didn’t succeed.
While the shake was a hit, the Shamrock Sundae flopped. Launched in 1980, it was pulled after just one year. It seems fans prefer their minty green treats as shakes rather than scoops. This year, however, McDonald's is giving it another shot with the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, celebrating the shake's 50th anniversary.
7. Over the years, several larger-than-life versions of the Shamrock Shake have been created.
For several years, a massive Shamrock Shake was poured into the Chicago River, adding to its iconic green color during St. Patrick's Day celebrations. McDonald's also made a donation to the Ronald McDonald House as part of the event.
8. The McDonald's app can help you locate a Shamrock Shake nearby.
If you’re among those who struggle to find the shake each year, the official McDonald's app is your solution. In 2020, the Shamrock Shake returned to all McDonald's locations for the first time in three years. The app provides a directory to help you find the nearest spot serving the shake.
9. You can recreate the Shamrock Shake at home.
If you still can’t track one down, there’s a backup plan: make your own version at home.
10. In 2017, McDonald's introduced a specially designed Shamrock Shake straw.
In 2017, McDonald's launched a groundbreaking innovation for Shamrock Shake enthusiasts: the STRAW. Created by engineers from JACE and NK Labs, the Suction Tube for Reverse Axial Withdrawal was tailored specifically for the shake. Unlike regular straws, it features a sharp bend and three eye-shaped holes alongside the bottom opening. These additional holes allow drinkers to enjoy a layered version of the shake, blending the mint and chocolate layers perfectly in every sip.
