Milkshake Day is celebrated annually on November 15.
For the first time, the milkshake, or as it sounds more familiar to the Western ear – milkshake – was talked about in the UK in 1885, when one of the London newspapers published a note about a surprisingly delicious drink. This classic cocktail recipe included milk, raw eggs, brandy or whiskey. Due to the high cost of some ingredients, only wealthy members of society could afford such a drink.
Classic milkshake was prepared in large containers and served at a family holiday table and at special receptions. In taste and composition, it resembled the famous dessert eggnog and very quickly gained popularity all over the world. Americans replaced whiskey and brandy with rum in the recipe, and at the end of the XIX century they began to use vanilla, berry and chocolate syrups to prepare the drink. Then they tried to add ice cream to the milkshake, which significantly transformed its taste. The ingredients were mixed by hand until 1922 – the time of the invention of the blender by American Stephen Poplavsky. The use of the device made the milkshake more airy and delicate in taste.
During prohibition in the United States, which operated from January 1920 to 1933, bartenders mixed whiskey, brandy and bourbon into all harmless-looking cocktails. The experts behind the counter understood that no policeman would be able to distinguish an alcoholic drink from a non-alcoholic one by appearance. Speakeasy bars were opened on the streets of American cities for connoisseurs of rattling and not so mixtures, which literally translates as “speak softly”. While the law enforcement officers studied the visitors of these seedy establishments, the bartenders imperceptibly added a large portion of port wine or strong alcohol to the milk, ice cubes and syrup. Visitors left the pubs very happy, because they always had the opportunity to taste a milkshake codenamed “For me”.
“Egg-nog” is one of the names of the popular miklsheyka. For its preparation, in addition to cream or milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla, cognac or bourbon can also be used. Over time, bartenders refused to add alcohol-containing ingredients and fresh eggs to the drink. Today, milkshake is chosen by children and adults who prefer non-alcoholic cocktails. Among other classic variations: coconut milk, pineapple juice and rum are included in the long drink “Pina Colada”. This milkshake is declared as the national drink of Puerto Rico. In the bar cards of cafes and restaurants around the world in the section with soft drinks there are “Banana shake”, “Fiesta”, “Marzipan”, “Bubble Gum”. Their recipes often contain ice cream and necessarily – chilled milk. Milkshakes are often decorated with berries, whipped cream, chocolate chips and nut powder. Any fruit is still used, except kiwi, pineapple and orange because of the ascorbic acid contained in them, which prevents the formation of foam. Lime and lemon zest are also added to the drinks, decorated with whipped cream, making a real work of culinary art.
If you like sweets, you can also try experimenting with the preparation of milkshakes in honor of this holiday!
Author of the article: Varvara Kartushina
