Viral McDonald's menu item usually only in US is coming to the UK for the first time

McDonald's has confirmed that its rare US-only drink will be coming to the UK for the first time ever.

Participating restaurants in the UK will donate 20p from each sale of the new menu item to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK.

The charity provides ‘home away from home’ accommodation to families with children in hospital.

It's good news for maccies fans as the US only item is set to land in the UK (Justin Sullivan / Staff / Getty)

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day (17 March), Maccies has announced the debut of the very green Shamrock Shake.

The milkshake features a peppermint-flavoured syrup blended with a creamy milkshake base.

When will the Shamrock Shake be available in the UK?

The Shamrock Shake will only be available for two weeks, from Wednesday 12 March to Tuesday 25 March.

And McDonald's has made it clear that 'when it's gone, it's gone'.

Although, Maccies are yet to reveal how much the Shamrock Shake will cost.

Here it is... will you be giving it a try? (McDonald's)

History of the Shamrock Shake

The Shamrock Shake was actually created in 1967 by Hal Rosen, who happened to be the Connecticut McDonald’s owner/operator.

He made the mint shake in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, which debuted in select locations across the US in 1970.

"In 1974, sales from the shake helped to build the very first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia," McDonald's said.

"The mission began when the daughter of a Philadelphia Eagles player was being treated for Leukemia.

"Together with local McDonald’s owner/operator Hal Rosen, McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Eagles, the family raised enough funds through Shamrock Shake sales to help open the first Ronald McDonald House as a way to keep families close during difficult times.

The Shamrock Shake was first distributed in 1970 (McDonald's)

"Today, Ronald McDonald House Charities continues to support millions of families during their child’s healthcare journey through nearly 700 programs in 62 countries and regions."

2020 was a special year for the shake when McDonald’s celebrated its 50th anniversary by mixing it with an Oreo blend, calling it the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry.

This is now also available in the US from 10 February to 23 March.

"Made with creamy vanilla Soft Serve then blended with our legendary Shamrock Shake syrup and Oreo cookie pieces mixed throughout, the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry is sure to satisfy the sweet tooth in everyone," Maccies explained.

In America, McDonald’s are donating 25 cents to Ronald McDonald House Charities from each Shamrock Shake sold, with the goal of raising $50,000 for families in need.