During St Patrick’s time, some fast food restaurants release new desserts: there is the famous Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s, but did you know that Wendy’s, Culver’s, Arby’s, and Dairy Queen all have special frozen favorites? The six treats are: Shamrock Shake, Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, Mint Oreo Blizzard (DQ), Thin Mint Frosty (Wendy’s), and Andes Mint Chocolate Shake (Arby’s).
Starting with the Shamrock Shake, the Shake debuted in 1970. Since then, approximately 60 million have been sold, estimating about 1.2 million per year–gaining almost a “cult following” according to NGPF. You can get these shakes in three sizes: Small ($4.19), medium ($4.69), and large ($5.19). I bought one to try out. My First thought was, “I see why they are so popular.” The mint flavor was strong.
Next, the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, selling for $4.69, debuted in 2020 for the fiftieth anniversary of its cousin (the classic Shamrock Shake). Popular enough to come back, this treat has crumbled cookies, soft-serve vanilla, and mint green syrup to make it the iconic color. Taste of Home says, “This is a special version of the classic Oreo McFlurry.” I went out and bought one myself to try out. The McFlurry tasted like Thin Mints and Oreos in vanilla ice cream.
The Mint Oreo Blizzard is an original from Dairy Queen. It debuted in 2003 as the Blizzard of the month. Sadly, the dessert is not green, so it’s not as festive for the holidays but is still good for those who like mint. The treat comes in 4 different sizes, Mini ($3.99), Small ($4.49), Medium ($5.19), and Large ($5.79). I tried one out. The mint was much more subtle than McDonald’s (I would say practically nonexistent.) The Oreos were mixed well and the chunks were fair-sized.
Next, the Thin Mint Frosty, a Wendy’s original for the season, is not specifically “St Patrick’s” themed, yet it still warrants comparison. This year is the first year of them being sold. It comes in the usual frosty sizes: Jr ($1.39), Small ($2.49), Medium ($3.19), and Large ($3.79). It comes in two different flavors, chocolate and vanilla. I got the vanilla version, and honestly, I wasn’t that pleased with it. The flavor was lacking; there wasn’t much mint to it, but the chocolate was okay. The cookie pieces seemed to be more for visual appeal than for flavor.
The Arby’s Andes Mint Chocolate Shake, selling since 2013 for $3.99 with only one size, is a twist on the beloved Andes chocolate mints. The shake has a bright green hue like McDonald’s Shamrock Shake. Topped with the candy Andes and whipped cream on top, the flavor is strong on mint with slight chocolate aftertaste.
Lastly, Culver’s, known for their butter burgers, has customizable shakes. While it’s not on the menu, you can make your own Mint Shake; some call it the Shamrock Hack. For $3.89, you can order shake with two mix-ins. Taste of Home recommended mixing Andes candies with their mint custard, creating the Shamrock Hack.
If you’re in the mood for a minty green shake outside of these seasonal offerings, here’s a recipe you can try at home.
