Oh green god of Shamrock....why hast thou forshaken me?
Last week, I was delighted to find that the Shamrock shake, my only reason to go to McDonald's had returned. I have written about this topic numerous times in the RedEye to the point that several Kyles Files column readers and Twitter friends tipped me off as soon as they got a gander of green. Thanks guys!
Credit: McDonald's
But my shake-chasing is not turning out very well this year.
Last Friday, I left the WGN-TV studio and made a beeline for a Mickey D's that had beckoned to me from afar. I was so excited that I even posted a fricking Twit pic of the menu item, which this year, has been crowned by a mound of whipped cream and a cherry a la Steak and Shake.
I'm not going to lie to you and say I didn't drink it all, but disappointment ensued after one sip. I found the whipped cream and cherry a distraction. The mint quotient in this shake was low and the vanilla factor way too high. It was barely even green! This wasn't a Shamrock Shake as I remember it.
To paraphrase a Spike Lee film title, I felt sham-boozled.
I tried to give the McD another shot. (Okay, I just wanted another one.) So I hit a McDonald's in Woodlawn and got shakes for me and my sister.
This time, I asked that they hold the whipped cream and cherries, thinking that those additions had somehow watered down the mint flavor.
Nope, strike two! This shake was even more vanilla than the first. What in the heck is going on? Talk to me, McDonald's....Are you holding back on the mint to offer the limited menu item longer? Or have you lost the freaking formula somewhere behind the Mac Snack Wrap recipe?
My fellow Sham lovers....are we being taken for a ride? Share your most recent Shamrock experiences and photos of you sipping these Shams for a photo gallery which I will post, provided these shakes start tasting better.
61 Comments
ErnestWilkins said:
I consider myself a Shamrock Shake aficionado. This year's crop have been nothing short of disappointing. I definitely was shocked by the whipped creme/cherry addition and lack of classic mint flavor. I can't give up hope, but in the meantime, McDonalds? You need more people.
Kyra Kyles said:
That's right, Ernest. They ought to be 'shamed! Next time, get a photo for me. Mine wasn't even that darn green the second time around. Come on, Ronald!
Angél said:
Nooooo! So disappointing. I am going to get my first of the season tonight, so I will let you know.
I refuse to be shammed.
Kyra Kyles said:
Angel, when you get it, take a pic for me please. I'm making a gallery. Thanks for the comment and I look forward to your review!
Ceradius FIO said:
Wow such passion and pain...keep ya head up K Files fam!
Trouble won't last always :-)
Kyra Kyles said:
Ha ha, thanks Ceradius. I'll try to live through the struggle of Shamrocks.
Alex Quigley said:
I know the popular urban legend is that Shamrock Shakes aren't minty at all...just vanilla with green tint. But I *know* they used to be minty-er in the past.
MORE MINT McDONALD'S!
Kyra Kyles said:
Hey Alex,
Most of mine have been minty, though not too minty, over the years. They need to stop giving out these recession-era rations. Give up that mint!
David Niviere Fontane said:
Try the McDonalds in Oak Park on Madison. I don't know if you're ever out that way, but the shamrock shakes out here taste like... well, a shamrock shake- Minty fresh.
Oh and if you come out this way Saturday let me know. I'll be conducting interviews for a documentary I'm doing on Autism. I'd like to get your opinion on a matter revolving around this pandemic.
-Davyd
Kyra Kyles said:
Hi David: I don't often get to Oak Park, but if I am, I'm definitely going to grab some of that minty goodness you described. If it happens this weekend, I'll certainly give you a shout. Thanks for the comment!
Jason Thompson said:
Hi Kyra, thanks for writing me earlier today. Here's my thoughts....
Big green shake fan here. I’ve gone to Clark & Ontario St, the one behind the Wrigley building on Michigan, and Chicago Ave & State St.
The more consistent one was the one at Ontario and Clark. The Wrigley Building one didn’t even know what I was talking about until a manager over heard me lol.
Chicago avenue’s was about the opposite of the problem everyone else was having… the shake was so runny and liquidy because it was too much mint syrup, odd enough.
One common theme was that the McD's milkshake machines don't mix the syrup well. You almost need to stir it up a bit as you can see in the new clear cups how its half syrup and half vanilla sake.
Speaking of the cups they are the smaller, "Mc Cafe" cups and no longer the soda cups used before. the plastic cups are much colder to the touch than the 'paper' cups used for soda (and previously for McD's shakes).
The experience seems to be inconsistent and I blame the machines.
They just dont seem capable to mix them up. I even had some chocolate shakes a while ago so its not just the shamrock. Maybe they should use the Mc Flurry mixer?
I did have an "ok" one tonight after work on Ontario but I did have to stir it up a bit. I took pics before I stirred.
http://tweetphoto.com/12230535
I don’t care for the whipped cream or cherry either. I saw they are doing that for all shakes. I have them hold those.
Jason
Kyra Kyles said:
Interesting concept. I will try to give the McPublicist a call and see what they have to say about a possible machine FAIL. I think too minty would be just as bad as what I had. Thanks for the comment, Jason!
Steph Yiu said:
Kyra! A bunch of us went to go get Shamrock shakes today after lunch, you should've joined! http://twitter.com/crushgear/status/9488364859 It was my first Shamrock Shake ever... and... it was okay. :p Not "amazing."
Kyra Kyles said:
Hey Steph: I didn't know, or else I would have been rolling deep with you all to get that shake. I bet it was just "okay" because they aren't mixing them up with enough mint. I'll do a taste test tomorrow and get to the bottom of this.
Marcus Leshock said:
First they cancel the South Side Irish Parade. Now the Shamrock Shake sucks. ST. PATRICK'S DAY IS RUINED.
I kid you not, I was just about to write this same exact blog entry and probably still will.
I had my first Shamrock Shake of the season tonight, and was totally green with anger as I discovered a whip cream and cherry on top of my once-masterpiece-of-fast-food. I also noticed how "deminted" the flavor was. Maybe its the machines as Jason "Ray Kroc Jr." Thompson notes above.
But seriously - what the heck is going on here? If times are so tough that you must cut back on minty fresh goodness, why waste more cash on unnecessary whip cream and cherry? Until today, the only bad thing about the Shamrock Shake was its absence from the menu for 11 months.
I hope they fix the problem. Boo!
Kyra Kyles said:
I believe you, good sir. Great minds think alike, especially when it comes to these shakes. For years, I have begged McD's to allow the shake to flourish on its menu year-round, but bah! No more, if this is what they're offering up. An investigation is underway. I'll link to you when your post is up. Strength in numbers. Let's get 'em!
j0j0 said:
what a shamme
For me, I can't drink or eat anything that hospital green
Kyra Kyles said:
Ha ha, I don't have that issue. I love this Green Goddess healthy smoothie and it looks like a hospital gown melted and put in a bottle. :)
Connie (Marathon MissFit) said:
Kyra thank you for posting this! I almost cracked and went back to Mickey D's just for the Shamrock Shake- but now that I know I'm not missing anything I am no longer tempted. Thanks!! =)
Kyra Kyles said:
That's right, Connie. Unless they come with some improvements, it is not worth getting off track with your marathon mission.
Shlee said:
OMG I was sooooo excited to see these are back!! However, upon having my very first Shamrock Shake of the season, I was HUGELY dissapointed that my shake was TOO green and spearminty (not a word) flavored. It was a strange consistentcy (b/c McDonalds shakes are horrible as it is) and was so minty and dark green that I took 2 sips and tossed the rest. :( My hunt is on for a good shake in the city...
Kyra Kyles said:
Yeesh, is each store making it up as they go along? Yours sounds awful. I will be trying to get McD's to explain this. Thanks for commenting, Shlee. Next time you get one, take a pic and send it to me for my gallery. I'm building it now.
JamFish728 said:
Definitely true about the mixing machines, and not just for McDonalds! I've ran into those machines too many times, and I end up(unlike all of you) getting a shake with TOO much flavoring, up to the point where it tastes like cough syrup! I went to the McD's off the Western Blue line stop, and when I had one there it was barely mixed and the flavoring was still in unmixed, syrup form with the ice cream! I still enjoyed it due to the whipped cream to offset the flavor, but, I want restaurants, however expensive it may be, to go back to the old fashioned way of mixing shakes! Death to the non-mixing machines!
Alan Barnes said:
Be happy that you have acquired a good taste for the "old" Shamrock Shake. I live in Louisville and this is the FIRST year we've had them. It takes forever for McDonalds products to finally make it here, and still we don't see everything outlying city stores do. Ever had country fried steak sandwiches at your McD's?
Kyra Kyles said:
That's true. We should have been more appreciative while we had those good shakes. Are yours any good? I have NOT had a country fried steak sandwich and am confused as to whether that would be good or bad. How is it, Alan? Do tell.
Maya Henderson said:
Okay, I know I am probably going to get attacked over this, but I am shaking my finger at you through the computer, Kyra. Shamrock Shakes? McDonalds? Say it ain't so! I have never had a Shamrock Shake (I haven't had any fast food in the last 10 years, actually), but I bet I can make something healthy, dairy-free and just as delicious that will actually leaving you feeling good after you consume it. Just sayin'.
Kyra Kyles said:
You won't get attacked, but I'm shaking my finger back. Come on, Maya! It's just once a year for a couple weeks. I don't go to McD's any other time, I promise, and rarely eat fast food at all. That aside, of course, if you can make me a delicious and healthy Sham alternative, I will gladly drink it and thank you kindly for it. So when should I expect you? :)
Maya Henderson said:
Let me consult with my raw/vegan chef (aka my cookbooks and my friend Heather) and get back to you! I'm excited to experiment when I get home tonight!
Goose said:
Just had me a Shamrock Shake today and it wasn't bad. Well, it wasn't good, but it wasn't bad. The problem was consistency. Very syrupy in the bottom and vanillay on top. Once I stirred it up some, it was fine, though not spectacular. I got it at the McD's on the corner of State and Jackson.
Kyra Kyles said:
Hey Goose: I stirred my second one and there was no way to make it mintier. I might try that location next.
jroth said:
Buy one just about every day, everythings fine here in Lancaster, PA.
Kyra Kyles said:
Mail me one! :)
Lauren Strec said:
Hmmm, this is disheartening to hear. I'll be sure to post my feedback and photo when I try one! This entry is on today's "Hot on ChicagoNow:"
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/hot-on-chicagonow/2010/02/hot-on-chicagonow-february-23-2010.html
Kyra Kyles said:
Yes!!! Thanks a lot. And I look forward to adding your Sham sipping photo to my gallery. Hope you get a good one.
Caitlin Giles said:
I wrote an article for the March issue of Chicago Parent with my own recipe for a "shamrock shake" (out next week). This seasonal shake should just be about ice cream, peppermint extract, milk and a little bit of green food coloring. That's it. I don't want to know what is in the McDonald's version -- old or new.
Kyra Kyles said:
Cannot wait. Please remind me when it runs. I want to try it.
Kevin Wright said:
I'm still trying to find this shake in the greater St. Louis area! Very disappointed to hear about this new formula...
Kyra Kyles said:
Well, it's not confirmed yet, Kevin. Don't lose hope. If you find a shake, try it. It might be a regional thing, as some posters suggest. Thanks for commenting!
jfranci3 said:
I had the same experience with the one downtown on Chicago! It was not a good experience! It was inconsistant, runny, and flavored wrong. I was wondering if I could send it back to the chef! I love shamrock shakes, but could only take two sips out of mine before tossing it. I think McDs got new shake machines because they used to put the goo into the middle of the stream, now they seem to dispense it along side. McDs also stopped the "triple thick" branding, which means they may have also changed the recipe. I'm REALLY dissappointed. :-(
Kyra Kyles said:
Interesting. I will have to take a look at the processes next time I visit. I went through the drive through each time.
Tory said:
My Shamrock Shake from the Philly area also seemed fine, so PA seems to be doing well. I guess it's a regional problem?
Kyra Kyles said:
You are lucky, Tory. Still trying to get to the bottom of this Sham.
Hi Kyra, greetings from Milano, Italy!
You made me so curious, I've never had a Shamrock Shake! McD's here in Italy just replaced their Cappuccino Shake (my favorite ever!) with a Tiramisù version, which prompt the same reaction: too bland compared to the previous formula!
Let's see if the Shamrock will ever arrive here. At least I hope the Cappuccino will be back sometime!
Kyra Kyles said:
Hi Andrea! Thank you for responding all the way from Italy. I am humbled. :) Thanks for the insight on the Cappuccino shake. Sometimes I wish we could do a cultural exchange, i.e. have McDonald's switch up their offerings in different markets so that we can taste test things that aren't usually available in our respective countries. Tiramisu does sound good on paper, but based on the bad Shams I've had, totally believe you that the execution could be off. If you ever launch a campaign to bring Cappuccino back, let me know and I'll lend my support from the U.S.A. Thanks, Andrea!
Doug Meyer said:
I would send you a picture, but I drank all mine before taking a pic!
Kyra Kyles said:
Hi Doug:
Sounds like a good excuse for you to down another. This time, pic first. Thanks for commenting!
Stephen Markley said:
I find it utterly amazing that I am the 46th comment on a post about McDonald's shamrock shake. But it is also my all-time favorite ice-cream based beverage.
That is all.
Kyra Kyles said:
Ha! Well, in addition to this comment, I will expect to receive a photo of you drinking said "all-time favorite ice-cream based beverage" for my gallery. Otherwise, I'll send the paparazzi after you to get a gotcha moment of you slurping this shake.
Doug Meyer said:
Hey Kyra! Here is your photo that you wanted. Up here in MN we got it in a large cup and no cherries or whipped cream. http://twitpic.com/15b7p8
Kyra Kyles said:
Oh, I love this pic. Thank you!
Jason Thompson said:
Loved the video and coverage on WGN :) and I decided to go away from downtown and got one yesterday on the north side. Went to the drive thru at Wilson & Sheridan. It was the worst shake ever. Vanilla city. Boo. and yes Uncle O'Grimacey is definitely spinning in his grave. lol
Kyra Kyles said:
Ha ha, Jason! And thanks for the images you sent me. You are soooo in the gallery.
1096 said:
ok after reading the post I had to try one. First time in many years from a McD's in the loop it's just not what I remembered it to be.
Kyra Kyles said:
Yeah, I am still trying to get to the bottom of this. I may resort to making my own based on reader recipes.
Curt Myers said:
Looks like downtown is shot. I'm going to do some intel in my neighborhood.
Kyra Kyles said:
Hey Curt: Cool, and please come back and let us know your findings.
Ann Romick said:
Never go to MacD's, never drink milkshakes, against my diet code for health reasons, (Diabetes II). But it was raining and Dad was bored so we stopped for a shake and I bought him one with a taste cup for me. Whipped cream and a cherry would have helped. He didn't like it, neither did I. Ours looked like a vanilla shake with copious amounts of not mint green, but chartreuse dye. Not even stirred in, totally unappetizing. Probably be another 10 years before I try Mickie D's again.
Scared Panda said:
Oh man! I can't believe how many bad Shamrock Shakes are being passed around out there. This is horrible news. However, I managed to find that the Shamrock Shake in the American Airlines terminal at O'Hare was solid and reliable(you don't find reliable and O'Hare in the same sentence often).
Here is the proof with no cherries and no whip cream. Nothing but minty goodness surrounded by a paper cup. http://twitpic.com/12v4p4
Kyra Kyles said:
Man, wish I didn't have to go all the way to O'Hare to get it, but dayum, that looks great. I'm adding this to my gallery and thanks so much for sharing it with me.
As much as it distresses me to hear of a bad Shamrock Shake, I am glad to hear that I'm not alone in my love and disappointment. For the last several years, I had lived in Milwaukee. Of the four McDonald's within spitting distance from home/work, only the one by Miller Stadium carried the Shamrock Shakes at all during the season (and trust me, I was making treks down there rather often for myself, my husband, and my co-workers). Much to my disappointment, our shakes were horrible! These were not the glorious Shamrock Shakes of my youth, these were terrible imposters! There was just something... off... about them. They were still minty, they were still green, but the flavor simply wasn't right. Not to be deterred, I put aside my distaste and went back for more, simply to quench my heart-wrenching need for Sham! Avoid Milwaukee for Sham-shakes, you're just asking for heartbreak.
I also travel very frequently, and generally every year around spring break time; I can corroborate Scared Panda's claim that the O'Hare McD's has great ones - they've never done me wrong.
Recently, however, we moved closer to my family in Souther Ohio, and let me tell you, it was the best move of my life if for no other reason than most of the locals have never even heard of a Shamrock Shake before, yet the McD's down the street has them, sans whipped topping and cherry, and it TASTES LIKE GOLD. Whatever these people are doing... they deserve a medal, these shakes are dead-on. So if you're making any travel plans this-a-way, fear not! The Shakes are With You here!
ldominguez@journalinteractive.com said:
I love these shakes
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