Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: June 20th, 2022. Did you know today is National Vanilla Milkshake Day? It’s been a while since I’ve had any flavor of Milkshakes and as hot as it is today if David gets off in time I am going to ask him to go by Sonic and pick up a Vanilla Milkshake for me. Would you like to have one with me?
National Vanilla Milkshake Day
our Food Finds about Vanilla Milkshakes:
- The first known printed reference to a “Milkshake” dates back to 1885 and this Milkshake contained one part Whiskey, ‘for medicinal purposes’.
- ‘Shakes’ got their name from being served in bars. If the customer enjoyed the specialty drink, he shook hands with the bartender. If not, the bartender wouldn’t get a tip.
- Did you know the first diner Milkshakes were made with a mixture of Milk, Malt and a flavoring like Vanilla, or Chocolate. The malt added an ‘Ice Cream’ texture to the drink.
- The electric blender was invented in 1922= for the making of Milkshakes. A Milkshake can be referred to as a “frappe” the e is silent.
National Vanilla Milkshake Day is on June 20 and it’s all about celebrating the original vanilla milkshake. It’s made by blending milk, ice cream, and the vanilla flavoring for a classic style beverage. Vanilla is actually native to central Mexico and it’s the only fruit-bearing member of the orchid family. The first people that used the fruit of the Tlilxochitl vine were the ancient Totonac Indians of Mexico, but after the Aztecs defeated them, they no longer had sole ownership of the fruit.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL VANILLA MILKSHAKE DAY
In the beginning, the Milkshake was considered an adult drink and the beverage had first appeared in print in 1885 and contained Eggs and Whiskey. The beverage was described as a sturdy and healthy Egg Nog beverage that was served as a Tonic and a drink. For as harmless as Milkshakes seem now, the original Milkshake wasn’t so kid-friendly. All of the fun flavorings wouldn’t come until later.
In the early 1900s, different flavors of Ice Cream were used in Milkshakes. including Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry Syrups were the first ones and became a immediate hit. At that time, the electric blender hadn’t been invented yet, and Milkshakes were shaken by hand. The drink mixer wasn’t created until 1911 and when the drink mixer was, Milkshakes started appearing at Soda Fountains which increased its accessibility.
The electric blender was created in 1922 by Stephen Poplawski, the owner of Stevens Electric Company for the purpose of mixing beverages including Malts and Milkshakes. The electric blender took the Milkshake from the Soda Fountain to the home and more restaurants added Milkshakes to their menus. In 1949, Dairy Queen added Milkshakes to their menu and many other restaurants followed their lead.
Today, the Milkshake is still going strong. While the local Soda/Malt Shop has become a vintage novelty, people can still order Milkshakes at many restaurants and Ice Cream Stores. While many flavors have been created since the early days of the Milkshake, did you know the Vanilla Milkshake still holds strong as a classic reminder of days’ past.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL VANILLA MILKSHAKE DAY
- Visit your favorite restaurant or Ice Cream Shop that sells Milkshakes and order yourself a classic Vanilla Milkshake. If it’s been a while since you had one, even better! We all have our favorite flavors, but sometimes it’s good to go traditional.
- The good thing about making Milkshakes is that they’re not hard to make. Use 2 cups Vanilla Ice Cream, 1 cup Whole Milk Sugar, 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract, mix them in a blender, and you’ve got yourself a Milkshake. If you want to change up the flavor, there’s French Vanilla, and Vanilla Bean to try because Vanilla doesn’t have to be plain.
- Invite your family over for a Milkshake-themed party. Prepare the Milkshakes yourself and require everyone to wear clothes inspired by the 1950s when Milkshake was taking over the Nation. With all the poodle skirts and leather jackets, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a Malt Shop.
5 FACTS ABOUT NATIONAL VANILLA MILKSHAKE DAY
- Joseph Friedman invented and patented the straw in 1937 after noticing how difficult it was to drink a Milkshake directly from the glass.
- In 2006 there was a resurgence of Milkshakes as hipster culture in Los Angeles indulged in Milkshakes at a Farmer’s Market when sales for traditional Milkshakes around the Nation spiked.
- Did you know in the United Kingdom, Milkshakes are called “Thickshakes.”
- In the show “Riverdale”, Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe is a classic diner that serves Milkshakes and it’s a real place you can go visit.
- =In the drama movie “There Will Be Blood” the most quoted line was, “I drink your Milkshake!”
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL VANILLA MILKSHAKE DAY
- There’s something comforting about Milkshakes, which they remind us of an earlier time. Since Milkshakes were invented in the United States, Milkshakes are very much connected to a nostalgic era of the Nation before the modern world took over.
- Vanilla Milkshake doesn’t seem flashy, and that’s kind of the point. Not all things need to be exciting in order for you us appreciate them. Vanilla Milkshakes allow us to appreciate the simplicity reminding us of where it all started.
- Milkshakes probably aren’t on most people’s daily diet, which makes Milkshakes the perfect treat. Milkshakes lean on the unhealthier side when it comes to nutritional value, but Milkshakes are so delicious that they’re great for special occasions including National Vanilla Milkshake Day
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
