McDonald’s is turning 50 in the UK, and the celebrations are going purple! The fast-food giant is bringing the iconic Grimace Shake to UK restaurants for a limited time, from August 28th to September 3rd. This viral drink, featuring a blueberry-flavored syrup blended with a creamy milkshake, was first launched in the US in June 2023 to celebrate Grimace’s 52nd birthday. Its popularity quickly exploded on TikTok with people filming themselves pretending to collapse after taking a sip, earning the shake the moniker ‘the infamous Grimace Shake’.
While the origin of the trend is a bit unclear, some believe it stems from Grimace’s early days in McDonaldland when he was known as ‘Evil Grimace’ with a penchant for stealing milkshakes. However, the ‘evil’ part of his name was dropped in 1972, and he’s since been reintroduced as a clumsy but lovable monster, often associated with the taste of a milkshake.
The Grimace Shake’s arrival in the UK is sure to generate excitement, with fans eagerly anticipating a taste of this unusual treat. And for those who can’t wait, there’s a special pop-up event at Box Park Shoreditch on August 26th, where you can get a sneak peek and sample the shake between 12pm and 6pm.
The Grimace Shake isn’t the only treat making a comeback. Joining the menu alongside the purple sensation are two fan-favorite items: the Philly Cheese Stack and the Chicken Big Mac. These two items made a splash in the UK last year, with the Philly Cheese Stack even garnering a petition for its return after it was removed from the menu in November. The burger features two beef patties, cheese sauce, two cheese slices, grilled and crispy onions, and pickles, all nestled in a toasted bun.
McDonald’s UK is clearly pulling out all the stops for their 50th anniversary, bringing back old favorites and introducing new excitement to their menu. So, get ready to indulge in a taste of the past, with a hint of purple magic, and celebrate with McDonald’s as they mark a half-century of serving up delicious food in the UK.
