Iowa Spring-Summer 21 - 20

led to the invention of the first patented automatic
milkshake machines. This happened in 1911 when
Hamilton Beach produced a reliable, efficient drink
mixer that soon appeared at soda fountains and
diners throughout the country. As a result of this
new technology, the time it took to froth a shake
was cut down from two to three minutes to just 15
seconds. And because more customers could be
served more quickly, the machines quickly paid for
themselves. Another benefit of the electric blender
was that the texture of shakes improved dramatically. They were now more thick and creamy, like
they are today. Before this, milkshakes had been
thin and watery, similar to the texture of eggnog.
In 1922 the first modern blender was invented,
which was another major step forward. This model
could whip the ingredients more vigorously, which

made the shake even more light and frothy.
Another breakthrough came when a Chicago
Walgreen's employee, Ivor " Pop " Coulson, added
ice cream to the recipe and the milkshake, as we
know it today, was complete. Their popularity continued to grow throughout the next few decades.
Shakes are still popular today, of course, particularly during the warm months, and boozy shakes
are making a comeback. Creative bartenders are
looking back to the 19th century and returning the
milkshake to its alcohol-based roots.
One of the great things about this trend is that
you can easily make your own, and there's no harm
in a little experimentation. Ice cream, flavoring and
spirits are a great combination and hard to mess
up. Here are a few adult-friendly shake recipes to
get you started.

Coffee Vodka
Shake
1 oz. coffee liqueur
1 oz. vodka
1 cup chocolate ice cream
½ teaspoon espresso grounds
Mix all ingredients in a blender. Pour
and serve.

20 IOWA SPIRITS

Iowa Spring-Summer 21

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