The return of McDonald's beloved Shamrock Shake usually signals that spring is just around the corner, and it is finally that time of year again! McDonald's announced the return of the shake on Feb. 9. The Shamrock Shake is one of the fast food chain's most popular items, but it is only sold for a limited time.

The Shamrock Shake is a smooth and creamy mint-flavored milkshake that is served with whipped cream and a cherry on top, according to McDonald's website. The shake was invented in 1970 and was first known as the "St. Patrick's Day Shake." A small Shamrock milkshake comes in at 530 calories, while a medium has 660 calories and a large has 820.

While the Shamrock Shake is a cult favorite, it is only available at McDonald's through mid-March. Check out these five recipes that recreate the recipe so it can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Naturally Sweetened Minty Green Shamrock Shake.

This version of the Shamrock Shake uses the naturally sweet ingredients for a guilt-free option of the fast-food favorite. This Shamrock Shake uses fresh avocados, bananas and spinach for the green color instead of adding in any artificial colors or ingredients. Check out this minty version from the Lemon Bowl here.

Dye-Free Shamrock Shake

Since the classic Shamrock Shake is sold at a fast food joint, it is safe to assume that the ingredients are not good for the waist line. Such ingredients include nonfat milk solids, corn syrup, dextrose, artificial vanilla flavor, sodium phosphate, carrageenan, Yellow 5, Blue 1 and Red 40. This recipe replaces those processed ingredients with healthier alternatives like organic ice cream, fresh mint, vanilla extract, peppermint oil, whipped cream and dye-free maraschino cherries. Check out this organic Shamrock Shake recipe from Deliciously Organic here.

Classic Shamrock Shake

For those who could care less about the calories and more about the taste of the delicious milkshake, then this recipe is perfect. While this milkshake is still green from the hefty amount of mint that is used, the green food coloring and corn syrup that the original recipe calls for has been eliminated. Check out this recipe from Real Simple here.

Boozy Shamrock Shake

For an adult spin on the classic milkshake, all one needs to do is add a little bit of booze. This 21+ take on the Shamrock Shakes uses tons of mint to achieve that green color, as well as a hefty amount of Irish Cream Liqueur. Check out this alcohol infused version of the Shamrock Shake from Sugar and Cloth here.

Shamrock Smoothie

This smoothie is perfect for people who have always wanted to experience a Shamrock Shake from McDonald's, but the pesky dairy was holding them back. This dairy-free smoothie version uses different ingredients to achieve the same classic minty flavor, using coconut ice cream or coconut milk as the base of the smoothie. Check out the recipe from Today here.