Thick, cold and chocolatey, a milkshake is the perfect treat on a warm late-summer day. National Chocolate Milkshake Day, on September 12, celebrates this diner and soda fountain classic. Whether served in a tall glass with whipped cream and a cherry, blended with malt powder or made at home in a blender, the chocolate milkshake is a sip of pure nostalgia.
History of National Chocolate Milkshake Day
The word 'milkshake' first appeared in print in the 1880s, but early milkshakes were quite different: they were often eggnog-like drinks made with eggs, whiskey and cream, considered a tonic. By the early 1900s, milkshakes became sweet, nonalcoholic drinks made with milk and flavored syrups.
In 1922, Ivar 'Pop' Coulson, an employee at a Walgreens drugstore in Chicago, is said to have added scoops of ice cream to a malted milk drink, creating a thicker shake that became hugely popular. Electric blenders, which became common in the 1920s and 1930s, made shakes easier and faster to prepare.
Milkshakes became a staple of soda fountains, diners and drive-ins in the mid-20th century. A milkshake mixer salesman named Ray Kroc later became famous for building a fast-food empire after noticing a restaurant that bought many of his mixers. Who created National Chocolate Milkshake Day is not documented.
Why National Chocolate Milkshake Day Matters
Milkshakes are a nostalgic part of American food culture, connected to soda fountains, diners and drive-ins.
They are easy to make at home and easy to customize with different ice creams, syrups and mix-ins.
The milkshake's history also shows how new technology, like the electric blender, can transform a simple recipe into a national favorite.
Milkshakes also reflect regional traditions. In parts of New England, a milkshake is simply flavored milk, while a thick ice cream drink is called a frappe or a cabinet. Learning these regional names is a fun reminder that even simple foods can mean different things depending on where you live.
How to Celebrate National Chocolate Milkshake Day
- Make a classic shake: blend chocolate ice cream with milk.
- Try a malt: add malted milk powder.
- Add mix-ins: blend in cookies, peanut butter or bananas.
- Visit a diner: enjoy a shake at a classic soda fountain.
- Make it dairy-free: use plant-based ice cream and milk.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a milkshake bar with a few flavors and toppings is a fun treat; offer dairy-free options. In classrooms, students can learn about soda fountains and diners in American history, or explore how blending changes the texture of ice cream and milk. At home, families can make milkshakes together, experimenting with flavors and toppings. For a thicker shake, use less milk and let the ice cream soften slightly before blending.
Fun Facts About National Chocolate Milkshake Day
- The word 'milkshake' appeared in print in the 1880s.
- Early milkshakes were eggnog-like drinks.
- Malted milkshakes became popular in the 1920s.
National Chocolate Milkshake Day FAQs
When is National Chocolate Milkshake Day?
National Chocolate Milkshake Day is September 12.
What's the difference between a malt and a milkshake?
A malt contains malted milk powder.
How do I make a thick milkshake?
Use more ice cream and less milk.
When were milkshakes invented?
The word appeared in the 1880s; modern ice cream shakes became popular in the 1920s.