This is the moment McDonald's fans have been waiting for all year
Here’s Exactly When Shamrock Shakes Return to McDonald’s Nationwide
Published on Feb. 03, 2025
McDonald’s is known for many things: its iconic golden arches, unbeatable burgers and the best-tasting Coke. But there’s one seasonal menu item that truly places the restaurant above all other fast-food joints, especially during this time of year. Can you guess what it is?
Here are three clues: It’s green. It’s minty. And it’s delightfully ice cold. Yup, we’re talking about the Shamrock Shake. The seasonal item is returning to a McDonald’s location near you. Read on to find out the details.
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What is the Shamrock Shake?
The Shamrock Shake is one of McDonald’s most beloved seasonal treats, and it’s been making the rounds every year since it was first introduced in 1967. With its green hue and festive name, it’s the perfect treat to pick up around St. Patrick’s Day.
Not to be confused with a regular shake, the Shamrock Shake consists of creamy vanilla soft serve ice cream blended with mint syrup and topped with whipped light cream. The season is also ushering in the return of the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, a blend of vanilla soft serve, mint syrup and Oreo cookie pieces. If you love mint, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
How much does a Shamrock Shake cost?
While prices vary from location to location, one shopper who spotted the Shamrock Shake early says the sweet treat ranges from $3.69 to $4.39. The Oreo Shamrock McFlurry will run you between $2.19 (for a mini) and $3.89 (for a regular size).
Where has it been spotted so far?
Even though the Shamrock Shake isn’t officially available at all McDonald’s locations just yet, there have been a few sightings across the country so far. According to McDonald’s enthusiast @markie_devo on Instagram, the Shamrock Shake has already been spotted in Iowa and in Brooklyn, New York.
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One commenter added that they’d seen a Shamrock Shake in Southern New Jersey, while another confirmed a sighting in Orlando, Florida. If your local McDonald’s doesn’t have them yet, chances are you won’t have to wait much longer.
When will the shake be available at McDonald’s nationwide?
While there’s no official nationwide release date yet, all signs point to Feb. 10 at the latest. As @markie_devo reported, that’s when an annual giving tradition kicks off: From Feb. 10 to March 23, the company will donate 25 cents to Ronald McDonald House Charities for each Shamrock Shake sold at participating U.S. McDonald’s restaurants.
Since the promotion starts on Feb. 10, we expect the Shamrock Shake to make its nationwide debut sometime before then. (In his post, @markie_devo calls out that date as well.) Last year, for instance, it began on Feb. 5.
What’s new about the shake this year?
McDonald’s is shaking up the Shamrock Shake this year. On the heels of last year’s McFlurry makeover and introduction of the mini McFlurry, the fast-food restaurant has launched a new miniature Oreo Shamrock McFlurry for the first time ever. It’s the perfect size for a quick snack on the go—you know, if you have more self-control than we do in the face of Shamrock Shakes.
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Sources:
- @markie_devo: “Inject that creamy minty goodness right into my soul!!”
- The Krazy Coupon Lady: “McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Is Back Early (We Found it Cheaper Than Last Year)”
- Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwest Virginia: “Celebrating 50 Years of the Shamrock Shake”
