Grimace Shake

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

Quick homemade version of the McDonald's Grimace shake using vanilla ice cream, milk and mixed berries.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:51:52 GMT
A creamy purple dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh berries sits in a clear glass on a textured surface, surrounded by scattered berries and powdered sugar. Pin it
A creamy purple dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh berries sits in a clear glass on a textured surface, surrounded by scattered berries and powdered sugar. | recipesbyclare.com

Let me share my homemade version of that viral Grimace Shake everyone went crazy for. I love making this at home because we can control exactly what goes in it using real berries and good ingredients. Plus my kids get such a kick out of that magical purple color and it's actually good for them.

Better Than The Original

Making this shake at home is a total game changer. It's creamier fresher and you get that gorgeous color from real blueberries instead of artificial stuff. My family actually prefers this version now and I love knowing exactly what's in it.

What You Need

  • Ice Cream: 2 cups vanilla is perfect.
  • Milk: 1 cup any kind works even almond milk.
  • Berries: 1 cup frozen blueberries for that purple magic.

Let's Make It

Blend It Up
Everything goes in the blender until smooth and creamy.
Make It Pretty
Pour into glasses add some whipped cream maybe sprinkles.
Enjoy Right Away
These are best fresh when they're perfectly thick and frosty.
A glass of purple dessert topped with whipped cream, blueberries, and raspberries, surrounded by fresh berries and powdered sugar. Pin it
A glass of purple dessert topped with whipped cream, blueberries, and raspberries, surrounded by fresh berries and powdered sugar. | recipesbyclare.com

Perfect Partners

We love serving these with cookies or alongside burgers and fries for that real fast food experience at home. Sometimes I'll make a batch for dessert when we're having friends over their kids go wild for it.

Mix It Up

Some nights I add a spoonful of cocoa powder for a chocolate berry twist. My kids love when I toss in a banana makes it extra creamy. And if you're feeling fancy a shot of espresso turns it into the perfect afternoon pick me up.

Save Some For Later

While these are best fresh you can actually keep them in the fridge for a day. Just give them a good stir before drinking. I've even frozen portions in popsicle molds my kids think they're the best purple pops ever.

A glass filled with purple smoothie sits on a textured pink napkin, with a spoon lifting some of the smoothie. Pin it
A glass filled with purple smoothie sits on a textured pink napkin, with a spoon lifting some of the smoothie. | recipesbyclare.com

Make It Pretty

The fun part is decorating these shakes. I keep colorful straws and sprinkles on hand. Sometimes we add whipped cream and edible glitter. It's those little touches that make it feel extra special.

Party Perfect

These are such a hit at kids' parties. I set up a shake station with different toppings and let everyone customize their own. The purple color matches so many party themes and the kids feel like they're getting something really special.

Healthy Swaps

Need something lighter? Try using Greek yogurt instead of ice cream or swap in your favorite plant milk. You still get that gorgeous purple color and creamy texture but with fewer calories. It's a win win.

A glass of purple dessert topped with whipped cream, fresh berries, and powdered sugar, set on a dark surface with scattered berries around it. Pin it
A glass of purple dessert topped with whipped cream, fresh berries, and powdered sugar, set on a dark surface with scattered berries around it. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What berries should I use?

Use a mix including blueberries to get the purple color. Mixed berry blends work well.

→ Can I use ice cream alternatives?

Frozen yogurt works as a lighter option. Plant-based ice cream also works for dairy-free version.

→ Why isn't my shake purple enough?

Add more blueberries or mixed berries to intensify the color. The ratio of berries affects the final shade.

Conclusion

The Grimace Shake is a fun, easy-to-make dessert inspired by the viral McDonald's purple shake. With just three ingredients, you can create a delicious and visually striking beverage at home.

Grimace Shake

Three ingredient copycat of McDonald's purple shake made with vanilla ice cream and mixed berries.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 Servings (1 shake)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 cup vanilla ice cream.
02 1 cup milk.
03 1 cup frozen mixed berries.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix all ingredients in blender until smooth.

Step 02

Pour into glass and top with whipped cream.

Notes

  1. Use berries with blueberries for color.

Tools You'll Need

  • Blender.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 466
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Protein: 12 g