Today, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we discuss a sweet, frothy concoction that’s become traditional St. Patrick's day fare for people the world over: The McDonald’s Shamrock Shake. Green and minty, the Shamrock Shake is available only for a limited time, in a limited number of McDonald's stores. How does it stack up to other seasonal fast foods?
Kyra Kyles has written extensively about the Shamrock Shake for the Tribune Red Eye in Chicago. Arguably the biggest Shamrock Shake fan in the world, she knows where to go if you can't find them, and how to make them at home if you're really in a bind.
And Kevin Stirtz is the publisher of AmazingServiceGuy.com. A business and customer loyalty specialist, he’s written about why the Shamrock Shake survives as a successful brand.
Here's our own version, if you can find your green food coloring:
Blend on high until thoroughly mixed, pour into two tall paper cups, and drink through long straws for the authentic experience.
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Comments [3]
Tim,
Loosen up, little leprechaun!
I know you wish St. Patrick's Day celebrators would focus on heritage and culture... but really, what's wrong with a green shake?
Irish heritage bleeds stories of famine, poverty, bad tempers and alcoholism... can't a frozen, green shake be enjoyed with a light heart?
Malarkey! (Which, isn't of Irish/Celtic origin...)
Found a tool for those on the quest for Shamrock Shakes: http://www.shamrockshake.com/shamrock.shake
One correction about "St Patrick's Day" and an observation about your "Shamrock Shake" segment:
1. Please remember that the holiday is "St. Patrick's Day", NOT "St. Patty's Day" or "St. Paddy's Day".
I wouldn't expect you to say "Chris's Day" on the "Columbus Day" holiday, or to mislabel any other holiday associated with ethnic or cultural identity and pride.
Using the proper name for this day is one step I'd appreciate your taking towards eliminating the and caricatures of "Irishness" that rear their ugly head every March.
2. And if the "Shamrock Shake" segment is meant presented today in "honor of St. Patrick’s Day" then your producers in New York and Boston are have missed out on using March 17th to celebrate and honor the varied and deep Irish culture and heritage that is alive and strong in those cities and around the world, and which is going strong throughout the year.
Irish heritage and culture, and March 17th the date that celebrates them, has nothing to do with green food and drink, and has so much more to do with so many things your program could have highlighted today.
You've missed the mark on celebrating Irishness and honoring St. Patrick.
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