Vanilla Milkshakes. Thick, cold, creamy, vanilla-y perfection. Nothing compares to a good vanilla milkshake. The milkshakes I am thinking of all start with ice cream and milk, but that has not always been the case. When the term ‘milkshake’ was first printed in 1885, it was describing a true breakfast of champions; an eggnog like beverage of milk, eggs, and whiskey.

In 1922, Ivan “Pop” Coulson invented the milkshakes we know and love today. Coulson worked as a soda jerk at Walgreens starting in 1914. One day while adding the milk, chocolate, and malt to make a milkshake, Coulson decided to add some of Walgreens house made ice cream. Game changer.

As time marched on, syrups, sauces, and inclusions of all kinds have been added to make an infinite number of milkshake combinations. After a long, hot day, a milkshake is like a reward. Maybe you have been busting your hump getting work done today, and maybe you deserve a cold, refreshing treat. Celebrate!

In the name of research, I wanted to try the areas best vanilla milkshakes, so sayeth the Yelp, and see what I thought. It was a grueling task, but someone had to do it. I have only made it through four so far. Which is your favorite?

• The Yard Milkshake Bar
• Handel’s Handmade Ice Cream
• Sugar Ice Cream & Waffles
• Cow Tipping Creamery
• The Aussie Grind
• Andy’s Frozen Custard
• Better Than Sex a Dessert Bar
• Milky Treats
• Casa Del Bro Mexican Grill and Creamery
• King & Cardinal

Below is I assume the recipe card for the original milkshake. Walgreens has this posted on their site with the information about Ivan “Pop” Coulson.

Old Fashioned Chocolate Malted Milk

• Use a Frosted Malt Can
• 1 1/2 oz. Chocolate Syrup
• 3 – #16 Dips of Vanilla Ice Cream
• 5 1/2 oz. of Cold Milk
• Add Malt Powder (One Heaping Tablespoonful)
• Place On Mixer Only Until Mixed – Do Not Over Mix
• Use a Generous Portion of Whipped Topping In A #1808 – 10 oz. Glass
• Pour Malted Milk in Glass Approximately 2/3 Full
• Serve Remainder Of Malted In A Shaker Along With The Glass To The Guest With Straws and Package of Fountain Treat Cookies