Did you know the milkshake was invented 100 years ago? In 1922, Walgreens employee Ivan “Pop” Coulson, wanted to improve the company’s chocolate malt beverage. The original recipe was milk, chocolate syrup, and a spoonful of malt powder. It was Coulson who added what makes us all love the rich and creamy deliciousness we slurp through straws today — ice cream. September 12 is National Chocolate Milkshake Day. Why not celebrate 100 years of this tasty drink at these five great places to grab a shake in Northern Virginia?
Big Buns D#*! Good Burgers
This playful Virginia chain is the perfect place to grab a sweet shake with a savory burger. Their classic chocolate shake is made with handspun ice cream, rich milk, and as they mention in their menu, lots of love. It shows, too. Big Buns’ No. 1 belief is to “Choose Kind.” The laid-back, home-like feel of the chain’s restaurants provides the ideal place to kick back and enjoy a thick chocolate shake and stacked high burger with friends and family. Multiple locations
Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers
If you’re a dark chocolate fan, you’ll want to order Melt Gourmet Cheeseburger’s double dark chocolate shake. It pairs wonderfully with Melt’s burger menu (the burgers have been voted Loudoun’s best from 2012 through 2019). Also, if you’re an animal lover, you’ll be happy to know that Melt’s owners, Steve and Debbie Hancotte, are big animal lovers. Since Melt’s April 2012 opening, they’ve raised over $100,000 for the Loudoun County Animal Shelter and other animal rescue organizations. 525 E. Market St., Leesburg
Ted’s Bulletin
You can’t have a great chocolate milkshake list without mentioning Ted’s Bulletin. Its shakes alone are worth a visit to any of its locations around the DMV. The classic chocolate is to die for, but if you want to really splurge (and are of age), try the Millionaire Malt, made with Glenlivet 18 single malt. If you don’t want a boozy shake, Ted’s offers a Monday Night Burger and Shake Special — get one of each for under $19 beginning at 4 p.m. Multiple locations
Woody’s Ice Cream
This seasonal mom-and-pop shop serves up incredible chocolate shakes. For an extra dollar and some change, you can add an additional flavor to your shake — chocolate cherry, chocolate banana, or chocolate peanut butter anyone? Woody’s offers a deal too: Milkshake Mondays, which are buy one, get one half-off. 10435 North St., Fairfax
The Yard Milkshake Bar
The as-seen-on Shark Tank milkshake extravaganza sells over-the-top, piled high shakes made with all of your favorite desserts from your childhood. Chocolate lovers should celebrate National Chocolate Milkshake Day with The Yard’s $19 Pint Shake Boss “Brookie Batter,” made with brownie batter and cookie dough ice creams with chocolate drizzle in a chocolate iced jar rolled in mini chocolate chips. It’s topped with whipped cream, a chocolate chip cookie, a chocolate chip cookie dough scoop, and a brownie. If you’re wondering, yes, it’s probably best to bring along a friend to help you finish it! 20352 Exchange St., Ste. 103, Ashburn
Feature image, azerbaijan-stockers/stock.adobe.com
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