We've seen some pretty wild interpretations of the milkshake in recent years-outrageous versions rimmed with candy and teetering with mile-high toppings. But if anything, those concoctions have made us realize how much we love a good old-fashioned shake. The drinks have been around for more than 100 years, yet they feel as special as ever: the swirly whipped cream, the whimsical straw, the fancy fluted glass-and if you're really lucky, the metal sidecar filled with a little extra of that ice creamy goodness. See how milkshakes won our hearts, then turn the page to find recipes that are easy to make, and even easier to enjoy.
1819
A doctor in Lancaster, PA, patents a device that pumps out carbonated water, and drugstores and apothecaries start adding medicinal ingredients and fruit syrups, paving the way for future soda fountain concoctions.
1922
A soda jerk at a Chicago Walgreens makes one of the first known versions of a modern milkshake when he mixes scoops of vanilla ice cream into a chocolate malted milk.
1937
After watching his young daughter struggle to drink a milkshake from a straight straw at a San Francisco sweets shop, inventor Joseph B. Friedman patents the bendy straw.
1994
Milkshakes have a big moment at the movies: In one of Pulp Fiction's most famous scenes, Uma Thurman and John Travolta's characters share a vanilla milkshake at a diner.
1970
McDonald's introduces a green lemon-lime shake for St. Patrick's Day. The drink becomes mint flavored in the '80s, disappears in the '90s and returns by popular demand during the next decade.
1948
America gets its first aerosol whipped cream, Reddi-wip, dreamed up by a salesman in St. Louis. It's delivered door-to-door, just like milk.
This story is from the May - June 2023 edition of Food Network Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May - June 2023 edition of Food Network Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Name This Dish!
Dream up a clever name for these pancakes and you could win big.
Keeping It Simple
Ina Garten , s berry tart is nothing fancy—and that , s just how she likes it.
LONG LIVE THE Milkshake!
A century after these dreamy creations came into our lives, we still can't get enough of them.
the GRILLED STEAK Handbook
This cheat sheet is a keeper. Plus find three new recipes!
Step Up Your Grilled Chicken.
Our test kitchen chefs reinvented four beloved chicken dinners for the grill.
What a Catch!
Grill fish like a pro: Food Network chefs share their best recipes.
When Life Gives You Lemons
Zesty lemon and freshly caught fish are a joy to savor. The cleanup, not so much. When life gives you lemons, fish, and other food and bacterial odors, Glad® ForceFlexPlus with Clorox® trash bags help to ensure nothing is left behind but a clean lemon scent. With Glad's superior strength* (yep, they have 2X leak protection, reinforced bottoms, and double side seams), you can go all in on your favorite recipes without worrying about the mess.
Ready, Set...Pulled, Pork!
Make this party staple the easy way, with the push of a button.
Salad Days
It's BBQ season. Bring on the sides!
Start with MARGARITAS
Make a round of drinks from the stars, with Tex-Mex apps to match.
