A milkshake is a cold, sweet drink made by blending milk with ice cream and flavoring, usually chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. When you mix these ingredients in a blender, they transform into a thick, creamy beverage that you drink through a straw (though sometimes it's so thick you need a spoon).

The classic American milkshake became popular in the early 1900s at soda fountains and diners. Before electric blenders existed, soda jerks (the people who worked at soda fountains) had to shake the ingredients by hand in metal containers. Today, restaurants and ice cream shops serve countless variations: some add cookies, candy pieces, or fruit. Some places make them so thick they can hold a straw upright. Milkshakes remain a classic treat, especially on hot summer days or as a companion to burgers and fries.