For many, St. Patty’s Day is about Guinness, Bailey’s and Jameson, but let’s not forget that other important Irish Day drink, the Shamrock Shake. Sure, a large is loaded with as many calories as 1 and a half Big Macs (820 calories), but after more than 45 years, it’s earned its part in the national St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Here are 7 things you never knew about the iconic McDonald’s seasonal green shake.
1. The first shake was introduced in 1970.
It was originally called the St. Patrick’s Day Shake, but was scrapped years later for something a little more creative — the Shamrock Shake.
2. Shamrock Shakes were a charitable endeavor
What do Shamrock Shakes have to do with the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children? In 1974 after watching his 3-year-old daughter undergo treatment for leukemia, Philadelphia Eagle Fred Hill reached out to the community to raise money for families that couldn’t afford hotel rooms while their children were being treated. The Eagle’s GM teamed with a local McDonald’s and together, created the St. Patrick’s Day Milkshake promotion to raise money for a “home away from home.” This became the first ever Ronald McDonald House.
3. Swimming in shakes
Since 1970, more than 60 million Shamrock Shakes have been sold.
4. They’re available all year, maybe
ShamrockShake.com exists to help fans find this glowing green drink year-round. People are invited to post sightings of the shake around the country. While the sightings are unconfirmed, if you have a hankering in the off-season, it might be worth checking out.
5. the 2012 worldwide takeover
Until 2012, Shamrock Shakes weren’t available everywhere. However, regional managers still make the decision on whether their store will carry the stuff to make them or not.
6. A secret shake
What’s better than mint? Mint AND chocolate together! There’s a secret version of the Shamrock Shake called the McLeprechaun Shake that combines these two magical flavors.
7. McDonald’s ridiculous mascots
In 1978 McDonald’s decided the Shamrock Shake needed a mascot. In stepped Uncle O’Grimacey who, thankfully, was phased out of advertising in the early ’80s.
Also see, Make the original Irish coffee.
