McDonald’s is known for its innovative and accessible desserts that delight both kids and adults, but there’s one in particular that has come and gone seasonally, and this year, customers are wondering if it will return: the famous Shamrock Shake.
What is McDonald’s Shamrock Shake?
It’s a milkshake made with creamy vanilla ice cream, blended with Shamrock Shake mint syrup, and topped with light whipped cream. The Shamrock Shake has also been available in an Oreo Shamrock McFlurry version.
Will the Shamrock Shake return to McDonald’s?
So far, the fast-food chain has not announced anything about it; however, in previous years, this popular treat has been released in early February, so it’s believed that it won’t be long before it’s back on the menu.
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When did McDonald’s release the first Shamrock Shake?
According to company records, the Shamrock Shake made its debut in 1970, and since then, it has returned to the menu every year around St. Patrick’s Day.
In 2020, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this iconic dessert, the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry was launched, a special version made with vanilla ice cream, artificial green mint syrup, and Oreo cookie pieces.
How did the Shamrock Shake come to be?
This iconic green dessert has a little-known history, even among its most loyal fans. It all started in 1974 with Kim, the 3-year-old daughter of Fred Hill, a tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, who was diagnosed with leukemia. This led her parents, Fred and Fran, to spend years in crowded waiting rooms and sleep on hospital benches while she received treatment. During this time, they saw many families in similar situations, forced to travel long distances without being able to afford nearby accommodations.
Convinced that there had to be a better solution, the Hills mobilized the Eagles to raise funds. Through the team’s general manager, Jim Murray, they got in touch with Dr. Audrey Evans, head of pediatric oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who dreamed of creating a “home away from home” for families of children undergoing treatment.
Murray spoke with Don Tuckerman, a friend at a McDonald’s advertising agency, and asked him about their upcoming promotion. The answer was perfect: “St. Patrick’s Day. Shamrock Shakes.” The green color matched the Eagles’ colors, so with the support of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc and regional director Ed Rensi, a special promotion was organized where all the profits from the milkshake would go to the cause.
The funds raised helped buy an old four-story, seven-room house near the hospital, which in 1974 became the first Ronald McDonald House. Since then, the network has grown rapidly, providing support to families worldwide, allowing them to stay close to their children during treatment.
Today, Ronald McDonald House Charities serves nearly 6 million children and families in over 63 countries, largely thanks to its continued partnership with its founding partner, McDonald’s.
What promotions does McDonald’s have?
While you wait for the Shamrock Shake to return, you can take advantage of the current promotions available at the chain. One of them is the “Buy one, add another for $1” deal, which allows you to combine two menu items, paying the regular price for one and just $1 more for the second.
Additionally, the official app offers benefits like free medium fries with any $1 purchase every Friday, and a free McCrispy chicken sandwich for new users.
The $5 meal deal is also still available. This offer, which runs until the summer of 2025, includes a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, small fries, 4-piece McNuggets, and a small drink, all for just $5.
