- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- Beverage
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 20
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍦
National Vanilla Milkshake Day arrives every June 20, celebrating the original, iconic blend of milk, ice cream, and vanilla. This classic beverage offers a refreshing escape, perfect for a warm summer day. Grab your blender, visit your favorite diner, or explore new vanilla-infused recipes. Share your creamy creations with friends and family!
Want to sponsor National Vanilla Milkshake Day? Learn how
Expected National Vanilla Milkshake Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Vanilla Milkshake Day often inspires sweet deals. Look for special offers at fast-food giants like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s, which frequently feature milkshake discounts. Specialty ice cream shops such as Dairy Queen and Cold Stone Creamery are also likely to offer BOGO deals or limited-time vanilla flavors. Even coffee chains like Starbucks might feature vanilla-flavored blended beverages. Don’t forget local diners and independent creameries, which often roll out unique vanilla milkshake creations. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 20 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Vanilla Milkshake Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #VanillaMilkshakeDay. Share quick videos of your favorite milkshake recipes or a taste test of local vanilla shakes.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalVanillaMilkshakeDay. Post aesthetically pleasing photos of your vanilla milkshake creations or a throwback to a classic diner experience.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #VanillaMilkshakeDay. Ask your community to share their go-to vanilla milkshake spots or homemade recipes.
National Vanilla Milkshake Day Hero
Ivar Coulson
History of National Vanilla Milkshake Day
In the beginning, the milkshake was considered an adult drink. The beverage had first appeared in print in 1885 and contained eggs and whiskey. It was described as a sturdy and healthy egg nog drink, that was served as a tonic and a drink. For as harmless as they seem now, the original milkshake wasn’t so kid-friendly. All of the fun flavorings wouldn’t come until later.
In the early 1900s, different flavors of ice cream were used in milkshakes. Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry syrups were the first ones and they were an immediate hit. At that time, the electric blender hadn’t been invented yet, and milkshakes were shaken by hand. The drink mixer wasn’t created until 1911 and when it was, milkshakes started appearing at soda fountains which increased its accessibility.
The electric blender was created in 1922 by Stephen Poplawski, the owner of Stevens Electric company for the purpose of mixing beverages like malts and milkshakes. This handy invention took the milkshake from the soda fountain to the home and more restaurants would add milkshakes to their menus. In 1949, Dairy Queen added milkshakes to their menu and many other restaurants followed their lead.Â
Today, the milkshake is still going strong. While the local soda/malt shop has become a vintage novelty, people can still order this classic treat at many restaurants and ice cream parlors. While many flavors have been created since the early days of the milkshake, the vanilla milkshake still holds strong as a classic reminder of days’ past.
National Vanilla Milkshake Day timeline
The first milkshake is made for adults containing eggs and whiskey.
The electric blender was created by Stephen Poplawski, and the invention appeared next to soda machines.
The restaurant chain Dairy Queen adds milkshakes to their menus and more restaurants do the same.
The vanilla milkshake is still well-loved today as a traditional favorite beverage that people of all ages can enjoy.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Vanilla Milkshake Day
Local diners, ice cream parlors, and fast-casual restaurants can celebrate National Vanilla Milkshake Day by offering special discounts on vanilla milkshakes or introducing limited-time vanilla-themed creations. Consider a ‘buy one, get one’ deal or a combo offer with a classic burger. Businesses could also host a ‘best vanilla milkshake’ competition among staff or feature a ‘secret menu’ vanilla shake for the day. Promote these specials on social media using #VanillaMilkshakeDay to attract customers.
National Vanilla Milkshake Day FAQs
When is National Vanilla Milkshake Day?
National Vanilla Milkshake Day 2026 falls on Saturday, June 20. It’s the perfect excuse to cool down with a classic creamy treat as summer officially begins.
How popular are vanilla milkshakes?
Vanilla remains an enduringly popular flavor, consistently ranking among the top choices for ice cream and milkshakes. Its versatility makes it a go-to for many, whether enjoyed plain or as a base for other flavors.
What are the origins of the milkshake?
The term ‘milkshake’ first appeared in print in 1885, referring to an alcoholic drink with eggs and whiskey. By the early 1900s, it evolved into a wholesome, ice cream-based beverage, gaining popularity with the invention of electric blenders.
What is the difference between a milkshake and a malt?
The primary difference is the addition of malted milk powder. A malted milkshake, or ‘malt,’ includes this ingredient, which gives it a distinct nutty, savory flavor and a thicker texture compared to a standard milkshake.
How To Celebrate National Vanilla Milkshake Day
Have a vanilla milkshake
Go to your favorite restaurant or ice cream shop that sells milkshakes and order yourself a classic vanilla milkshake. If it’s been a while since you had one, even better! We all have our favorite flavors, but sometimes it’s good to go traditional.
Make a milkshake
The good thing about making milkshakes is that they’re not hard to make. Use 2 cups vanilla ice cream, 1 cup whole milk sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mix them in a blender, and you’ve got yourself a milkshake. If you want to change up the flavor, there's french vanilla, Tonga vanilla, and vanilla bean to try. Vanilla doesn’t have to be plain.
Milkshake party
Invite your friends over for a milkshake-themed party. Make the milkshakes yourself and require everyone to wear clothes inspired by the 1950s when the milkshake was taking over the nation. With all the poodle skirts and leather jackets, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a malt shop.
5 Fun Facts About National Vanilla Milkshake Day
Straw man
Joseph Friedman invented and patented the straw in 1937 after noticing how difficult it was to drink a milkshake directly from the glass.
Hipster milkshakes
In 2006 there was a resurgence of the milkshake as hipster culture in Los Angeles indulged in them at a farmer’s market and sales for traditional milkshakes around the nation increased.
Thickshakes
In the United Kingdom, milkshakes are called "thickshakes.”
TV classic
In the show “Riverdale”, Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe is a classic diner that serves milkshakes and it's a real place you can go.
Bloody milkshake
In the drama movie "There Will Be Blood" the most quoted line was, "I drink your milkshake!"
Why We Love National Vanilla Milkshake Day
The taste of Americana
There’s something quite classic about milkshakes, as they remind us of an earlier time. Since they were invented in the United States, they’re very much connected to a nostalgic era of the nation before the modern world took over.
It’s simple
The vanilla milkshake doesn’t seem flashy, and that’s kind of the point. Not all things need to be obviously exciting in order for you to appreciate them. Vanilla milkshakes allow us to appreciate the simplicity and reminds us of where it all started.
It’s a delicious treat
Milkshakes probably aren’t on most people’s daily diet, which makes milkshakes the perfect treat. They lean on the unhealthier side when it comes to nutritional value, but they’re so delicious that they’re great for special occasions like National Vanilla Milkshake Day.
Social Media Tips for National Vanilla Milkshake Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands