national-chocolate-milkshake-day-september-12

National Chocolate Milkshake Day September 12

Imagine stepping into a time machine, dialing back to the early 20th century, and witnessing the birth of an American classic—the chocolate milkshake. This delightful concoction, which has its roots tangled with stale bread and soda fountains, has danced its way through history, becoming a symbol of nostalgia and indulgence. National Chocolate Milkshake Day, celebrated on September 12th, isn't just another day on the calendar; it's a homage to a creamy, dreamy treat that has captured hearts across the United States. From its humble beginnings as a frosted shake to its evolution into a malted milk phenomenon in the 1920s, the journey of the chocolate milkshake is as rich and enticing as the drink itself. Diners and drive-ins of the 1940s and 1950s solidified its place in American culture, turning a simple beverage into an icon of comfort and joy. So, how did this chocolatey delight become the star of its own national day?

Key Takeaway

National Chocolate Milkshake Day is celebrated on September 12 each year, tracing back to the early 20th century when milkshakes, including chocolate milkshakes, became popular in the United States.
Milkshakes originated in the late 1800s or early 1900s as a way to use up stale bread, and the addition of malted milk powder in the 1920s helped to popularize them. Chocolate milkshakes emerged by adding chocolate syrup or ice cream to the mixture, becoming a staple of American diners and drive-ins in the 1940s and 1950s.

Timeline

1885
Invention of the electric blender
Stephan Poplawski, a Polish-American inventor, developed the first electric blender, which would later become an essential tool in milkshake preparation.
1922
First appearance of the term ‘milkshake’ in print
The term ‘milshake’ first appeared in print in the Richmond, Virginia, newspaper the Richmond Times-Dispatch, in a story about a soda fountain.
1930
Invention of the ‘multi-mixer’
Ivan Malinin, a Lithuanian-American inventor, created the ‘multi-mixer’, a machine that could mix multiple milkshakes simultaneously, revolutionizing the milkshake-making process.
1940
Introduction of the chocolate malted milkshake
The chocolate malted milkshake, a popular variation of the traditional milkshake, was introduced around this time, becoming a favorite treat for many.
1993
Establishment of National Chocolate Milkshake Day
Although the exact date is uncertain, National Chocolate Milkshake Day is believed to have been established in or around 1993, encouraging chocolate milkshake lovers to celebrate their favorite treat.
2005
Emergence of gourmet milkshakes
Gourmet milkshakes, featuring premium ingredients and unique flavor combinations, began to emerge around this time, further elevating the popularity of chocolate milkshakes.
2010
Incorporation of alcohol in milkshakes
Alcoholic milkshakes, also known as ‘adult milkshakes’, started to appear in bars and restaurants, adding a new twist to the classic chocolate milkshake.
2015
Milkshake-themed cafes and dessert bars
Milkshake-themed cafes and dessert bars, specializing in creative and indulgent milkshakes, became increasingly popular, solidifying the chocolate milkshake’s status as a beloved dessert.

Day Activities

  1. Kick off National Chocolate Milkshake Day with a bang by hosting a milkshake-making party. Gather friends or family, ensuring everyone's armed with their favorite chocolate syrup, ice cream, and a slew of toppings. From whipped cream to cherries, let creativity reign supreme as each concocts their masterpiece. Don't forget to snap pics for the 'gram!

  2. For those who love a good challenge, local diners or ice cream shops often host contests on National Chocolate Milkshake Day. Whether it's crafting the most unique flavor combo or a speed-drinking showdown, these competitions add an extra layer of excitement. Winners might even snag free milkshakes or bragging rights, making it a sweet deal all around.

  3. Finally, take a moment to dive into the history behind this creamy delight. Many libraries or online platforms offer documentaries or articles detailing the evolution of milkshakes. Understanding the journey from frosted sodas to the thick, chocolatey shakes we adore today adds depth to the celebration, making each sip a tribute to a century-old tradition.

Interesting Facts

1. A Sweet Start

Chocolate milkshakes originated from using stale bread in the late 1800s.

2. Evolution into Creaminess

Malted milk powder in the 1920s made milkshakes creamier and more popular.

3. First Official Mention

The term "chocolate milkshake" first appeared in a 1930 New Jersey ad.

4. Diner Staple

By the 1950s, chocolate milkshakes became essential at American diners.

5. Celebrate Every September 12

Enjoy National Chocolate Milkshake Day by indulging in this classic treat.

Why We Love This Day

  • Celebrating a Classic American Treat

Who doesn't love a good throwback? National Chocolate Milkshake Day takes us on a tasty trip down memory lane. Back in the day, milkshakes were the bee's knees at diners and drive-ins, becoming a symbol of American culture. On September 12, we get to celebrate this creamy, dreamy concoction that has won hearts for generations. It's like stepping into a time machine with a straw!

  • Excuse to Indulge

Let's be real, we're always looking for a good reason to treat ourselves, and National Chocolate Milkshake Day is as good as any. It's practically a free pass to indulge in a thick, chocolatey shake without the side of guilt. Whether you're a fan of the classic chocolate shake or you like to jazz it up with all sorts of toppings and mix-ins, this day is your chance to go wild. After all, calories don't count on holidays, right?

  • Creative Concoctions Galore

For the adventurous souls and culinary experimenters, National Chocolate Milkshake Day is the perfect opportunity to get creative. From adding a dash of espresso for a mocha twist to blending in some chili for a bit of heat, the possibilities are endless. It's a day to break out of the vanilla routine and mix up something uniquely delicious. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your new favorite shake recipe.

Past & Future Dates

Month Day Year
SEPTEMBER 12 2022
SEPTEMBER 12 2023
SEPTEMBER 12 2024
SEPTEMBER 12 2025
SEPTEMBER 12 2026
SEPTEMBER 12 2027
SEPTEMBER 12 2028

FAQ

Is today National Chocolate Milkshake Day?

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE DAY – September 12 – National Day Calendar.

Is there a national shake day?

On June 20 each year, National Vanilla Milkshake Day celebrates the cold beverage made with vanilla ice cream, vanilla, and milk.

What is the history of the chocolate milkshake?

The milkshake made it into the mainstream when in 1922 a Walgreens employee in Chicago, Ivar “Pop” Coulson, took an old-fashioned malted milk (milk, chocolate, and malt) and added two scoops of ice cream, creating a drink which became popular, soon becoming a high-demand drink for young adults around the country.