Creamy Purple Grimace Shake Inspired by McDonald’s

Creamy Purple Grimace Shake Inspired by McDonald’s

Servings

2

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

0 minutes

Calories

340

Cuisine

American

Category

Dessert Drink

The Grimace Shake became a viral sensation thanks to its quirky purple hue and its connection to McDonald’s iconic character, Grimace. While McDonald’s version was a limited-time offering, recreating it at home is not only fun but also lets you control the flavour profile. 


This homemade take uses real fruit to achieve the signature purple shade, blending blueberries and raspberries with vanilla ice cream and milk for a naturally vibrant, creamy result. A touch of blueberry syrup or grape jelly adds that extra sweetness and nostalgic flavour.


This shake is all about whimsy, nostalgia, and sharing in a bit of internet fun. Perfect for parties, themed movie nights, or just a quirky afternoon treat, the Grimace Shake is both a conversation starter and a delicious indulgence. 


Topped with whipped cream and sprinkles, it’s a playful nod to childhood treats while keeping things fresh and fruity. Sip it and you’ll understand why the purple craze took over TikTok!

Creamy Purple Grimace Shake Inspired by McDonald’s

Ingredients

  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream

  • 1 cup whole milk (cold)

  • ½ cup frozen blueberries

  • ½ cup frozen raspberries

  • 2 tablespoons blueberry syrup (or grape jelly for extra sweetness)

  • Whipped cream, for topping

  • Purple sprinkles (optional garnish)

Directions

  1. In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream, milk, blueberries, raspberries, and blueberry syrup.

  2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more milk (thinner) or more ice cream (thicker).

  3. Pour into a tall glass.

  4. Top with whipped cream and sprinkles.

  5. Serve immediately with a straw or long spoon.

Upgrade Your Kitchen Tools

Make recipe prep easier with professional-grade knives

Browse Collection

 

10 Tips for when cooking this dish

  1. Use whole milk for creaminess; swap almond milk for dairy-free.

  2. Adjust fruit ratio for more berry flavour or a stronger purple colour.

  3. Freeze fruit first for a thicker shake without extra ice cream.

  4. For a sweeter taste, add 1–2 tablespoons of honey or agave.

  5. Add a drop of purple food colouring if you want a brighter shade.

  6. Top with crushed Oreos for a fun texture contrast.

  7. Serve in chilled glasses to keep the shake cold longer.

  8. Double the batch for parties or group fun.

  9. Use sugar-free ice cream and syrup for a lighter version.

  10. Add protein powder for a playful post-workout treat.

 

Serve it with suggestions

  • Birthday parties or themed events

  • Burgers and fries for a retro diner feel

  • Chocolate chip cookies or brownies

  • Fun toppings like sprinkles, marshmallows, or candy pieces

  • Serve in mason jars with striped straws for Instagram-worthy presentation

 

FAQs

Q: What flavour is the Grimace Shake?
A: It’s berry-flavoured with blueberry and raspberry notes, blended with vanilla ice cream.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free ice cream and almond or oat milk.

Q: How do I get the bright purple colour?
A: The mix of blueberries and raspberries creates natural purple, but you can add food colouring if desired.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can pre-blend and freeze, then re-blend before serving.

Q: Was the McDonald’s version the same flavour?
A: McDonald’s didn’t officially confirm, but it was believed to be berry-flavoured as well.

Chef's Recommendation

"A sharp knife is your best friend in the kitchen. For recipes like this, I always reach for my Chikashi chef knife - it gives me the control and precision I need for perfect results every time."
Chef's Note: A sharp knife not only makes prep work faster but also safer - dull knives require more pressure and are more likely to slip.

Discover why our Japanese-style knife sets are trusted by home cooks and professionals alike.

Shop Professional Knives →
Back to blog