SHAKE IT UP
Sept. 12 is National Chocolate Milkshake Day
A recent macaron purchase had me reeling happily at the inclusion of a malted milk ball, among my favorites for snatching out of the trick-or-treat bags for what I call “the Mom tax.” The jury’s still out on the Halloween door-to-door in 2020, so I welcome National Chocolate Milkshake Day (Sept. 12), in particular the creamy confections featuring that old-time, soda fountain ingredient of malt powder that gives them an extra-special toastiness that’s so darn good.
Less traditional are ingredients like rum or vodka, which you can get as sophisticated add-ons at Ocoee’s West Orange Creamery & Soda Fountain, but I’m not judging. I’m going straight for the upsell. Quickly. Before I hand them a Dixie cup and just tell them to hold the milkshake.
Read on for a few fabulously decadent options for celebrating around town.
First Drop at the RitzCarlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
This lobby stop is a decadent outpost for all kinds of treats, not the least of which populate its “Outrageous Milkshakes” menu. For Sept. 12, though, all eyes should be on the Malted Chocolate Marble. Sure, it’s a $12 milkshake, but one loaded with chocolate gelato, malt powder, chocolate chips and whole milk, then topped with brownie, chocolate-dipped pretzels, chocolate malted milk balls and chocolate pearls. Enough chocolate for you?
“Who doesn’t love chocolate?” asks Obdulio Jimenez, director of food and beverage for the RitzCarlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. “And chocolate milkshakes are even better, especially on a sunny day. The Malted Chocolate Marble is one of the most popular items on the First Drop menu … so eye-catching that when guests see someone walking around the lobby with a shake, we get an influx of orders — from kids and adults alike.”
If you go: 4012 Central Florida Parkway in Orlando; 407-206-2400; ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/ florida/orlando/dining/ first-drop)
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
Kelly’s is an Orlando institution at this point and fans all over town are pleased that the empire keeps spreading. There are multiple varieties of chocolate here and monthly flavors to which customers look forward. As it hap
pens, one of September’s specials is German chocolate cake, an ideal one for this special chocolatelovers holiday, says founder/owner Kelly Seidl.
“[Combining] our German chocolate with regular chocolate ice cream would really elevate the flavors of the German chocolate,” she said, noting that milkshakes go for $6.25. “You could always add extra pecans or hot fudge to really shakeenhance it.”
If you go: Three locations: 3114 Corrine Drive in Orlando (407-790-7257); 1817 S. Ferncreek Ave. in
Orlando (407-601-6422); 119 N. Central Ave. in Oviedo (407-542-5495); kellyshomemadeicecream.com
Ethos Vegan Kitchen
No cream? No problem. I am not one to tout vegan substitutes universally. There are some things you just can’t fake. But the plant-based universe has managed to do just fine without dairy in its ice cream (Case in point: Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy Caramel Almond Brittle). That’s why we’d be remiss not to include the $6 chocolate
milkshake over at Ethos Vegan Kitchen.
“Our chocolate milkshake definitely wins kids’ pick. That’s what makes it so special,” says chef/ owner Kelly Shockley. “Their eyes light up when it hits the table.” Ethos handdips its Tofutti dairy-free ice cream to keep that old-fashioned, creamy texture. “Top it off with a swirl of vegan whip and a cherry and you can’t go wrong!”
If you go: 601-B S. New York Ave. in Winter Park; 407-228-3899; ethosvegankitchen.com
West Orange Creamery & Soda Fountain
This Ocoee outpost’s Epic Shake events feature signature creations you won’t find on their expansive menu every day. For National Chocolate Milkshake Day, they’ll be showcasing the All Things Chocolate shake — available for $10.50 (dine-in only) 2-6 p.m. Sept. 12. This bad boy features hot fudge and chocolate malt with a devastating array of extra chocolatey toppings.
What’s more, they’re happy to “adult” things up in the WOC. For this one, owner Yomarit “Jo” Eveland recommends a shot of espresso liqueur, but they’ve got quite a list of boozy indulgences they can throw in if you have another preference.
“In this crazy time, everyone needs an extra treat, even adults,” she said. “If you’re a chocolate lover to the core, this one is for you.” Pro tip: WOC serves $4 classic milkshakes handscooped and blended in “Bertha,” their vintage blender, every Tuesday.
If you go: 1575 Maguire Road in Ocoee; 407-656-6066; westorangecreamery.com
Want to reach out? Find me on Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. Join the conversation at the Orlando Sentinel’s new Facebook Forum, Let’s Eat, Orlando.