Vegan Shamrock Shake

For St. Patrick’s Day, I thought I’d try making a vegan shamrock shake. I do admit shamrock shakes are a bit tasty, but also totally full of chemicals. So, I made mine with vegan ice cream, soymilk, peppermint extract and a natural food dye.

First of all it is amazing how many varieties of vegan ice cream are now available at Whole Foods (and some at other grocery stores). They have vegan ice creams made with soymilk, coconut milk and almond milk. They all looked fantastic, I went with a soymilk one called So Delicious (and it was). I love it since it is sweetened with fruit juices and not with refined white sugars.

And for the beautiful light mint green color, I used fresh spinach juice as a natural and very healthy food dye. Since it's such a small amount, the spinach juice doesn’t change the flavor of the shake. It’s a wonderful way to still enjoy this holiday treat: but without all the chemicals, refined sugars, dairy, cholesterol and extra calories.

Why not try this super yummy vegan version of the Shamrock Shake today. I know you’ll thank me. SLAINTE!! (Gaelic for “Cheers”)

VEGAN SHAMROCK SHAKE

Vegan • Gluten-Free

Makes 2 shakes

INGREDIENTS

1 pint (2 cups) vegan vanilla ice cream (I used So Delicious)

¾ teaspoon organic peppermint extract

½ cup soy creamer or vegan milk

2 teaspoons fresh spinach or kale juice (this is for color, you can use 2 drops of green food color instead)

DIRECTIONS

Add vegan ice cream, peppermint extract, and soy creamer (milk) to blender and blend till thick and creamy. Add in spinach/kale juice or food coloring and blend till light green color is spread throughout. Pour into glasses, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and enjoy!