5 St. Paddy’s Day Drinks That AREN’T the Shamrock Shake

Absolutely no shade to McDonald’s Shamrock Shake (and I mean that sincerely, as a loyal McDonald’s fan), but if that’s the only green drink you’re buying in March, you aren’t getting the most out of the St Paddy’s beverage scene. Lucky for you, I’m the beverage leprechaun. I’ve scouted out the festive drinks at fast food and coffee chains this year so you can sip something green (or at least vaguely Irish-adjacent) before the holiday comes and goes. Here are six St. Patrick’s Day drinks you can order right now.

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Raising Cane’s Leprechaun Lemonade

Yes, the Leprechaun Lemonade is just Raising Cane’s classic lemonade dyed an aggressive, electric green. But it’s about the whimsy, okay? It’s topped with whipped cream and festive green sprinkles. And, at least according to Google, it’s the same price as their regular lemonade. So you don’t have to pay extra for the whimsy, is what I’m saying. (Good job, Cane’s!) 

Sonic Sour Shamrock Slush

Sonic might have the only true sour St. Paddy’s Day drink out there, FYI. And it’s brand new! The Sour Shamrock Slush mixes sour popping candy into a bright green apple slush for a crackle with every sip. It also has whipped topping sprinkled with even more popping candy and a tart rainbow candy square. The whimsy, people!! The whimsy!

Dutch Bros Stout Kicker and Emerald Rebel

Even if it’s not green, the Stout Kicker is my kind of St. Paddy’s day beverage. It’s espresso, Irish cream, a brown butter chocolate chip swirl breve (half-and-half), and a soft top drizzled with a brown butter chocolate chip sauce. But if you want something more refreshing and less sweet, you can also order the Emerald Rebel, which features blue raspberry, kiwi, and sweet cream blended with their classic Rebel Energy Drink and looks as vivid as the rolling green hills of Ireland. 

Cold Stone’s Sprinkled with Charms Shake

This Lucky Charms-inspired shake at Cold Stone is made with sweet cream ice cream and blended cereal marshmallows. It kinda looks like the drawing of a toddler, and I love that about it. It’s topped with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles (how whimsical!), and even more Lucky Charms marshmallows for good measure. It’s colorful, nostalgic, and about as comically festive as a St. Paddy’s Day shake can get. 

Dunkin’ Irish Creme flavored Coffee and Espresso

Look, Dunkin’ brings back its Irish Creme flavor every spring, so you’re probably already aware of this one. But if not, this is me telling you that you have to try it. The flavor has notes of sweet cream and vanilla with a hint of Irish cream. It may not be green, but it’s a classic seasonal pick, and you can add it to pretty much anything on the Dunkin’ menu, from cold brews to lattes to simple coffee. Not every festive drink needs to glow in the dark, okay? (But, uh, that would be pretty cool. Just sayin’.)