Milkshakes: that creamy, sweet concoction we all know and love. Have you ever been curious about the fascinating history behind these delightful treats? At Dairy Dip Diner in Van Buren and Mulberry, AR, we love diving into food history.
The Birth of Milkshakes
When you think of milkshakes today, you likely picture a delightful, kid-friendly treat. However, back in 1885, milkshakes had a completely different identity. They started as a robust alcoholic beverage, more akin to eggnog, containing eggs and whiskey.
But this boozy beginning was short-lived. By the early 1900s, milkshakes underwent a transformation into a wholesome drink suitable for all ages. Flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and creamy ice cream turned them into a dessert that the entire family could savor. By the 1930s, milkshakes had become a common soda fountain and diner treat, serving as popular hangouts for youngsters.
The Walgreens Revolution
In 1922, a Walgreens employee named Ivan “Pop” Coulson sought to improve the company’s chocolate malt beverage. Known for his creativity using the soda fountain, he took the original recipe of milk, chocolate syrup, and malt powder and added a game-changing ingredient: ice cream.
By generously scooping in vanilla ice cream, made in Walgreens’ own plant, Coulson transformed the malt beverage into a sumptuous, thick, and rich-tasting delight. This was the birth of the milkshake we know and love today.
A Sweet Legacy
Milkshakes have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history, so much so that they have two unofficial national holidays:
- National Vanilla Milkshake Day on June 20
- National Chocolate Milkshake Day on September 12
While there were beverages resembling milkshakes before Coulson’s 1922 invention, they were not quite the same. Nothing can quite compare to the genius of Ivan Coulson at Walgreens.
Visit Dairy Dip Diner for a Taste of History
Now that you’re well-versed in the history of milkshakes, it’s time to enjoy one for yourself. For the best milkshakes in town, stop by Dairy Dip Diner in Mulberry or Van Buren. We offer a wide variety of milkshake and malt flavors, ensuring you’ll find one that suits your taste. And don’t forget to complement your sweet treat with our mouthwatering menu items like cheeseburgers, chicken strips, and our famous hula hoop onion rings. Come on over and indulge in a piece of milkshake history!