ICYMI, Dunkin’ Donuts is officially coming for McDonald’s brand – particularly, McD’s legendary Shamrock Shake. Last week, coffee and doughnut giant Dunkin’ unveiled its spring menu that features a number of items just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, including the new Shamrock Macchiato.
The St. Patty’s Day drink builds on a coffee classic, giving Dunkin’s macchiato a self-described “holiday makeover, allowing guests to grab a sippable lucky charm this spring.” One of three new drinks added to spring lineup, the Shamrock Macchiato features a shot of Dunkin espresso on top of a layer of rich and creamy Irish Creme, which is flavored with sweet cream and vanilla reminiscent of Irish whiskey.
As a Shamrock Shake stan, I figured it was my civic duty to try McD’s coffee-laden competition. As a black coffee drinker, I did so very reluctantly. The lovely Dunkin’ ladies at Seton Hall were in utter shock when I, the infamous hot decaf coffee drinker, ordered the coffee chain’s iced seasonal offering. I had to confirm my order multiple times before the cashier finally accepted that I was trying what can only be described as minty sugar milk with a miniscule amount of coffee.
I was overwhelmed with remorse as soon as I saw my giant green concoction appear on the counter. Oh Americano, americano, wherefore art thou? I begrudgingly grabbed my iced drink, blinded by the color, and walked into the library ready for a taste test.
After trying Dunkin’s Shamrock Macchiato, I can confirm that it’s about as close to a coffee-infused Shamrock Shake as you could imagine. It gave me the minty vibes of a Christmastime peppermint mocha, the creaminess of a vanilla latte, and the consistency of a classic macchiato. Granted, it was overwhelmingly sweet, and all of these flavors completely masked any espresso flavor.
I was so enamored with the color of the Irish Creme on the bottom and the gorgeous color gradient it created in the drink that I was hesitant to mix it up, but knew that I wouldn’t make it through a sip without mixing it first. Unfortunately, mixing it made it even less appetizing – the only way I can describe the color is swamp water.
The best part, IMHO, was the whipped cream topping. As a peppermint lover, the minty topping (which may have just been a product of me sipping the mint coffee, rather than actually being mint whipped cream), was perfection. I don’t care if it’s the color of mud, the Dunkin’ whipped cream on the Shamrock Macchiato has my heart.
All in all, I’d recommend trying the Shamrock Macchiato if you 1) like mint 2) like the Shamrock Shake and 3) don’t necessarily drink coffee to taste coffee. Regardless, I’d be hesitant to spend upwards of $5 on a subpar holiday beverage when I know that the Starbucks Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is now a permanent menu fixture.
As for Dunkin’, other items on the chain’s new menu include the Salted Caramel Signature Latte, Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew, Roasted Tomato & Hummus Toast, Roasted Tomato & Avocado Toast, and Chocolate Croissant. Plus, to celebrate spring, Dunkin’ is offering the Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew and Salted Caramel Signature Lattes for only $3 until March 22.