Where do you get the best milkshakes?

Tall, frosty and sipped through a straw, milkshakes are a quintessential American treat.

However, the first milkshakes didn’t look – or taste – like their contemporary counterparts. In the late 1800s, milkshakes were an eggnog-like alcoholic whiskey drink that was served as a tonic. They shortly evolved into a more wholesome drink made with vanilla, chocolate or strawberry syrups.

The milkshake in its modern form owes its existence to the invention of the electric blender; Hamilton Beach’s drink mixer began to be used at soda fountains in 1911.

Walgreens drugstore chain popularized the use of malted milk powder in the 1920s. Employee Ivar “Pop” Coulson added two scoops of vanilla ice cream to the standard recipe of milk, chocolate syrup and malt powder; the drink soon became known as a malted.

Milkshakes today have expanded way beyond the traditional chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors – some have returned to their alcohol-based roots. Vodka milkshake, anyone?

What restaurant makes the best milkshake? What’s your favorite flavor?

I like the root beer milkshake from Dairy Queen. I think a strawberry milkshake goes best with a cheeseburger but only if it is strawberry flavored. I don’t like the texture of the actual strawberries in my shake.

Peter, Edmonds

Dick’s!!

Hilary, Seattle

Dick’s chocolate milkshakes are the best in the Seattle area, but my favorite is the chocolate cherry milkshake at Burgerville in Portland.

Robin, Everett

Chocolate banana shake. Go to Dave’s Burger cause they use real fruit.

David, Napa

Kidd Valley.

John, Albany, N.Y.

Doe Brother’s Soda Fountain, Philipsburg, MT.

Tom, Philipsburg, Mont.

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