National Chocolate Milkshake Day is observed each year on September 12 by chocolate and ice cream lovers alike. Forget the calories in it for just this one day and enjoy a nice tall, thick and delicious, chocolate milkshake!
The first time the term “milkshake” was used in print was in 1885. During this period, milkshake referred to an alcoholic beverage which was an alcoholic drink described as a “sturdy, healthful eggnog type of drink” which was a blend of eggs, whiskey, and other ingredients served both as a tonic and treat at pharmacies.
- By 1900 milkshakes were referred to as “wholesome drinks made with chocolate, strawberry or vanilla syrup.”
- The early 1900s – People began asking for this “new treat” with a scoop of ice cream.
- 1911 – The Hamilton Beach’s drink mixers began to be used at soda fountains.
- 1922 – Steven Poplawski invented the electric blender or drink mixer.
- Due to the invention of the blender, the milkshake began to take a chipped, aerated and frothy form.
- It was by the 1930s that milkshakes became a popular drink in malt shops everywhere.
- Milkshakes got their name from being served in bars. If the customer enjoyed the milkshake, he shook hands with the bartender. If not, the bartender didn’t get a tip.
- Malted milk powder was invented in 1897 by James and William Horlick, but it was Ivar Coulson, a soda jerk for a Walgreen’s drug store, who first added it to milkshakes in 1922. This created the malted milkshake or just plain “malt.”
- It’d take 3,200,000 average-sized milkshakes to fill up an Olympic-sized pool.
- Australians can still buy traditional milkshakes in “milk bars,” which are much like old-fashioned drugstores with counter service. They’re usually served still in the steel cup, but may be poured into a paper cup for carry out orders.
- According to The Guinness Book of World Records, in 2000 Ira Freehof, made the world’s largest milkshake. At 6,000 gallons it was the equivalent of 50,000 normal-sized shakes.1
- Bostonians call milkshakes “frappes,” but this can also simply mean a glass of milk with syrup. In the United Kingdom, milkshakes are called “thick shakes.” In Latin America, the Spanish word is “batido.”
- A surefire cure for hangovers is to drink a banana milkshake sweetened with honey. It helps soothe your stomach, plus it builds up depleted blood sugar levels and electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium.
- Milkshakes were a popular food of the extras dressed in ape costumes during filming of the original PLANET OF THE APES movie. Their masks didn’t allow them to eat a regular meal, but they could place a straw in their mouths.
Sources:
