Ever wonder where some of your favorite drinks came from, or maybe why you reach for what you do? Here at Liquid we don’t discriminate, we love all liquids and want to know everything about them- past, present, and future. Get to know your favorite nighttime beverage, or maybe learn more about a beloved holiday tradition. Similar to the Drink of the Week installments, History of Liquids will introduce some fan favorites and where exactly they got their start. Without further adieu, the History of Liquids, milk addition.
Milk and Cookies
Every Christmas Eve, children near and far are setting out a plate of cookies next to a glass of milk. But why exactly is this act of hospitality a tradition? We are setting out food for an unseen man that is said to come into our homes in the middle of the night. There are no exact reasons for this tradition or an exact time when this first began, but there are many different theories linking milk and cookies all the way back to the death of Saint Nicholas, and even the 1920’s.
Milk and cookies are said to have first made their appearance after Saint Nicholas’ death. Nicholas spent hist life helping others, and this service to others was to remembered and celebrated on the eve of his death, December 5th, by leaving out food for others in an act of giving.
There is another tale that says leaving milk and cookies out for Santa began during the Great Depression. Naughty children would try to bribe Santa with milk and cookies in hopes of him leaving them more than just coal. Parents also taught their children during this time period that it was good to help others and give to those less fortunate, just as Saint Nicholas did in his life.
It makes sense that this perfect pairing started so long ago, everyone knew that warm cookies accompanied by a cold glass of milk would be a winner. Of course we have adapted this long time duo and turned them into some pretty cool innovative creations too.
Milkshakes
We love ’em, crave ’em, and recreate ’em. Milkshakes are a staple in what seems is everyone’s diets since the Grease days. They have been around for a long time and are just so good, plain and simple. Ever wonder not just who first made the milkshake but how it came to be? Have no fear Liquid readers, I have uncovered the very complex formula 
behind the sacred milk and ice cream combo.
The 19th century was when the milkshake first made its appearance, but not quite the way you would think. The milkshake was used as a cocktail rather than a dessert by the addition of whiskey to the milk and eggs. Soon, sweet syrups were added to the malted milk powder and ice cream, to make for a more kid friendly treat.
In the 1930’s the blender was invented by Steven Poplawski which gave milkshakes the push they needed to be in all of their whipped and frothy glory. In the 1950’s Woolworth’s was the place to go to get a milkshake, which was mixed in the stainless steel blender and poured in the classic 12 1/2 once tall “y”-shaped glass, and of course topped with whipped cream and a Maraschino cherry.
Milkshakes have been around for what seems forever, and are the perfect sweet treat to bring you back to the diner days of hamburgers, fries, and a nice cold shake. As with everything, twists have been made to this basic beverage, and now chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, though still the originals, are no longer all on the list. If you happen to be in Philly I recommend checking out Ruby’s Diner where you can get the classic milkshake served in the glass cup or try out one of their new creations!
