Vanilla as a noun refers to one of the most popular and complex flavors. It is often assumed that vanilla is the most boring flavors of ice cream. However, for a long time, vanilla was considered a luxury. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century when Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés returned to Spain from Mexico. Vanilla became popular among Europeans and one of Spain’s most popular commodities. Vanilla itself is used in countless concoctions and aromas, so how has it become known for being boring?
It most likely goes back to when Thomas Jefferson brought vanilla over to the United States from Europe and used it for ice cream. Before vanilla, most ice cream had been made with fruit, resulting in colorful concoctions. However, once vanilla came along, this flavoring was seen as twice as great. Vanilla is also often used as a base for many ice cream treats, which is why it can be considered “basic.”
Vanilla flavoring is also very common. Pure vanilla and vanilla extract can be found in countless foods such as in root beer and breath mints, malt liquor and vodka, frappuccinos and granola for additional flavoring. It’s necessary for many recipes because of its consistency as a flavor. Due in part to its aromatherapeutic stress-relieving scent, vanilla can be found in candles, incense, air fresheners, lotions, oils, and so on.
Vanilla, despite being considered “bland,” is a favorite among many people (even if they don’t know it). Is it really fair to vanilla to be so commonly used in everyday life only for it to be called boring? No. So in honor of National Vanilla Milkshake Day on June 20th (or everyday), celebrate it by having a delicious, refreshing vanilla milkshake.
There are many ways to make a vanilla milkshake, and most ice cream parlors use vanilla ice cream, milk, and additional vanilla flavoring. You can use J.L. Hufford’s french vanilla flavored DaVinci Classic Syrup to make your milkshake by blending a quarter cup of syrup, one cup of milk, and four or five scoops of vanilla ice cream (it also comes in sugar free). Or try using our vanilla bean flavored Big Train Blended Creme by mixing it with milk and ice cream. And if you want a little twist, you can also try our Cappuccine Vanilla Smoothie Mix, which is almost the same thing as a vanilla milkshake. And if you don’t have a blender, we have a wide range of selections you can choose from too.
Vanilla is not bland. It is classic, so celebrate National Milkshake Day as an ode to the underrated flavor.
