McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Officially Has a Release Date
A Month Away from St. Patrick’s Day
McDonald’s is days away from officially launching the return of a seasonal favorite: the Shamrock Shake. The celebratory St. Patrick’s Day drink will arrive on February 10, just over a month before the holiday arrives.
New Twists for a Beloved Tradition
Consumers might already be familiar with the Shamrock Shake, its minty-vanilla contents, and its annual fundraising efforts for Ronald McDonald House Charities (a portion of Shamrock Shake proceeds go to the nonprofit organization). However, 2025’s rollout will look a bit different than those of previous years.
Uncle O’Grimacey’s Return
After a struggle in sales following an E. coli outbreak last October, the fast food giant is now enlisting the help of a retro McDonaldland character: Uncle O’Grimacey. Nearly 40 years since his last appearance, the “Sham Rock, Ireland” native is back.
A Nod to the Past
The fuzzy green mascot is celebrating this year’s launch of the Shamrock Shake, as well as the 50th anniversary of Ronald McDonald House Charities – the first of which opened in Philadelphia in 1974 thanks to proceeds from a local franchise’s Shamrock Shake sales. Now, 25 cents from each Shamrock Shake sale goes to over 380 chapters of Ronald McDonald House Charities stationed throughout the world.
Retro Revival
In 2023, Uncle O’Grimacey’s nephew, Grimace, spurred a 10% increase in McDonald’s U.S. sales following the release of the viral Grimace Birthday Meal. The retro mascot’s renewed appearance in McDonald’s marketing was the first time the company utilized vintage IPs, followed by yet another blast from the past with the 2024 opening of retro concept restaurant CosMcs in Bolingbrook, IL.
The Power of Nostalgia
Third time could be a charm with the return of Uncle O’Grimacey. McDonald’s unveiled the beloved character in 1975, before disappearing just a decade later. As late as 2012, a spokesperson for McDonalds even stated Uncle O’Grimacey had no plans to rejoin the cast of McDonaldland characters. As a result, his inclusion in this year’s Shamrock Shake promotions is a welcome perk for nostalgic fans.
Conclusion
The Shamrock Shake’s return is just around the corner, and fans can look forward to a fun-filled celebration with a retro twist. With Uncle O’Grimacey’s return and the brand’s continued efforts to fundraise for Ronald McDonald House Charities, this year’s Shamrock Shake is sure to be a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the Shamrock Shake release?
A: The Shamrock Shake will release on February 10.
Q: What’s new about the Shamrock Shake this year?
A: The return of Uncle O’Grimacey and the brand’s continued efforts to fundraise for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Q: Will the Shamrock Shake still benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities?
A: Yes, 25 cents from each Shamrock Shake sale will go to over 380 chapters of Ronald McDonald House Charities stationed throughout the world.
