Shamrock Shake
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The Shamrock Shake—a green, mint milkshake—is a seasonal dessert sold at McDonald's during March to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
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[edit] Origin
The Shamrock Shake was first introduced in 1970,[1] and is credited with helping pave the way for other seasonal drinks, including Starbucks Coffee's pumpkin spice and eggnog lattes.[2] Shamrock Shakes were widely available across Canada and the United States until the early 1990s. According to the McDonald’s website, Shamrock Shakes are now sold year round exclusively in Ireland, although they are still available at select American stores during the month of March.[1] The Shamrock Shake typically appears in mid-February.
[edit] Recipe
Although the recipe has never been publicly released, it is widely believed that the flavoring used in the shake has significantly changed since its creation. Recent debate has questioned whether the Shamrock Shake is simply a vanilla shake dyed green, or if additional flavors have also been added. The ingredient list disclosed by McDonald’s does not specifically identify mint flavoring as one of the additives to the Shamrock Shake syrup,[3] but in March 2009, a public accounting firm based in Chicago, Illinois designed and conducted a double blind taste test comparing the taste of the vanilla shake, to that of the Shamrock. While the texture and consistency of the two shakes were nearly indistinguishable, over 98% of the respondents indicated that a subtle mint flavor is the differentiating factor between the two products. McDonald’s has not publicly commented on the results of the taste test.[citation needed]
[edit] Marketing
During the 1980s, McDonald’s used the Uncle O'Grimacey character to market Shamrock Shakes. He has since been phased out, but is said to be returning along with Grimace and Mayor McCheese in a series of television spots on Nickelodeon starting in late February, 2009. McDonald's advertising agency, DDB, stated these characters were to return in 2008, but that they were unable to contract voice talent suitable for reviving the characters in time.[citation needed]
In 1990, the Shamrock Shake at McDonald's restaurants in the Washington, D.C. metro area were used in a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and cups featured a child's artwork for the duration of the promotion.[4]
In 2008, McDonald's Canada brought back the Shamrock Shake for a limited time only starting on February 26.[5] At that time, it had not been available in Canada for five years.[6]
During the 1980s, McDonald’s used the Uncle O'Grimacey character to market Shamrock Shakes. He has since been phased out, but is said to be returning along with Grimace and Mayor McCheese in a series of television spots on Nickelodeon starting in late February, 2009. McDonald's advertising agency, DDB, stated these characters were to return in 2008, but that they were unable to contract voice talent suitable for reviving the characters in time.
[edit] Minty Mudbath Shake
In May or June 2007, McDonalds introduced the "Minty Mudbath" shake to go along with the movie Shrek the Third. It takes the original Shamrock Shake formula and mixes it with chocolate. On June 23, 2007, the product was discontinued by corporate headquarters after several Internet sites revealed that "Minty Mudbath" was the 'underground' reference for a fetishistic act.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Huguenin, Patrick (2007-03-16). "Shamrock Shake Shocker: It's Disappeared!". New York Daily News: p. 46. (Registration required)
- ^ Choi, Candice (2004-11-05). "Chain purveyors perk up everyday drinks for holidays". Knight Ridder Tribune Business News: p. 1. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=730731901&sid=4&Fmt=3&clientId=20886&RQT=309&VName=PQD. Retrieved on 2009-04-07. (Registration required)
- ^ McDonald's Corporation. McDonald's Menu, shamrock shake. Press release. http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/itemDetailInfo.do?itemID=10160. Retrieved on 2009-05-13.
- ^ "McDonald's Gives Prize to 4-Year-Old". Richmond Times-Dispatch: p. D-6. 1990-03-07.(Registration required)
- ^ McDonald's Corporation. McDonald's of Canada. Press release. http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2008/26/c5885.html?view=print. Retrieved on 2009-05-13.
- ^ "McDonald's(R) Shakes Things Up Online with Return of Cult Favourite". Canada Newswire. 2008-02-26. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1434937991&sid=3&Fmt=3&clientId=20886&RQT=309&VName=PQD. Retrieved on 2009-04-07. (Registration required)
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