Let’s go retro with this classic soda fountain–style milkshake with colorful sprinkles, a bright red cherry, and a whole slew of other topping options!
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Take me back to the soda shack
Is it possible to miss a place you don’t even know? I’ve always been called an old soul trapped in a young body, but I can’t help but feel a wistful longing for a place that I’ve never been to—because they were long gone before I even existed! What we now call a soda fountain used to refer to a full-service bar-style counter where delicious drinks and treats were served, from classic colas to ice cream! Soda jerks (the name sounds harsh but it actually derives from the jerking motion used to pull the arm of the soda machine!) would service your sweet tooth in diners and drugstores during the 1950s heyday of soda fountains and, frankly, I want to experience that kind of luxury!
The soda fountain, now, refers almost exclusively to a self-service machine which mixes the formulas of various flavors with carbonated water to achieve the same result; but, I’m oddly nostalgic for the days when sodas were mixed by hand and, in the same sitting, you could order a float with a dollop of ice cream. That’s why today’s recipe sates my very soul!
Straight out of the ’40s, we have a classic milkshake that’ll take you back in time! Sweet and creamy (and with toppings that are so dreamy!), you can’t get much simpler than a classic vanilla milkshake with colorful rainbow sprinkles and a maraschino cherry on top! Or perhaps you’ll decorate your classic vanilla milkshake with a crumble of dark chocolate sandwich cookies, or even some fantastic fruits! Take a trip to a simpler time with me and take a sip of nostalgia!
Lingo and Slang for soda slingers!
The following are a few terms that were used often when ordering treats at the soda fountain but, sadly, are no longer a part of our lexicon. Try to bring back some of these classics!
“Shoot it in the red” – To put a splash of cherry into your cola!
“Hold the hail” – To order a drink without ice!
“City cocktail” – A glass of water!
“Burn it and let it swim!” – To make your order a float with a scoop of ice cream!
“Canned Cow” – Shorthand for a glass of plain cow’s milk!
Is A Classic Milkshake Healthy?
Ice cream is a sweet treat that, unfortunately, comes with a notorious reputation for its fatty, sugary contents. Whole milk provides protein to a classic milkshake but that becomes negligible when factoring in the carbs and fat present in classic ice cream.
Not to worry, though, as there are loads of ice cream alternatives on the market that might just satisfy your sweet tooth without the carbs, fat, or both! Loads of plant-based milks can be made into ice cream (I especially like almond milk for its cherry-adjacent flavor!) and many bring protein to pack into your classic sweet treat!
Classic recipe, Ageless Taste! Top your Milkshake your way!
In the spirit of old soda jerks and their lost lingo, we have a couple of suggestions for how best to top your classic milkshake!
Make yours “a stick in the mud” by brewing up some espresso and mixing it into your milkshake (with some ground cinnamon and nutmeg) to make a deliciously zippy afternoon delight! Or, if you’re looking to experience an “Oh gee” flavor, try topping your classic milkshake with candied or chocolate-covered orange peels and a fresh grating of zest for a decadent Dreamsicle dessert! Maybe you’ve considered “putting a collar on it” and serving your classic milkshake with a totally dunk-able donut! Or, if you’re feeling nutty, put some “sand and salties” on your next milkshake (that’s candied peanuts, if you’re worried!) for some divine dining!
However you make your classic milkshake, you can’t go wrong giving it a sprucy little nickname inspired by old-fashioned soda-jerk flair!
INGREDIENTS
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
INSTRUCTIONS
Blend
Combine milk and ice cream in a blender.
Smooth
Blend until creamy.
Serve
Pour into glass and garnish if desired.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Milkshakes mix easily enough, but storing them can pose an issue. The fridge is usually only cold enough to turn your milkshake into an eventual sweetened milk and the freezer might solidify the whole affair! Your best bet is to prepare your ingredients and store them separately, that way every milkshake is freshly spun when you’re ready to serve!
The only thing that using chocolate milk or strawberry ice cream is going to change about a classic milkshake is just how tasty it is! Mix and match with your favorite flavors to make your own fanciful soda-fountain experience!
Most plant-based milks are made using water and a finely blended and extruded puree, so some plant-based milks don’t just taste different but behave differently than ice creams! For the best textural equivalent to dairy milk, I’ve found that oat milk and oat milk ice creams are about as creamy as they come!
Serving Suggestions
A classic milkshake pairs alongside other classic diner foods perfectly (which is probably why they’re served at nearly every diner in the country!)
Order up a soda fountain-style milkshake with a plate of crispy buttermilk fried chicken tenders and a side of delicious fries (that look suspiciously similar to a chain restaurant’s). If you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy jalapeno popper burger with a classic milkshake as your cool, sweet savior from the heat! If you can see yourself eating it at a vinyl booth with a checkerboard floor and chrome-lined walls, you might just be missing out if you don’t pair it with a delicious classic milkshake!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Place the milk and vanilla ice cream in a blender.
- Blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the milkshake into a tall glass and, if desired, top with your favorite garnishes, such as whipped cream or a maraschino cherry.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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