Milkshake
A milkshake is a sweet beverage typically made by blending milk, ice cream, and flavorings such as chocolate, fruit, or syrup.
A milkshake is a sweet beverage typically made by blending milk, ice cream, and flavorings such as chocolate, fruit, or syrup. It is usually served cold and thick, and may also be made with non-dairy ingredients in some variations. In Canada, the term may overlap with regional French usage such as lait frappé, and milkshake-style drinks are common in ice cream shops and diners across the country.
Definition
A milkshake is a thick, cold drink made by blending milk with flavorings, and often ice cream. Dictionary definitions consistently describe it as a shaken or blended beverage with milk and sweet flavoring.
History
Milkshakes are generally traced to the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. Their modern form became more popular after electric blenders became common.
Ingredients and variations
Classic milkshakes usually contain milk, ice cream, and flavored syrups or fruit. Variants may include non-dairy milk, fruit pieces, candy, cookies, nuts, or malt powder.
Regional usage
The word milkshake can mean different drinks in different places. Some regions use terms such as frappé or lait frappé for a similar beverage, while local recipes may be thinner or thicker.
Key facts
- A milkshake is generally defined as a blended drink made from milk and flavoring, often with ice cream.
- Common flavorings include chocolate, fruit syrups, caramel, and butterscotch.
- Milkshakes originated in the United States around the turn of the 20th century.
- Electric blenders helped make milkshakes more widely popular.
- Some versions use plant-based milks or other non-dairy ingredients.
In Canada, the term may overlap with regional French usage such as lait frappé, and milkshake-style drinks are common in ice cream shops and diners across the country.
Frequently asked questions
What is a milkshake?
What are the most common milkshake flavours?
Where did milkshakes originate?
Are all milkshakes made with ice cream?
Why do some regions use different words for milkshakes?
References
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/milkshakeSupports: Definition of milkshake as a blended drink made of milk, flavoring syrup, and often ice cream.
- Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/milkshakeSupports: Definition of milkshake as a drink made from milk and ice cream with flavouring.
- Britannica Dictionary — https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/milkshakeSupports: Definition of milkshake as a thick drink made of milk, flavouring syrup, and often ice cream.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MilkshakeSupports: Overview of ingredients, non-dairy variants, and origin in the United States.
- Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk-shakeSupports: Canadian French term 'lait frappé' and regional naming variations.