McDonald’s Viral Shamrock Shake Arrives in the UK for the First Time – Everything You Need to Know

McDonald’s is shaking up its UK menu with an exciting addition that has been a fan-favorite across the Atlantic for decades. The Shamrock Shake, a bright green, mint-flavored drink, has long been associated with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States, Canada, and Ireland. Now, for the first time ever, Brits can get their hands on this iconic shake as it makes its official debut in the UK starting today (12 March).

This exciting release is part of McDonald’s limited-time menu update, which also features new dessert and snack options. But the Shamrock Shake isn’t just about deliciousness—it also contributes to an important charitable cause.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know, including its availability, pricing, social media buzz, and other new menu items you won’t want to miss!

Shamrock Shake: A Taste of America in the UK

For over five decades, the Shamrock Shake has been a McDonald’s staple in North America, making a highly anticipated seasonal appearance every March to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Its signature green color and smooth, peppermint flavor make it a unique treat that fans eagerly await each year. In fact, in the US and Canada, the Shamrock Shake has developed a cult following, with fans counting down the days until it returns to menus.

Now, for the first time ever, British McDonald’s lovers will be able to experience this legendary drink for themselves. The Shamrock Shake has been a symbol of nostalgia for many Americans who grew up enjoying it, and now UK customers can finally see what the hype is all about.

Fans have long requested its arrival in the UK, and McDonald’s has finally answered their wishes. But while it’s exciting to see it cross the pond, there’s a limited window to try it—so make sure to grab yours while you can!

How Long Will It Be Available?

McDonald’s has officially confirmed that the Shamrock Shake will be available across the UK from 12 March until 25 March 2025. However, there’s a catch—the company has warned that once supplies run out, they will not be restocking before the two-week period ends.

This means that if demand is as high as expected (which it likely will be), some locations may sell out earlier than anticipated. It’s not uncommon for seasonal McDonald’s items to disappear quickly, as seen with past limited-edition releases like the Grimace Shake, which was infamously hard to find in 2024 due to high demand.

If you’re a fan of seasonal McDonald’s releases, it’s best to act fast and get your hands on a Shamrock Shake while supplies last. Unlike other beverages on the McDonald’s menu, this one won’t be around for long—so don’t wait until the last minute!

What Does It Cost?

One of the best things about the Shamrock Shake is that it remains an affordable treat, despite its huge popularity. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay in the UK:

• Small: £2.19
• Medium: £2.69
• Large: £3.09

Compared to other limited-edition items, the Shamrock Shake offers great value for money, especially considering its viral status and its charitable contribution. Fans in the US often buy multiple shakes in one go because they know it won’t be available for long, and UK customers might find themselves doing the same!

With its smooth, minty taste, creamy texture, and vibrant green appearance, the Shamrock Shake is not just a drink—it’s a seasonal experience. Given its rising demand, it wouldn’t be surprising to see resale listings online for those desperate to get one before they disappear.

More Than Just a Drink – A Charitable Cause

Not only does the Shamrock Shake offer a delicious treat, but it also helps support a wonderful cause. With every Shamrock Shake purchased in the UK, 20p is donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, an organization that provides free accommodation and support to families with seriously ill children in hospitals.

💚 Learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities UK

This isn’t just a recent initiative—the connection between the Shamrock Shake and charity goes all the way back to 1974. That year, proceeds from Shamrock Shake sales helped fund the first-ever Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, providing a safe space for families during medical treatments.

The legacy continues today, with McDonald’s using the shake’s massive popularity to generate funds for families in need. In the US, 25 cents from every Shamrock Shake sale is donated to charity, with a goal of raising $50,000 (£38,600) through this year’s sales alone.

If you’re thinking about trying the Shamrock Shake, know that you’re also contributing to a great cause!

Join the Shamrock Shake Buzz on Social Media! 🍀🥤

The Shamrock Shake craze has already taken over social media, with people rushing to McDonald’s to try it for the first time. Whether you’re a Shamrock Shake veteran or trying it for the first time, you can join the conversation on platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.

💬 Want to share your thoughts? Use the hashtag #ShamrockShakeUK and tag @McDonaldsUK in your posts!

Here are some ready-to-go social media posts you can use:

Twitter/X Post:

🚨 BREAKING 🚨 The Shamrock Shake has FINALLY arrived in the UK! 🍀🥤 Will it live up to the hype? Only one way to find out… Off to @McDonaldsUK I go! #ShamrockShakeUK #McDonalds 🔗 Check out what others are saying

TikTok Video Caption:

📢 IT’S HERE! The Shamrock Shake has finally hit the UK, and we HAD to try it. Is it worth the hype?! Watch to find out! 🍀🥤 #ShamrockShakeUK #McDonalds #FoodieFinds 🎥 Watch Shamrock Shake videos

Instagram Post:

✨ First sip of the Shamrock Shake in the UK! ✨
Minty, creamy, and 100% worth the hype. If you haven’t tried it yet, you NEED to! Tag your McDonald’s bestie and let’s go! 🍀🥤 #ShamrockShakeUK #StPatricksDay #McDonalds 📸 See more on Instagram

🔥 Join the hype and tag your Shamrock Shake squad! Who knows? McDonald’s UK might even repost your post!

More Limited-Edition Treats at McDonald’s UK

McDonald’s isn’t stopping with the Shamrock Shake—they’re also introducing other delicious limited-time treats:

🥄 Mars McFlurry – McDonald’s classic ice cream, mixed with chocolate, caramel, and crunchy Mars bar pieces.

🧀 Mozzarella Dippers – A cheesy, crispy snack with a warm, gooey center and a tangy tomato dip.

🥧 Raspberry & White Chocolate Pie – A flaky pastry with a creamy white chocolate and raspberry filling, available until 6 May.

These mouth-watering items will be available until 25 March, so make sure to try them before they’re gone!

Final Thoughts – Don’t Miss Out!

The Shamrock Shake’s first-ever UK release is a huge moment for McDonald’s fans. It’s not just a delicious, seasonal treat—it’s a pop culture phenomenon that has been cherished in North America for over 50 years. This limited-edition shake is deeply tied to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and now, for the first time, Brits can finally get a taste of this minty-green classic.

Beyond its deliciously creamy texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, the Shamrock Shake also serves a bigger purpose. Every purchase in the UK helps support the Ronald McDonald House Charities, providing much-needed aid to families with sick children in hospitals. So, when you buy a Shamrock Shake, you’re not just treating yourself—you’re also contributing to an important cause.

With only two weeks of availability and no guarantee of a return next year, this could be your only chance to try the Shamrock Shake in the UK. Supplies are expected to sell out fast, so don’t wait until the last minute! If you’re a foodie, a McDonald’s fan, or just someone who loves trying viral menu items, this is a must-try experience.

If you do manage to grab one, be sure to share your thoughts on social media! Whether it’s a TikTok review, an Instagram story, or a tweet, let the world know if the UK Shamrock Shake lives up to the hype. Don’t forget to tag McDonald’s UK and use hashtags like #ShamrockShakeUK and #MacciesMintMadness to join the conversation.

So, will you be trying the Shamrock Shake this March? Head to your nearest McDonald’s and grab one before it’s too late! 🍀🥤

Featured Image Credit: Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images