16 Classic Milkshake Flavors We Loved But Rarely See Today
There was a time when milkshakes weren’t just chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry but a work of art. Whether you were ordering one at your favorite ’50s diner, sipping one at a drive-in, or treating yourself at a malt shop, milkshakes were far more creative than they are today.
From fruity blends to wacky soda-shop creations, the golden age of milkshakes gave us flavors that were bold, fun, and downright delicious. Sadly, many of these classics have faded into obscurity, replaced by modern trends and over-the-top toppings.
But if you ever had the chance to sip on one of these 16 legendary flavors, you know just how magical they were.
1. Banana Malt
Before banana-flavored everything came in artificial form, there was the banana malt milkshake—a rich, creamy blend of real bananas, vanilla ice cream, and malted milk powder. This old-school favorite had a buttery smoothness with just the right amount of malt to add a hint of nuttiness.
It was the kind of shake that made you feel fancy, yet somehow, it slipped away from most modern menus.
2. Cherry Vanilla
Cherry and vanilla were a match made in milkshake heaven. With its bright pink hue and refreshing fruity taste, this shake was a soda fountain staple. Made with real maraschino cherry juice and creamy vanilla ice cream, it had just the right balance of sweetness and nostalgia.
While cherry vanilla still exists in some old-school diners, it’s a rare gem in today’s world of gourmet milkshakes.
3. Coffee Malt
Long before frappuccinos took over the world, the coffee malt shake was the real deal. This wasn’t just a splash of coffee flavor—it was a full-bodied, rich, and malty treat made with real brewed coffee, ice cream, and a hint of malt powder.
It was smooth, energizing, and way ahead of its time, but sadly, the coffee shake lost its place to more elaborate coffeehouse creations.
4. Pineapple Shake
Pineapple in a milkshake? Absolutely. This tropical dream combined fresh pineapple chunks with vanilla ice cream for a shake that was both creamy and refreshing. It had that perfect blend of sweet and tangy, making it feel like a mini vacation in a glass.
Sadly, it seems most places traded it for piña colada smoothies, leaving this old-school shake in the dust.
5. Butterscotch Bliss
Butterscotch wasn’t just for grandma’s candy dish—it was once a star in milkshakes too. The deep, caramelized sugar flavor mixed with vanilla ice cream created a shake that was smooth, buttery, and totally irresistible.
It had a golden richness that you just don’t get in modern milkshakes anymore, and let’s be honest—we need this one back.
6. Grape Soda Shake
A grape soda milkshake? Yes, it was a thing! This fizzy, frothy treat mixed grape soda with vanilla ice cream for a shake that was part milkshake, part float. It had that bold, slightly tart grape flavor balanced by the creamy sweetness of ice cream.
While grape soda itself is still around, the shake has pretty much disappeared, leaving us wondering why this fun, fizzy creation ever faded away.
7. Eggnog Shake
Long before seasonal Starbucks lattes, there was the eggnog milkshake—a wintertime favorite that combined custardy eggnog, vanilla ice cream, and a dash of nutmeg. It was rich, creamy, and packed with holiday cheer, making it the perfect treat for December.
But unless you make it at home, good luck finding one today outside of a few specialty chains.
8. Maple Pecan Shake
Before pumpkin spice ruled fall, there was the maple pecan milkshake—a shake that tasted like a bite of autumn in every sip. Made with real maple syrup and crushed pecans, this milkshake had an earthy sweetness and just the right amount of crunch.
Somehow, it never became a year-round staple, and we’d love to know why modern menus forgot this masterpiece.
9. Peppermint Stick Shake
This wasn’t just a holiday shake—it was a year-round minty dream. With crushed peppermint candies blended into vanilla ice cream, the peppermint stick shake had the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.
It gave you that cool, refreshing kick, but somewhere along the way, it got replaced by the standard mint chocolate chip version.
10. Honey Vanilla Shake
Simple, sweet, and incredibly underrated—the honey vanilla milkshake took two of the most classic flavors and turned them into liquid gold. The natural floral sweetness of honey blended with vanilla ice cream created a smooth, velvety texture that felt almost too luxurious for a simple milkshake.
While honey-based drinks have seen a small comeback, this shake remains a rare treat.
11. Orange Creamsicle Shake
If sunshine had a flavor, it would be this shake. Inspired by the classic orange creamsicle popsicle, this dreamy blend of orange sherbet and vanilla ice cream was the ultimate summer treat.
It had just the right balance of citrusy tang and creamy smoothness, making every sip feel like a nostalgic trip to childhood. While orange-flavored drinks still exist, this shake is surprisingly hard to find nowadays.
12. Cinnamon Toast Shake
Long before cinnamon-flavored everything became trendy, there was the cinnamon toast milkshake—a warm, spiced delight that tasted just like the cereal or buttered toast version you grew up with.
Made with vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, and a hint of brown sugar, it had a cozy, comforting flavor that was perfect for crisp autumn days.
Sadly, it never became a staple, but we can all agree it deserves a revival.
13. Root Beer Shake
Root beer floats get all the love, but back in the day, a root beer milkshake was just as legendary. Instead of pouring root beer over ice cream, soda shops blended the two together, creating a thick, frothy shake with that classic root beer zing.
It was the perfect mix of creamy and bubbly, yet somehow, modern menus seem to have forgotten this absolute gem.
14. Almond Joy Shake
Fans of the Almond Joy candy bar once had the perfect shake to match. This blend of coconut, almonds, and chocolate ice cream was a dream come true for lovers of nutty, tropical flavors.
The combination of rich chocolate, toasted coconut, and crushed almonds gave it a satisfying crunch and depth that was unlike any other milkshake.
These days, candy bar shakes exist, but this classic flavor seems to have disappeared into history.
15. Black Raspberry Shake
While strawberry milkshakes are still around, black raspberry shakes were once a more sophisticated and slightly tart alternative. This deep purple beauty had a bold, slightly tangy flavor that paired perfectly with creamy vanilla ice cream.
It was smooth, refreshing, and incredibly unique, but it slowly faded as more mainstream berry flavors took over.
16. Molasses Shake
Molasses in a milkshake? Absolutely. This shake had a deep, rich caramel-like sweetness that was less sugary than regular caramel but just as indulgent. It paired perfectly with vanilla ice cream and had a smoky depth that made it a favorite among old-school milkshake lovers.
But as molasses became less common in modern desserts, this shake all but vanished from menus.