Chocolate Milkshake

A cold refreshing dairy drink often made with chocolate ice cream, milk and a whole host of extras, depending on your tastes and cravings.

History

When the term “milkshake” was first used in print in 1885, milkshakes were an alcoholic whiskey drink that has been described as a “sturdy, healthful eggnog type of drink, with eggs, whiskey, etc., served as a tonic as well as a treat”. However, by 1900, the term referred to “wholesome drinks made with chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla syrups.”

The history of the electric blender, malted milk drinks, and milkshakes are interconnected. Before the widespread availability of electric blenders, milkshake-type drinks were more like eggnog, or they were a hand-shaken mixture of crushed ice and milk, sugar, and flavorings. Hamilton Beach’s drink mixers began being used at soda fountains in 1911 and the electric blender or drink mixer was invented by Steven Poplawski in 1922. With the invention of the blender, milkshakes began to take their modern, whipped, aerated, and frothy form.

How to make one yourself

We love this recipe as a choccy treat to keep the kids happy and cool during the summer holidays.

Indredients:
• 1 tbsp chocolate hazelnut spread (optional)
• 250ml semi-skimmed milk
• 2 scoops chocolate ice cream
• 5 marshmallows (optional)
• 30ml double cream, whipped
• 1 tsp toasted hazelnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions:
1. Load the back of a teaspoon with a little of the chocolate spread and spread it in a long line from the bottom of the inside of the glass to the top. Put the rest of the chocolate spread into a bowl in the microwave or in a small saucepan over a low heat. Warm through for a few seconds just until runny and set aside.
2. Put the milk and chocolate ice cream into a blender. Whizz everything up until smooth then pour into your prepared glass.
3. Top with a layer of the marshmallows and a spoonful of whipped cream. Decorate with a drizzle of the warmed chocolate spread and a few toasted hazelnuts. Serve immediately with a straw.

For an adult boozy version why not add a shot of brandy or rum to the mix!