McDonald's Shamrock Shake: 5 Fun Facts About The Green Treat

McDonald’s is known for having annual menu items that build a large cult-like following and two are about to make their rare debut: the famous Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry.

Every year when spring comes around, the shake and McFlurry come to locations all around the U.S. to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The release usually happens around mid-February, with Mickey D's bringing back the Shamrock Shake on Feb. 15 this year.

The shake comes in small, medium or large and ranges from 460 to 800 calories. It includes vanilla soft serve mixed with Shamrock syrup and topped with whipped cream, according to the McDonald’s website. It runs from $2.19 to $2.99 on average in most U.S. locations (though it can be over $5 in New York City).

The Oreo Shamrock McFlurry comes in a regular (560 calories) which is typically around $3 or snack size (370 calories) which is $2.30 and consists of vanilla soft serve that’s blended with the Shamrock Shake syrup and Oreo cookie pieces.

Here are a few fun facts about the shake McDonald's has shared over the years:

1. 2020 Marked 50 Years Of The Shake

While it was created in 1967 by a McDonald’s franchise owner, it didn’t debut in other locations until 1970. To kick off this milestone, the company welcomed back the shake for a limited time, this time with an Oreo Shamrock McFlurry.

2. It Was Once Turned Into A Sundae

The “Shamrock Sundae” was debuted just 10 years after the shake was debuted. It included the original vanilla soft serve with the Shamrock syrup on the top.

3. It’s Not Only Offered In The U.S.

When St. Patrick Day rolls around, the shake make’s its annual appearance in the U.S. In 2020, it was offered in some locations across Canada, as well as Ireland.

4. There’s Been A “World’s Largest” Of The Shake

There was a 24-feet-tall Shamrock Shake poured into the Chicago River after a $10,000 donation was given to a local Ronald McDonald House on St. Patrick’s Day in 2010.

5. There’s A Locator App

Similar to the McRib, the shake has a large fan following and when it’s annually released, those mint-lovers want to know where to get their fix ASAP. The McDonald’s Finder App is an “official mobile directory of every Shamrock Shake-serving restaurant in the U.S.