Remember the other day when I was tweeting, pinning, and therefore understandably craving Shamrock Shakes?
Here’s the problem.
McDonald’s in Germany?
Yeah, they don’t make Shamrock Shakes in March over here.
WHAT?!??!!?
Now don’t get me wrong. I looooove me some McDonalds in Germany…
Chilli seasoned fries… and Nutella Crossants… and their Lattes to go…
But no Shamrock Shakes?
This calls for a creative intervention!
Unfortunately (or fortunately HA) we couldn’t find any Peppermint Extract.
Annnnd apparently – peppermint extract is no where to be found in all of Germany.
No really… I asked…
I even tried using charades in one of our German grocery store to describe it to three women.
“Do you know Vanilla? For Cookies? You make like this?” (pouring liquid motion) “Do you know Peppermint?”
“Nicht im Deutschland” = Total Bummer.
I felt utterly defeated while searching for a “Peppermint Substitute” — until I saw a reference to schnapps.
Schnapps? Oh yes. I’m serious. And? Our local Shoppette carries Peppermint Schnapps!
Confession: We used egg cups to measure shots. Sacrilege.
Next we have a loooooovely big bowl of vanilla ice cream.
Here is hubby using a hand mixer in a large pitcher to blend the ingredients.
Add a few drops of green food coloring
**Insert imaginary picture of familiar little green bottle of food coloring here**
We added milk a little at a time until it was the desired consistency.
Num num…
It was good. SO good.
But don’t take my word for it.
You can ask Bob.
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
Have you ever tasted a Shamrock Shake?
What is your favorite flavor for homemade milkshakes?
…
Final recipe: Half a container of vanilla ice cream. 2 shots of peppermint schnapps.
About a half a cup of milk. 5 drops green food coloring. Blend until smooth. Drink and enjoy!
March 3, 2012 at 3:35 pm
I love peanut butter milkshakes … sometimes I add a squirt of chocolate syrup … seriously considering a Nutella shake soon … hmmm
March 3, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Very creative! I used to love the Shamrock shakes, but when I got one the other day it tasted…off. I don’t know why but it just didn’t taste right. Maybe I’ve outgrown it? If so, the alcoholic version sounds like a plan, I might have to try this.
New Mommy Confessions recently posted..DIY Tutorial for Men : How To Replace Toilet Paper
March 3, 2012 at 5:11 pm
Oh, hello new shake that I must make immediately. Thanks for sharing!
ruthie recently posted..what i’m loving lately: yellow
March 4, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Shamrock Shake with Schnapps – try saying that 3 times fast! LOL
Conni Smith recently posted..Slow-Cooker Caribou and Andouille Chili
March 4, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Oh, and I can feel your pain – I am on a search for Hazlenut Extract…..nowhere to be found in Fairbanks, Alaska
I’m about to go online and search for it!
Conni Smith recently posted..Slow-Cooker Caribou and Andouille Chili
March 5, 2012 at 2:46 am
Oh how I love to create my own shake…I am not that sure if I can try this by weekends…Great ideas!
AnnaLou recently posted..martin place residences
March 5, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Mmm… McDonalds milkshakes. Too bad the nearest one is three hours away. But thank you for the inspiration of making them at home – strangely I never thought of that.
Lisa Karlson recently posted..Why Do I Sweat So Much?
March 6, 2012 at 3:25 am
My 11 year old daughter likes o write down recipes, and she wrote this one down. I had your page up the other day. I left it on this recipe, and she had to write it down, even included”schnapps:- I have to explain it to her, that SHE can’t make this. We will try the kind with peppermint extract. I had mailed a friend in Czech republic a bottle of extract bc they didn’t have any either, must be a European boycott.
Tara McMillan recently posted..We belong together
March 6, 2012 at 1:09 pm
I really wanted to try this one…This looks fabulous and very unique…This is actually the first time I have heard about this shake…
Rose37 recently posted..second hand cars stroud
March 7, 2012 at 4:26 pm
I really love the Spongebob straw!
Shamrock Shakes sounds really great to hear for this hot season.. Thanks for sharing this very easy way to make one.. 
Queenie20 recently posted..Shaun is Perfect
March 10, 2012 at 6:09 pm
Diva,
Very innovative, indeed.
What you were looking for can be found in Germany….but not in the grocery store.
Ask for “ätherisches Pfefferminzöl” in a pharmacy. Not every pharmacy will have it, but give it a try.
I
Oh, and most Germans will not know vanilla, either.
A German
Who was desperately looking for a lot of things while in the US
March 17, 2012 at 4:48 pm
Ah … nope, I don’t think “ätherisches Pfefferminzöl” would do, imagine pouring this stuff into a milkshake … icky >.< Peppermint extract must be something different.
Greetings, another German
March 17, 2012 at 3:29 am
A recipe I made up for shamrock shakes — can be ‘adult’ or kid friendly:
Blend togehter
Mint chocolate ice cream
Milk
Godiva chocolate liquor (if for adults)
Thin Mint Girl scout cookies
Heaven
March 17, 2012 at 5:12 am
Hey There. I found your weblog the usage of msn. That is a really neatly written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your helpful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly return.
March 17, 2012 at 3:04 pm
I had a penpal from over there while in high school. We used to mail her all sorts of fun things (and hope she got them). I imagine such extracts are made by hand and not bought. Couple sprigs of peppermint and some vodka should make a nice extract…
…will have to bookmark this though. Need to add whipped cream and a cherry to match the fancy shakes at McDs these days. I remember when they were still thinner and didn’t come out needing a spoon to eat. Mmmmmmmm
Angela Watts recently posted..Seeds to Sow