A little reason to celebrate
National Vanilla Milkshake Day
Drink ยท June 20
A day for the vanilla milkshake, the plain blend of ice cream and milk, plus how to get the texture right and dress it up with malt or mix-ins.
National Vanilla Milkshake Day falls on Sunday, June 20, 2027. That is 236 days away.
A vanilla milkshake is ice cream, milk and a little vanilla blended until thick enough to fight the straw. It is the simplest shake on the menu, which is why some people judge a diner or soda fountain by it. With no chocolate or fruit to hide behind, the texture and the quality of the ice cream do all the work.
Texture is mostly a matter of ratio. More ice cream and less milk gives a shake you eat with a spoon at first. More milk makes something closer to a cold, sweet drink. At home a blender works fine, but keep the blend short, since long blending warms the shake and thins it out. Chilling the glass first helps it hold together.
Many shake counters offer a malt version, made by adding malted milk powder. The powder is typically made from malted barley, wheat flour and milk, and it gives the shake a toasty, slightly savory depth that changes the whole drink.
Vanilla also takes well to small additions. A pinch of salt sharpens the sweetness. A spoonful of peanut butter, a splash of cooled coffee or a crumbled cookie turns it into something new without losing the base. Whipped cream and a cherry on top are traditional, though the cherry is often gone before the first sip.
Some places still serve the leftover shake in the metal mixing cup beside the glass, which means a second, smaller shake is waiting once the first one runs low.
Ways to celebrate
- Blend a vanilla shake at home and try a thicker or thinner ratio.
- Add a spoonful of malted milk powder to taste the difference.
- Order a vanilla shake at a local diner or ice cream shop.
- Try a pinch of salt or a crumbled cookie in your shake.
- Chill your glasses in the freezer before pouring.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, June 20 |
| 2027 | Sunday, June 20 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, June 20 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, June 20 |
| 2030 | Thursday, June 20 |
Also on June 20
Categories: Drink days