St. Paddy's Day Spiked Shamrock Shake

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Now that St. Paddy's Day is almost here, not only am I seeing ads for McDonald's Shamrock Shakes everywhere, but pretty much everyone I know has expressed their craving for one to me within the past few weeks.

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Personally, I've never had one, but there's gotta be a reason for all the hype, right? I decided to try my hand at a boozy version of one, and I gotta say, it turned out pretty delicious.  You guys will have to be the judges as to whether or not it is as good as the original!

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Here's what you need: -whisky -vanilla ice cream -milk -mint simple syrup (recipe below) -green food coloring -fresh mint -maraschino cherries -whipped cream -blender

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Here's you need for the mint simple syrup: -sugar -water -fresh mint -small saucepan -fine mesh strainer

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Here's what to do: 1) Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan. 2) Add sprig of mint to saucepan, ripping up to release flavor. 3) Bring mixture to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.  Reduce to a simmer, leaving on stove top for 2 minutes.

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4) Remove saucepan from heat and leave to steep for 20 minutes. 5) Once thoroughly steeped, pour mixture into a bowl through a fine mesh strainer to remove mint leaves.

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Now, you're ready to make your shakes!

Here's what to do: 1) In blender, combine 4 cups vanilla ice cream, 2 oz. of whisky, 1 oz. of your mint simple syrup, and 1/2 cup of milk, and food coloring.  Blend until shake reaches your desired thickness.

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2) Add drops of food coloring as needed until you reach your desired shade of green.

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3) Once you are satisfied, pour shake into each glass.

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4) Top with whipped cream, a cherry, and a sprig of mint.

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Add a straw, and sip away.

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Happy St. Paddy's Day... Stay green!