It is not easy to be green, but it may be delightful. McDonald's will reintroduce the popular Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry on Monday, February 5, 41 days before St. Patrick's Day (March 17).
Last year, the Shamrock Shake was not available until February 20. In 2022, it was on February 15.This year's early release date may signal that St. Patrick's Day fans are eager to party now, and judging by the earlier-than-ever pair release, McDonald's is here to fuel the festivities.
If you haven't eaten one yet (or have always wondered what was within the vibrant green delights but have never been compelled to inquire about the ingredients), the legendary Shamrock Shake combines vanilla soft serve ice cream, mint syrup, and whipped topping.
Its McFlurry equivalent is the same concept, but with thicker McFlurry-style ice cream (spoon rather than straw) and Oreo cookie crumbs. The Oreo Shamrock McFlurry was added to the fast food chain's menu in 2020 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Shamrock Shake.
The Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, which has been popular since 1970, now includes the updated McFlurry spoon that was introduced last fall.
McDonald's has been experimenting with unique McFlurry flavors, including Strawberry Shortcake and Peanut Butter Crunch, which debuted last summer.Even St. Patrick's Day sweets have experienced modifications, such as the 1980s Shamrock Sundae and a mint chocolate shake in 2017.
In a picture on the Instagram fan account @snackolator, users chimed in with their delight, commenting "My favorite time of year," and "I wish this shake was on the menu permanently." However, some expressed their concerns.
Some people commented on how early the release is and how it should be closer to the holiday, while one fan teased, "'Sorry our ice cream machine is down" — an obvious dig to the chain's historically uneven ice cream-appliance performance.
The Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry will be available for a limited period, although McDonald's has not specified an end date.
Fans planning to purchase seasonal favorites next week may be ecstatic, but they'll be even happy if they're informed "Here's your shake," rather than "Yeah sorry, come back when the ice cream machine is operational."