National Chocolate Milkshake Day

Sep 11, 2026 | Food Blog

Today’s spotlight is on the Chocolate Milkshake.

A chocolate milkshake is a sweet, thick, cold drink made by blending milk, ice cream, and chocolate syrup. The ice cream makes the milkshake richer and creamier. You can top it with whipped cream.

A chocolate milkshake is made by vigorously shaking or blending vanilla ice cream and milk until it reaches a creamy consistency. The chocolate syrup can be blended in during the milkshake making or swirled in afterward. This type of milkshake is also known as a “Black & White”.

Vanilla ice cream is often used in chocolate milkshakes because it provides a rich and creamy base. Vanilla also rounds out the chocolate flavor without competing too much. Vanilla ice cream also allows you to control the level of chocolate flavor in your shake.

History

Chocolate milkshakes have been around for over 120 years and can be made with or without malted barley. Milkshakes were invented in 1885 and were originally served with whiskey. In the early 1900s, they were served with ice cream. Since their invention, chocolate milkshakes have been a favorite for both kids and adults.

The modern milkshake was invented in 1922 by Ivar “Pop” Coulson, an employee at a Chicago Walgreens. Coulson added two scoops of ice cream to a malted milk drink, which was made by blending milk, chocolate syrup, and malt powder. The original recipe was milk, chocolate syrup, and a spoonful of malt powder. Coulson called the drink “Horlick’s Malted Milk”.  The blender was invented specifically for making milkshakes.

The term “milkshake” first appeared in print in 1885 and referred to an adult drink containing eggs and whiskey. In the early 1900s, milkshakes were made with ice cream and chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla syrup. In 1922, Steven Poplawski invented the electric blender, which made milkshakes smoother. The drink quickly became a hit throughout the United States.

 

Benefits of a Chocolate Milkshake

Chocolate milkshakes can provide important nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamin D. They also contain vitamin B12, which is important for the body. Chocolate milkshakes can promote bone health because they contain calcium and phosphorus, which contribute to hydroxyapatite, a mineral that hardens bones and teeth. Phosphorus also nourishes cell membranes and makes up part of DNA.

Chocolate milkshakes can also help reduce the risk of heart disease because chocolate contains chemicals that can reduce the risk of heart disease. However, chocolate milkshakes are high in calories and added sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and may increase the risk of certain chronic diseases.

Milkshakes can also provide other benefits, such as:

  • Improved muscle recovery after exercise.
  • Increased energy levels.
  • Improved overall nutrient intake.

However, it’s important to consume milkshakes in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

 

Here are some fun facts about chocolate milkshakes:

  • Milkshakes were invented in the early 1900s by Ivar Coulson, a dairyman from Illinois. He ran out of glasses while serving ice cream to customers and mixed the ice cream with milk and served it in a bowl.
  • The world’s largest milkshake was 6,000 gallons.
  • The CIA tried to assassinate Fidel Castro with a poisoned chocolate milkshake in 1963.
  • Chocolate milkshakes are full of vital ingredients, including calcium, antioxidants, and cocoa.
  • Milkshakes got their name from being served in bars.

 

Here is a classic chocolate milkshake recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 1/2 cup chocolate sauce

Directions:

  1. Put all the ingredients in a blender and mix until thick and well combined.
  2. Add a straw.

You can also make a chocolate milkshake with cocoa powder by dissolving it in warm water and sugar, adding it to a blender with ice cubes, and pouring in milk. Blend until smooth.

 

To make a milkshake, you can:

  1. Soften the ice cream by taking it out of the freezer 10 to 15 minutes before use.
  2. Measure the ingredients. A good ratio is 1 cup ice cream to 1/4 cup milk.
  3. Add the ice cream and milk to a blender.
  4. Blend until smooth. You can blend for 1 minute or 30 seconds if you prefer a lumpy shake.
  5. Pour the milkshake into a chilled glass. You can garnish with whipped cream, sprinkles, or a cherry.

To make a milkshake creamy and smooth, you should use whole-fat ingredients. Using low-fat ice cream, low-fat yogurt, or low-fat or skim milk will not make the milkshake creamy.

You can also add flavor to your milkshake by adding strawberries or chocolate-flavored syrup.

Chocolate is more popular than vanilla as a milkshake flavor. In a poll, 57% of people preferred chocolate, 30% preferred vanilla, and 9% preferred another flavor. However, vanilla is one of the most popular flavors of ice cream and milkshakes worldwide.

In the United States, chocolate is the favorite ice cream flavor, but vanilla is a close second.

The global packaged milkshakes market was valued at $304.65 million in 2022. The market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% over the forecast time. By 2033, the global market is poised to be worth $596.58 million. On average, people consume milkshakes 1.67 times per year.

The Indian milkshake market was valued at INR 5.3 billion in 2022. IMARC Group expects the market to reach INR 16.6 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 20.1% during 2023-2028.

Milkshakes are a popular dessert drink, with 58% of adults preferring them over other non-alcoholic drinks. When it comes to flavors, people prefer traditional dessert flavors like chocolate and vanilla over fruity ones. Milkshakes are profitable because they have a high profit margin of about 50-70%. They are also profitable because they pair well with other items such as cake, pizza, pie, or burgers.

National Chocolate Milkshake Day is celebrated on September 12th each year. The day is meant to promote appreciation for chocolate milkshakes, a popular drink in the United States.

 

Some Ways to Celebrate National Chocolate Milkshake Day include:

  • Buying a chocolate milkshake
  • Making a chocolate milkshake
  • Experimenting with flavors, such as adding orange essence or mint
  • Trying a malted chocolate milkshake
  • Topping your milkshake with whipped cream
  • Having a chocolate milkshake for all your meals
  • Posting a picture of your chocolate milkshake on social media with the hashtag #ChocolateMilkshakeDay

Chocolate milkshakes are made with chocolate ice cream and milk. They can be served with or without whipped cream. Let us know in the comments where you get your favorite Chocolate Milkshake.

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