Our Favorite Seasonal McDonald’s Item Is Back and Earlier Than Ever Before

Looks like McDonald’s is attempting to edge out the competition this February. While others have seasonal Valentine’s Day offerings—like Dairy Queen's Red Velvet Blizzard, Jimmy John’s Red Velvet Cookies and Brownies, and Krispy Kreme's heart-shaped Dough-Notes Collection—McDonald’s is skipping right over the holiday of love. That's because this year, Mickey D’s is bringing back one of its fans’ most beloved seasonal items earlier than ever.

The Shamrock Shake Is Back at McDonald's

Last year, lovers of the McDonald’s famous Shamrock Shake had to wait until Feb. 20 to get a taste of the mint-flavored shake and its best friend, the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry. This year, the chain confirmed the duo is returning to locations nationwide more than two weeks earlier, on Feb. 5.

McDonald's Shamrock Shake is a vanilla soft serve shake made with green mint-flavored Shamrock Shake syrup and topped with whipped cream. The Oreo Shamrock McFlurry is a McFlurry blended with Shamrock Shake syrup and Oreo pieces (because everyone knows Oreo cookies and mint are a match made in heaven).

Although both are limited-time offerings, they’re bound to be around until at least until St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 (or until supplies run out), so that means fans have a good 40 days to get their Shamrock Shake on. And, if you plan to give up sweets for Lent, great news: you can squeeze in at least one shake before it starts.

For many Shamrock Shake lovers, heading to McDonald’s when it offers the green shake is something they look forward all year long. When the Instagram account @snackolator posted about the treats' early release date, the excited comments rolled in.

“This is an annual tradition for me. The best! Can’t believe it’s so early this year!,” one of the account’s followers exclaimed. Another commented, “The GOAT is back.” And another simply added, “My favorite time of year.”

If you’d rather make your own version of McDonald’s Shamrock Shake (or perhaps your local Mickey D's ice cream machine was down), try this top-rated Copycat Shamrock Shake recipe.