The Shamrock Shake is the sign across the pond that St Patrick’s Day is coming. The milkshake treat has long been something UK residents could see but not touch, as it has never been on sale in the UK—until now.
For two weeks only, the green drink will be in McDonald’s locations up and down the UK. This follows the sell-out Grimace Shake last year, which saw queues out the door and quickly selling out. The Shamrock Shake features a peppermint-flavoured syrup blended with a creamy milkshake base, with McDonald’s promising “flavour customers can all be in a-green-mint of!”
It’s a well-known fact that McDonald’s milkshakes are good. It’s not great, but it’s good for the price and more than agreeable on a warm Spring day. While we may be short of warm days right now, it was more than worth a try given the limited window of opportunity.
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A medium Shamrock Shake costs £2.69, 70p more than the standard vanilla shake. When I went at lunchtime on the day of release, I was a little surprised to see it still in stock, given the mad dash for the Grimace Shake last year.
I was quickly served and then headed back up to the ChronicleLive offices. It was about a five minute walk, but as I got back, the green hue of the iconic Shamrock Shake had caught my attention. Not only was it closer in hue to mint than the nuclear green of the American version (a relief), it was turning brown.
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
I opened the lid as soon as I spotted the brown appearing near the top of the milkshake, checking the ingredient list to see if it was actually a mint chocolate chip flavour, but no. There was no mention of chocolate or why it might turn brown.
It was only when investigating the components of the peppermint syrup used to add flavour and colour, did I see what it was. Copper chlorophyllin is a common food dye used to give things a greener shade, but under certain conditions it can turn brown.
It was a big shock, but I said I’d give it a try, so I tried it. The brown colour kept coming back, and while I was struck with the fury of a paper straw and trying to race to taste some before the paper disintegrated, I could taste it.
The initial taste as it hits your tongue is, admittedly, very nice. I’m one of the few people who is fond of mint chocolate chip ice cream, and so it felt very reminiscent of that. Sweet and flavourful without feeling too much like a visit to the dentists.
However, after the first 3 sips, I was tired of it. The overly sweet flavour can become a bit overwhelming, and the inordinate amount of sugar really does not do much to help. With nearly 60g of sugar in a medium size, the sugar crash I had about 2 hours later hit like a truck.
As a novelty, it’s fun, don’t get me wrong. But will I be putting an alert on my calendar for next year’s Shamrock Shake time? No, I don’t think so.
2025 marks the 50th year of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which accommodates families with children being treated at nearby hospitals and medical facilities. Ronald McDonald Houses allow families to stay free of charge and also provide them with home-cooked meals.
The anniversary also marks the return of mascot Uncle O’Grimacey after a near 40-year absence. To celebrate the Irish-themed treat, participating sales from participating restaurants will donate 20p from Shamrock Shake sales to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/mcdonalds-shamrock-milkshake-review-brown-31186760
