National Chocolate Milkshake Day

Yes! In 1963, the CIA tried to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro using a poisoned chocolate milkshake.

A waiter at Havana’s Hotel Habana Libre was supposed to slip the deadly substance into his drink.

However, the poison capsule got stuck in a freezer and broke apart before it could be used. This strange plot remains one of history’s weirdest failed assassination attempts.

Not all Americans use the word “milkshake.” In Rhode Island, it’s called a “cabinet,” supposedly because early versions were mixed in a cabinet-like machine.

In parts of New England, a “frappe” (pronounced “frap”) refers to a milkshake with ice cream, while a regular milkshake is just milk and syrup.

These regional differences can still cause confusion for visitors today!

In the late 1800s, milkshakes were boozy drinks, made with whiskey and eggs.

By the early 1900s, the alcoholic ingredients were removed, and chocolate syrup was added.

The version we recognize today—blended with ice cream—became popular in the 1920s when electric blenders made it easier to whip up smooth, frothy drinks.

Yes! In 2000, Ira Freehof and his team created the world’s largest chocolate milkshake.

It measured a whopping 6,000 gallons—enough to fill an entire swimming pool.

This giant shake, made in New York City, required massive blenders and thousands of gallons of milk, ice cream, and chocolate syrup.

Absolutely! In Australia, a thick version of a milkshake is called a “milkshake thickie” or simply a “thick shake.”

These are so dense that drinking them with a straw is nearly impossible. Some American diners serve extra-thick milkshakes with a spoon and a straw so customers can decide how to enjoy them.

Some milkshakes go way beyond whipped cream and cherries. In Malaysia, cafes serve extreme milkshakes topped with marshmallows, pretzels, popcorn, and even entire doughnuts.

In Japan, you might find a chocolate milkshake decorated with mochi, matcha powder, or red bean paste for a unique twist.

Some studies suggest that chocolate milk is a great post-workout drink.

It contains protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes, helping muscles recover after exercise.

While a milkshake has more sugar than plain chocolate milk, some athletes still swear by it as a satisfying reward after a tough workout.

In the 1950s, drive-in diners became incredibly popular, and milkshakes were a key part of the experience.

Carhops, often on roller skates, delivered thick shakes alongside burgers and fries.

The iconic image of a jukebox playing rock ‘n’ roll while teens sipped on milkshakes helped solidify them as an American classic.

Yes! In the 2010s, “milkshaking” became a form of political protest in the UK. Protesters threw milkshakes at politicians they opposed, making headlines worldwide.

While most incidents involved standard fast-food shakes, chocolate milkshakes were among the most commonly used due to their thick consistency.

A pinch of salt can enhance the richness of chocolate by balancing its sweetness.

Some high-end milkshake recipes call for sea salt or Himalayan salt to deepen the flavor. Salted chocolate milkshakes are especially popular in gourmet dessert cafes, offering a more sophisticated taste than the classic version.