The Story of the Milkshake
The story of the milkshake is an interesting one.
Milkshakes have been around since 1850; back then, there just glasses of eggnog with a splash of alcohol in them.
But how did the milkshake, as we know it today, come to be? If you like milkshakes, then you know that ice cream is the predominant ingredient.
So it may be surprise you to learn that ice cream did not become the main ingredient in milkshakes until about 1920.
It is said that a Walgreens' soda fountain manager was trying to create a new concoction to appease his customers.
While experimenting with a new combination, he dropped some ice cream into the blender used for malted milk.
He ran with it and the world's first milkshake was made.
That was probably an interesting day to be at that Walgreens because he couldn't have just stopped at the first shake.
I would be willing to bet he added just about everything he could find in the store to that blender; he must have tested out several different mixes until he decided which was best.
As time went on, and the Walgreen store chain grew, his invention grew along with it.
By the end of the 1920s, Walgreens could be found nationwide and every store sold milkshakes.
Thus America was introduced to the delectable frothy drink.
And as it grew in popularity, other people decided to make their own.
To cash in on the latest craze, every competitor offered their own milkshake.
Now, practically every restaurant and fast food chain offers a milkshake on their menu.
And it has grown past the simple flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry that began it back in the day.
Now you have exotic flavors at some places with uncommon ingredients.
So, to all the shake lovers out there, you owe a lot to that little guy at Walgreens.
Now go get yourself a milkshake.
Milkshakes have been around since 1850; back then, there just glasses of eggnog with a splash of alcohol in them.
But how did the milkshake, as we know it today, come to be? If you like milkshakes, then you know that ice cream is the predominant ingredient.
So it may be surprise you to learn that ice cream did not become the main ingredient in milkshakes until about 1920.
It is said that a Walgreens' soda fountain manager was trying to create a new concoction to appease his customers.
While experimenting with a new combination, he dropped some ice cream into the blender used for malted milk.
He ran with it and the world's first milkshake was made.
That was probably an interesting day to be at that Walgreens because he couldn't have just stopped at the first shake.
I would be willing to bet he added just about everything he could find in the store to that blender; he must have tested out several different mixes until he decided which was best.
As time went on, and the Walgreen store chain grew, his invention grew along with it.
By the end of the 1920s, Walgreens could be found nationwide and every store sold milkshakes.
Thus America was introduced to the delectable frothy drink.
And as it grew in popularity, other people decided to make their own.
To cash in on the latest craze, every competitor offered their own milkshake.
Now, practically every restaurant and fast food chain offers a milkshake on their menu.
And it has grown past the simple flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry that began it back in the day.
Now you have exotic flavors at some places with uncommon ingredients.
So, to all the shake lovers out there, you owe a lot to that little guy at Walgreens.
Now go get yourself a milkshake.
