Milkshakes have always been a delightful treat, but did you know that they can also be a way to experience the richness of black culture? In recent years, a growing number of black-owned businesses have started incorporating flavors and ingredients inspired by African American culture into their milkshakes, offering a delicious way to celebrate and explore the diverse traditions and heritage of the black community.
One of the pioneers of this trend is New York City’s Harlem Shake, a popular milkshake shop that serves up flavors inspired by the iconic Harlem neighborhood’s rich cultural history. Here, you can try the “Uptown Classic,” a vanilla ice cream milkshake that’s infused with sweet potato pie filling and crushed gingersnap cookies. Other Harlem Shake flavors include the “Chocolate Shake Speakeasy,” a nod to the neighborhood’s jazz history with a mix of chocolate syrup, malt powder, and Bourbon, and the “Lenox Lavender,” which features lavender-infused vanilla ice cream and a cookie crumble topping.
Another well-known black-owned milkshake shop is Sweetie Pie’s, with locations in St. Louis, Missouri, and Houston, Texas. This family-owned business has gained national recognition for its milkshake flavors that are inspired by classic soul food dishes. Their “Peach Cobbler Shake,” for example, combines vanilla ice cream with peach cobbler filling and crumbled pie crust on top. The shop also offers a “Banana Pudding Shake,” which features vanilla ice cream blended with banana pudding, vanilla wafers, and whipped cream.
What’s exciting about these milkshake shops is that they offer a unique way to experience black culture through a delicious dessert. Many of the flavors and ingredients used in these milkshakes have roots in African American culinary traditions, such as sweet potato pie, banana pudding, and peach cobbler. By incorporating these flavors into their milkshakes, these businesses are not only offering a tasty treat but also a way to celebrate and honor the rich heritage of the black community.
But it’s not just independent milkshake shops that are getting in on the action. Even major fast-food chains are recognizing the demand for flavors that celebrate black culture. In 2019, Burger King introduced a limited-time “Ghost Whopper Shake” that was inspired by their Halloween-themed “Ghost Whopper” burger. This milkshake featured white chocolate-flavored Oreo pieces mixed with vanilla soft serve and a topping of cinnamon and nutmeg.
The popularity of these milkshakes also speaks to the power of black entrepreneurship. Many of these businesses are small, family-owned ventures that have been passed down from generation to generation. By supporting these businesses, customers are not only enjoying a delicious milkshake but also contributing to the economic success of a historically marginalized group.
Of course, there are those who may argue that there’s no need to “racialize” something as simple as a milkshake. But for the black entrepreneurs behind these businesses, incorporating flavors and ingredients inspired by their culture is a way to share their traditions and heritage with a wider audience. And for customers, these milkshakes offer a fun and tasty way to explore and celebrate the richness of black culture.
In conclusion, milkshakes infused with black culture are a delightful way to experience the diverse and vibrant traditions of the black community. From classic soul food flavors to nods to Harlem’s jazz history, these milkshake shops offer a delicious and unique way to celebrate black culture and entrepreneurship.
