Some people associate the flavor of mint with Christmas, but we know that it's a sign of spring. We are tempted with Girl Scout cookies in February, including the classic Thin Mints. In May we want a mint julep so we can pretend we are at the Kentucky Derby. And in March, McDonald's offers their Shamrock Shakes leading up to St. Patrick's Day. The minty green treat is only available at the drive-through for a limited time, officially until March 17th, but in reality you might get them until their mint syrup tuns out, but I wouldn't count on that lasting long. Still, you can make them at home any time of the year with a recipe from Serious Eats. You'll need vanilla ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, green food coloring, salt, whipped cream, and your optional cherry on top.
Plus, you can jazz up your Shamrock Shake with extras when you make it at home. McDonald's is offering the OREO Shamrock McFlurry this year, and your shake can taste that way with the addition of crushed OERO cookies. Or another cookie if you prefer. Or you might want some chocolate syrup in there. Just be careful when and where you add these extras, so that you can preserve the signature green color of the Shamrock Shake. Keep that recipe handy, because a Shamrock Shake will go down good on a hot August afternoon.
(Image credit: Jonathan Kearns)