You can’t help but smile when you sip on a Grimace Shake! This easy McDonald’s copycat recipe is even tastier than the viral original. With the perfect mix of vanilla ice cream and fresh berries, it’s sweet, creamy, and super fun to make at home. Try it and enjoy every delicious sip!
In case you missed it, the Grimace Shake isn’t something that makes you frown — it’s a super fun, fruit-flavored vanilla milkshake that became a huge hit at McDonald’s. It first launched on June 12, 2023, to celebrate the birthday of Grimace — the big, lovable purple McDonaldland character. It quickly went viral, trending all over Google, YouTube, and TikTok, with searches like “Grimace Shake Recipe” topping the charts in 2023.
Just like the McRib, this purple milkshake isn’t always on the menu. McDonald’s brought it back in summer 2024, again for Grimace’s birthday, but it’s still a limited-time treat. So, I decided to recreate the magic with a delicious Grimace Shake copycat recipe you can make at home!
I wanted this homemade version to match the fruity flavor, beautiful purple color, and creamy texture. While fancy ingredients like ube extract or blue spirulina look cool, they’re pricey and hard to find. Instead, I used simple, natural ingredients: raspberries, blueberries, and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The secret to the perfect consistency? Just add more ice cream than you’d normally use in a milkshake!
This dreamy shake tastes just like the original, maybe even better. It’s thick, creamy, fruity, and easy to make whether the McDonald’s version is available or not. Want to level it up? Serve it with some crispy French fries — they’re perfect for dipping!
Grimace Shake Ingredients & Recipe – Easy Copycat at Home
Want to make the viral Grimace Shake at home? You’re in the right place! This fun and fruity McDonald’s-inspired milkshake is creamy, purple, and packed with berry goodness. Let’s break down the key ingredients and show you how to make it step-by-step.
Grimace shake ingredients
Vanilla Ice Cream
The base of any good milkshake! My top pick is Tillamook vanilla ice cream, but honestly, any good-quality brand will work. Want to go the extra mile? Try homemade vanilla ice cream — though as Ina Garten says, “Store-bought is fine!”
Milk
For the creamiest results, use whole milk. But if you prefer non-dairy options, soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk will also blend perfectly.
Frozen Blueberries
Use frozen wild or regular blueberries — they’re more flavorful and help give the shake that thick, creamy texture. Fresh blueberries can work too, but you may want to reduce the milk slightly.
Raspberries
These are the game-changer! Raspberries give the shake that iconic Grimace purple color and add a tangy twist to the sweet blueberry base.
How to Make a Grimace Shake – Step-by-Step
Step 1: In a high-speed blender, add the vanilla ice cream, milk, frozen blueberries, and raspberries.
Step 2: Blend until smooth and creamy. Add ice Cream.
Step 3: Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Optional: Top with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles for that fun, McDonald’s-style finish!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Yield: Makes about 24 ounces, enough for 2 milkshakes (1½ cups each).
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Make your own and store it in the fridge for up to 10 hours—so much better than canned!
- For Berry Lovers: Try more of my fruity faves like the Raspberry Smoothie, Blueberry Smoothie, or Strawberry Smoothie.
- Best Blenders: Want it extra smooth? Check my top picks in the Best Blenders for Protein Shakes.
- Add Protein: Turn this into a post-workout treat by mixing in a scoop from the Best Protein Powders for Smoothies.
Is the Grimace Shake Back for 2024? Here’s the Scoop!
Yes, the Grimace Shake is back for 2024—but there’s a twist! In an official press release on May 13, McDonald’s confirmed that the viral purple shake is returning for the second summer in a row. The announcement started with, “The rumours are true,” — and if you noticed the spelling of “rumours” with a “u,” that’s your clue!
Grimace Shake 2024 Is Coming to Canada!
That’s right—this time, the Grimace Shake is coming to Canada! According to McDonald’s Canada, Grimace has officially landed north of the border. Social media buzz started weeks earlier after Grimace was spotted at a Vancouver Canucks hockey game, sparking rumors online.
Where and When Can You Get It?
Starting today, Canadians can enjoy the Grimace Shake 2024 at participating McDonald’s locations—as long as the ice cream machines are working, of course!
Last year, the shake was only available in the United States, so it’s Canada’s turn to join the Grimace fun this summer.