The Grimace Shake, a bewitchingly purple drink that took the internet by storm, has been a hot topic of discussion ever since its release. But what is it, and can you get the Grimace Shake in the UK? Moreover, can you recreate this viral sensation at home? Let’s delve into these questions and more!
What is the Grimace Shake?
Introduced by McDonald’s in the United States in June 2023, the Grimace Shake is a berry-flavoured milkshake that pays homage to the fast food chain’s beloved character Grimace on his 52nd birthday. This vibrant purple concoction was part of the Grimace Birthday Meal, alongside other McDonald’s classics such as the Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets, and fries.
The shake’s launch was accompanied by a series of Instagram posts featuring Grimace celebrating his birthday, a Grimace-centric retro game developed by Krool Toys, and other Grimace-inspired merchandise.
The social media buzz
The Grimace Shake quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with users posting fan art and memes featuring Grimace. A trend emerged on TikTok under the hashtag #GrimaceShake, featuring eerie, horror-themed videos. These videos often depicted users drinking the shake and finding themselves in unusual positions or strange locations, leading to the videos being dubbed “Grime Scene” and Grimace earning the moniker “Griminal”.
Is the Grimace Shake available in the UK?
Lots of people ask whether you can get the Grimace Shake in the UK? But we have some unfortunate news. According to McDonald’s UK Press Office, there are currently no plans to introduce the Grimace Shake in the UK. But don’t worry! With a bit of creativity and a few ingredients, you can bring the Grimace Shake to your own kitchen.
Can you make the Grimace Shake at home?
Absolutely! There are a few versions of the Grimace Shake you can whip up at home, with many claiming they taste even better than the original. However, be warned, the Grimace Shake’s notorious reputation precedes it, even in homemade versions!
The regular version
For a shake that replicates the distinctive purple colour of the original Grimace Shake, try this recipe. You’ll need:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Blueberry syrup
- Hershey’s strawberry syrup
- Whole milk
- Purple food colouring
Combine three scoops of ice cream, half a cup of milk, half a tablespoon of both strawberry and blueberry syrup in a blender. Finish off with a few drops of purple food colouring and blend until smooth.
The alternative fruity Grimace Shake
If you’re after a more natural take on the Grimace Shake, try this recipe:
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whole milk
Blend together half a cup each of blueberries and raspberries with three scoops of vanilla ice cream and half a cup of milk. Blend until you reach your desired thickness and voila, a fruity Grimace Shake.
For both versions, top your shake off with some whipped cream, and keep an eye out for Grimace.
Despite the Grimace Shake being a US-exclusive treat, it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop for those elsewhere. Although the Grimace Shake is not available to buy in the UK, you can still get it with these recipes. You can create your own Grimace Shake experience at home, and who knows, you might even start your own viral trend! So, why not give it a whirl?
If you’re in the mood for a drink that’s less…grimacing, check out our best cocktail recipes.
Last Updated on September 7, 2024
Published on July 3, 2023
