There’s something irresistibly fun about sipping a creamy, berry-filled Grimace Shake. Inspired by McDonald’s famous purple treat that went viral in 2023, this homemade version brings all the fruity flavor and smooth vanilla goodness right to your kitchen—no drive-thru required. Whether you’re celebrating Grimace’s birthday or just craving a cold, sweet escape, this copycat recipe nails it with a perfect blend of vanilla ice cream and real berries. Best of all? It’s easy to make and even better than the original!
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What Is a Grimace Shake?
The Grimace Shake is a colorful vanilla milkshake made with fruit flavors and a signature purple hue. It was first launched by McDonald’s on June 12, 2023, as a limited-time menu item celebrating the birthday of Grimace, the iconic purple character from McDonaldland. Thanks to its bold color and nostalgic appeal, the shake quickly became a social media sensation on TikTok, YouTube, and Google, ranking among the top food trends of the year.
Just like the famous McRib, the Grimace Shake occasionally makes a comeback, most recently in summer 2024. However, it’s still not a permanent menu item, which means fans have been searching for a way to recreate this treat at home. That’s where this delicious recipe comes in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade Grimace Shake takes the best parts of the original and makes them even better. By using real blueberries and raspberries instead of artificial coloring or flavoring, this version delivers an authentic fruity taste and gorgeous natural color. Plus, by adjusting the ratio of milk to ice cream, you’ll get that thick milkshake consistency that’s just right.
And don’t worry—you don’t need any rare or expensive ingredients like spirulina or ube extract. This recipe keeps it simple, affordable, and satisfying from the first sip to the last.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to make this easy Grimace Shake:
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1 ½ cups vanilla ice cream (about 3 big scoops)
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1 cup whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
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1 cup frozen blueberries
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½ cup raspberries
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Whipped cream (optional topping)
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Sprinkles (optional topping)
Pro Tip: Using frozen berries helps create a thicker shake and intense flavor. If you’re using fresh berries, you may want to reduce the milk slightly to keep the right consistency.
How to Make a Grimace Shake at Home
Step 1: Add the Ingredients to a Blender
Start by placing the vanilla ice cream, milk, blueberries, and raspberries into a high-speed blender.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Blend everything together on high speed until the shake is smooth and evenly colored. The vibrant purple hue should pop as the berries and vanilla ice cream combine.
Step 3: Pour and Garnish
Pour the shake into tall glasses. Top with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles for that classic fast-food finish.
Recipe Tips and Variations
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Yield: This recipe makes about 24 ounces, enough for two 12-ounce servings.
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Milk Alternatives: You can swap in almond, oat, soy, or cashew milk if you’re dairy-free.
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Berry Substitutes: Don’t have raspberries? Add more blueberries or try strawberries for a different fruity twist.
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Make It a Dessert Bar: Serve alongside fries or cookies for the ultimate fast-food-at-home vibe.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
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Calories: 336 kcal
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Protein: 8g
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Carbohydrates: 43g
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Sugars: 36g
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Fat: 15g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Fiber: 4g
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Calcium: 289mg
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Vitamin C: 16mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen ones?
Yes! Fresh berries work great if they’re in season. Just reduce the milk a little so your shake stays thick.
What kind of ice cream works best?
Use a rich, creamy vanilla ice cream like Tillamook, or make your own at home if you like. Even basic store-brand vanilla works well because the berries add most of the flavor.
How do I make it more purple?
Add a few extra raspberries or blueberries if your shake isn’t quite the color you want. More berries = richer hue.
Try These Other Frozen Desserts
If you loved making this Grimace Shake, you’ll enjoy these other frozen favorites:
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Banana Split Sundae
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Classic Ice Cream Sundae Bar
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Homemade Ice Cream Cake (DQ-style)
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Fried Ice Cream Dessert
Final Thoughts
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can recreate the magic of McDonald’s Grimace Shake in your own kitchen. This recipe offers that nostalgic fast-food flavor with a healthier twist, using real berries and wholesome ingredients. Whether it’s Grimace’s birthday or just a regular Tuesday, this shake is guaranteed to make you smile!
