McDonald's Grimace Shake Copycat Recipe (Easy Purple Milkshake at Home!)
This copycat McDonald's Grimace Shake recipe brings back the viral purple milkshake from McDonald's Grimace Birthday Meal - right in your own kitchen, any time you want it. It takes 5 minutes, uses just a handful of ingredients, and tastes every bit as good as the original.
McDonald's released the Grimace Shake in June 2023 as part of Grimace's birthday celebration, and it became an overnight sensation - partly for its sweet berry flavor, and partly for the absolutely unhinged TikTok trend it inspired. It sold out in many locations before the month was even over, and it hasn't been back on the menu since.
The good news? You don't need McDonald's to make one. This homemade version nails the creamy, fruity, brilliantly purple vibe - and you can make it any time the craving hits.
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What is the Grimace Shake?
The Grimace Shake was a short-lived addition to the McDonald's menu, released in June 2023. This unique shake boasted a vibrant purple color and a sweet berry flavor, and was offered as part of the Grimace Birthday Meal. Along with the Grimace Shake, customers could choose between a Big Mac or 10-piece chicken nuggets, as well as a serving of medium fries - providing a hearty and celebratory feast. Unfortunately, the Grimace Shake was discontinued at the end of the month, leaving fans of the vibrant beverage disappointed. Although it was only available for a brief time, the Grimace Shake certainly made an impression on those who were lucky enough to try it.
What Does the Grimace Shake Taste Like?
The Grimace Shake has a sweet, creamy berry flavor - most people describe it as a vanilla milkshake with a fruity, mixed berry twist. It's not overwhelmingly "purple" in flavor the way grape candy is - it's lighter and more subtle than that, closer to a berry smoothie crossed with a classic milkshake.
In this copycat version, frozen blueberries give you that same sweet berry flavor and the signature purple color naturally. The result is creamy, fruity, and surprisingly refreshing - exactly what made the original so craveable.
Grimace Shake on TikTok
A recent trend on TikTok is receiving a lot of attention. Known as the #GrimaceShake, this trend involves users recording themselves drinking a new shake that has been released. However, these videos are not your typical food review. Instead, users find themselves in unusual positions and locations or even pretending to be dead while covered in the popular drink. These videos are staged to look like crime scenes, with the Grimace Shake splattered around, creating the implication that the character Grimace is responsible for their bizarre transformation. The trend is gaining popularity on social media, and it seems that users are getting rather creative in how they present their unique experience with the drink.
What do I need to make a Grimace Shake?
You will need just a few ingredients to make the Copycat Grimace Shake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Whole Milk
- Frozen Blueberries
- Mixed Berry Jam (Strawberry or Raspberry works fine too!)
- Purple Food Coloring (this is optional, but it does give the shake a vibrant purple coloring in honor of Grimace!)
- Whipped Cream
- Rainbow Sprinkles (optional, but it is Grimace's birthday, so why not celebrate?)
Equipment:
Love the Grimace Shake? You may also enjoy our Copycat version of McDonald's Shamrock Shake! Looking for a fun dessert idea? Give these Shamrock Shake Cheesecake Bars a try!
How do I make a McDonald's Grimace Shake?
This viral milkshake recipe can be made in just steps that take less than 10 minutes. Here is what you will need to do to make this delicious purple shake recipe.
Step 1: Blend ingredients in a blender
Make scooping vanilla ice cream easier by letting it sit out for a few minutes. Combine vanilla ice cream, blueberries, mixed berry jam, and milk in a blender. Blend until well mixed.
The blueberries are enough for a berry flavor and purple color, but you can add 2 to 3 drops of purple food coloring for a deeper shade.
Step 2: Serve and Enjoy!
Pour the mixture into a glass and garnish with whipped topping and sprinkles. Time to enjoy!
Looking for more delicious shake & smoothie recipes? Give these reader favorites a try!
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In this copycat version of the viral Grimace Milkshake, frozen blueberries and a few drops of purple food coloring are used for the vibrant color. The food coloring is unnecessary, as the blueberries will give it a purple color, but it may not be as bright. In the McDonald's version of the shake, corn syrup, sugar, food coloring and "natural flavors" are used.
Yes, absolutely, but the blueberries will color it naturally purple. However, you can use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a delicious berry-flavored shake.
To make a vegan Grimace Shake, substitute the ice cream and milk for plant-based options. For instance, blend three scoops of vanilla almond milk frozen dessert with ½ cup of almond milk and 1 cup of frozen blueberries for a delicious vegan option. Coconut-based or Oatmilk-based frozen desserts are also excellent for a plant-based shake.
No - the Grimace Shake was a limited-time item released in June 2023 for Grimace's birthday. It was discontinued at the end of that month and has not returned to the menu. This copycat recipe is the best way to enjoy it at home.
The Grimace Shake is a sweet berry-flavored milkshake. McDonald's version uses natural flavors and food coloring for its signature purple color. This homemade version uses frozen blueberries for both the flavor and the color.
McDonald's Grimace Shake Copycat Recipe is a delicious treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy instructions, you can enjoy this iconic milkshake from the comfort of your home. So, what are you waiting for? Indulge in some creamy deliciousness and celebrate Grimace's birthday with this viral recipe taking the foodie world by storm!
Grimace Shake McDonald's Copycat Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup vanilla ice cream or 3 heaping scoops
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon mixed berry jam strawberry or raspberry works great too!
- 2 to 3 drops purple food coloring optional
- Whipped topping optional
- Sprinkles for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Allow the vanilla ice cream to set out for a few minutes for easier scooping. Then, scoop out 1 packed cup of vanilla ice cream.
- Add the vanilla ice cream, frozen blueberries, and milk to a blender.
- Add in 2 to 3 drops of purple food coloring, if desired for a more vibrant purple coloring.
- Pour into a glass and top with whipped topping and sprinkles if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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