Purple Cows

Prep: 5 min Cuisine: American

A fun and refreshing purple drink combining grape juice and vanilla ice cream, perfect for kids or anyone craving a fruity, creamy treat with a fizzy twist.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 can grape juice
  • 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  1. Put one scoop of vanilla ice cream in a cup.
  2. Pour grape juice over the ice cream.
  3. Allow the mixture to foam up into a delicious, fizzy drink.
  4. Enjoy your Purple Cow!

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, try using homemade vanilla ice cream instead of store-bought. If you're looking for a fun twist, substitute grape juice with other fruit juices like cranberry or apple. For a healthier option, consider using low-fat ice cream or a dairy-free substitute. This drink is also great for parties; just scale up the quantities accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Purple Cows in clear cups to showcase the beautiful layers of ice cream and grape juice. They make a delightful treat for summer parties or family gatherings. Pair them with light snacks like Cheese Broccoli Cornbread or serve alongside a refreshing fruit salad for a complete dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Purple Cows are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the grape juice and ice cream separately in the refrigerator and freezer, respectively. When ready to enjoy again, combine them as needed. Avoid storing the mixed drink, as the foam will dissipate and the ice cream will melt.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Purple Cows contains roughly 1006 calories, with 27g protein, 218g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (121% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), and protein (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 781mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).

1006 kcal 50% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 27.4g 55% DV
Total Fat 13.7g 18% DV
Carbs 217.6g 79% DV
Fiber 33.8g 100% DV
Sugar 45.3g 91% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 780.9mg 34% DV
Potassium 298mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 99.4mg 33% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 610.3mcg 68% DV
Vitamin C 25mg 28% DV
Calcium 417.9mg 32% DV
Iron 0.3mg 1% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use soda instead of grape juice?

Absolutely! Using a grape-flavored soda will give you a fizzy and fun twist on the traditional Purple Cow. Just follow the same instructions, and enjoy the bubbly experience.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, Purple Cows are a great treat for kids! Just be mindful of the sugar content in the grape juice and ice cream. You might consider using a natural juice or a lower-sugar ice cream option to make it healthier.

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the ice cream scoops in advance and keep them in the freezer. Just pour the grape juice over right before serving to maintain the frothy effect.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →