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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Milkshake

A milkshake is a sweet beverage typically made by blending milk, ice cream, and flavorings such as chocolate, fruit, or syrup.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

A milkshake is a sweet, cold beverage made by blending milk with flavorings, often including ice cream. It is typically thick and served as a treat in diners and ice cream shops.

What it is

A milkshake is a blended drink that combines milk with sweet flavorings such as chocolate, fruit syrup, or caramel. Most versions also include ice cream, giving it a thick, creamy texture. Non-dairy alternatives using plant-based milks are also common.

History and variations

Milkshakes originated in the United States around the turn of the 20th century and became widely popular after electric blenders were introduced. Classic flavours include chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, but modern variations may add candy, cookies, or malt powder. Regional terms like frappé or lait frappé are used in some areas, including parts of Canada.

Key details

Not all milkshakes contain ice cream — some are simply milk and syrup. The drink is served cold and can be made with dairy or non-dairy ingredients. In Canada, the term may overlap with French-language terms such as lait frappé, and milkshakes are a common menu item across the country.

In short

  • A milkshake is a cold, thick beverage made with milk and flavorings, often including ice cream.
  • Common flavours are chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
  • Originated in the United States and became popular with electric blenders.
  • Regional names vary, including frappé and lait frappé in some areas.
Canadian angle

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.

Quick questions

What is a milkshake?
A milkshake is a cold, thick beverage made by blending milk with flavorings, often including ice cream.
What are the most common milkshake flavours?
Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are among the most common.
Are all milkshakes made with ice cream?
No. Many are, but some versions use only milk and flavoring, or non-dairy ingredients.

Sources

  1. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/milkshake
    Supports: Definition of milkshake as a blended drink made of milk, flavoring syrup, and often ice cream.
  2. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/milkshake
    Supports: Definition of milkshake as a drink made from milk and ice cream with flavouring.
  3. Britannica Dictionary — https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/milkshake
    Supports: Definition of milkshake as a thick drink made of milk, flavouring syrup, and often ice cream.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milkshake
    Supports: Overview of ingredients, non-dairy variants, and origin in the United States.
  5. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk-shake
    Supports: Canadian French term 'lait frappé' and regional naming variations.