A drink that went viral when it was launched in McDonald’s branches across the UK this summer returns to the menu today – but only for two weeks. The Grimace Shake is back for the festive season and today, December 11, is the day it officially launches in restaurants.
Inspired by Grimace’s signature purple shade, the shake combines a blueberry flavoured syrup blended with a milkshake base. The Grimace Shake Cold Cup features a QR code, allowing customers to easily donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK and help support families with a sick child in hospital during the festive season.
A Grimace Shake Medium is £2.69 and a Grimace Shake Large is £2.99.
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Ronald McDonald House Charities UK has been working with McDonald’s since the Charity was founded in the UK in 1989. The Charity’s 14 Houses across the UK are partnered with NHS hospitals and provide families with free accommodation to support them whilst their child is in hospital.
Since 1989, McDonald’s and its Franchisees have raised an estimated £100 million for the Charity which goes towards the running and building of Ronald McDonald Houses across the UK. As well as donating part of their profits, McDonald’s and its Franchisees also hold annual fundraising days, provide free office space, business resources and advertising.
Grimace, one of McDonald’s most recognizable characters, was first introduced in 1971 as part of McDonaldland, a fictional universe. The character debuted in commercials alongside other mascots like Ronald McDonald, the Hamburglar, and Mayor McCheese.
Initially, Grimace was portrayed as a villain called “Evil Grimace.” He was a four-armed creature who stole milkshakes and other beverages from customers, playing a mischievous, antagonistic role. In 1972, Grimace was rebranded as a friendly, clumsy, and lovable character to better align with McDonaldland’s family-friendly image. He lost his villainous traits and two of his four arms.
Grimace is depicted as a large, purple, pear-shaped creature with a simple face, short arms, and a playful demeanor. His ambiguous shape and features add to his quirky charm.
Though Grimace’s exact identity has never been fully clarified, he was originally associated with milkshakes and sodas. McDonald’s spokespeople have occasionally hinted that Grimace represents the “embodiment of a milkshake” or even a taste bud, though this has never been officially confirmed.
Over the years, Grimace became a symbol of fun, joy, and inclusivity, appealing to children and families. He often played a comedic foil to Ronald McDonald in marketing campaigns. By the early 2000s, McDonaldland characters, including Grimace, were phased out of mainstream advertising as McDonald’s shifted its marketing focus toward broader audiences and healthier menu options. While Grimace’s presence diminished, he retained a nostalgic appeal.
Grimace experienced a revival in 2023 during McDonald’s “Grimace Birthday Meal” campaign. The promotion featured a limited-edition purple milkshake, celebrating Grimace’s fictional birthday. The campaign went viral on social media, with users humorously paying tribute to Grimace and creating memes, videos, and fan art.