If you’ve ever spotted that whimsical blue-and-pink swirl at McDonald’s and wondered what it might taste like, this McDonald’s Mt. McDonaldland Shake copycat will bring the mystery straight to your kitchen. It’s a dreamy mix of sweet berry candy and creamy vanilla, with a hint of tart sparkle that makes each sip feel like a carnival in a cup. The pastel blue “lava” and fluffy pink “clouds” are more than just pretty, they taste like childhood nostalgia dressed up as dessert.
This homemade Mt. McDonaldland Shake captures the same fun, over-the-top look and flavor, but you can tweak it for a sharper tartness, extra creaminess, or even a dairy-free spin. All in about 10 minutes.
Table of Contents
How to make McDonald’s Mt. McDonaldland Shake
Start by blending vanilla ice cream, cold milk, and a blue raspberry–blueberry style syrup until thick, creamy, and just tart enough to keep it from being plain sweet. A pinch of citric acid (or lemon juice) adds that fizzy, candy-like kick reviewers noticed in the real shake. For the “clouds,” whip cream with cherry or strawberry extract until you get that pink cotton-candy color and soft, airy texture. Stack it high over the blue base, and you’ve got your own towering Mt. McDonaldland ready to conquer.
Nutrition facts (per 16 oz serving)
Calories: 640
Total Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 105 g
Sugar: 92 g
Protein: 10 g
Ingredients (1 serving, 16 oz)
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 1
Blue “lava” base
- 1½ cups vanilla ice cream (low butterfat, like fast food style)
- ½ cup cold whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons blue raspberry or blueberry syrup* (see substitutes)
- ⅛ teaspoon citric acid (or ½ teaspoon lemon juice)
- 2–3 drops blue food coloring, optional
Pink “cloud” topping
- ¾ cup heavy cream, cold
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon cherry extract (or strawberry extract)
- 1–2 drops red food coloring, or 1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberry powder
Tools you’ll need
- Blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ice cream scoop
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Glass (16 oz)
- Spoon or piping bag for whipped cream
- Straw
Instructions
Make the pink “clouds”
Whip cream, powdered sugar, and cherry (or strawberry) extract until soft peaks form. Tint with food coloring or strawberry powder for that bubblegum hue. Keep chilled. (2–3 min)
Blend the blue base
Add ice cream, milk, syrup, citric acid, and food coloring (if using) to a blender. Blend on medium until thick, creamy, and fully combined. Taste and adjust syrup for more berry flavor. (20–30 sec)
Assemble the shake
Pour the blue base into a chilled glass. Pipe or spoon the pink “clouds” high over the top. (1 min)
Serve immediately
Add a straw and enjoy before the “lava” melts back into the “mountain.”
Tips
- Use citric acid for that authentic blue raspberry candy tang without watering down the shake.
- Keep all ingredients as cold as possible for maximum thickness.
- If you don’t want artificial colors, rely on berry syrups and freeze-dried fruit for natural tints.
- For a marbled effect, drizzle extra syrup inside the glass before pouring the base.
- Light corn syrup (¼ tsp) in the base can add that glossy, smooth fast food texture.
What to serve with
Fresh and fun
- Sliced strawberries or blueberries – They echo the shake’s berry tones and refresh the palate.
- Fruit skewers with melon – A juicy, light balance to the creamy shake.
- Salted popcorn – Sweet-and-salty combo that works like fairground magic.
Comforting treats
- Sugar cookies – Soft and buttery, they pair with the vanilla undertones in the base.
- Mini cupcakes with pink frosting – Match the “cloud” color for a cute presentation.
- Cotton candy – Go all-in on the carnival vibe.
Savory counterpoints
- Chicken nuggets – Classic sweet-meets-savory fast food pairing.
- Waffle fries – Salty crunch to break up the shake’s sweetness.
- Mini pretzels – The salt tightens the berry candy flavors beautifully.
Variations
Mini Mt. McDonaldland
Half the ingredients for a smaller, kid-friendly serving.
Berry Blast Version
Mix strawberry syrup into the blue base for a purple-berry mash-up.
Dairy-Free
Use oat milk and dairy-free vanilla ice cream. Top with coconut whip.
Extra Tangy
Double the citric acid or lemon juice for a sharper blue raspberry pop.
Boozy “Mountain”
Add 1 oz raspberry vodka or blueberry liqueur to the base for an adult treat.
Ingredient substitutes
Blue Raspberry Syrup
Original: Store-bought blue raspberry or blueberry syrup
Substitutes: DIY syrup from blueberries + sugar + lemon juice, cotton candy syrup + blueberry jam
Citric Acid
Original: Citric acid
Substitutes: Lemon juice, lime juice, or omit for a purely sweet profile
Vanilla Ice Cream
Original: Low butterfat vanilla
Substitutes: Frozen yogurt, dairy-free vanilla, or banana nice cream
Heavy Cream
Original: Heavy cream
Substitutes: Coconut cream, dairy-free whipping cream
Cherry Extract
Original: Cherry extract
Substitutes: Strawberry extract, raspberry extract, or omit for plain whipped cream
Ingredients
- Blue “lava” base: 1½ cups vanilla ice cream (low butterfat, like fast food style)
- ½ cup cold whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons blue raspberry or blueberry syrup* (see substitutes)
- ⅛ teaspoon citric acid (or ½ teaspoon lemon juice)
- 2–3 drops blue food coloring, optional
- Pink “cloud” topping: ¾ cup heavy cream, cold
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon cherry extract (or strawberry extract)
- 1–2 drops red food coloring, or 1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberry powder
Instructions
Make the pink “clouds”
Whip cream, powdered sugar, and cherry (or strawberry) extract until soft peaks form. Tint with food coloring or strawberry powder for that bubblegum hue. Keep chilled. (2–3 min)
Blend the blue base
Add ice cream, milk, syrup, citric acid, and food coloring (if using) to a blender. Blend on medium until thick, creamy, and fully combined. Taste and adjust syrup for more berry flavor. (20–30 sec)
Assemble the shake
Pour the blue base into a chilled glass. Pipe or spoon the pink “clouds” high over the top. (1 min)
Serve immediately
Add a straw and enjoy before the “lava” melts back into the “mountain.”
Notes
Calories: 640 Total Fat: 22 g Saturated Fat: 14 g Carbohydrates: 105 g Sugar: 92 g Protein: 10 g
