A certain treat has emerged as our family’s dessert of the summer. The winner of the Reser clan sweet tooth?

The milkshake, of course.

It has been a summer full of milkshakes.

Perhaps I shouldn’t write “of course” like it is obvious. A milkshake can blend the line between a beverage served with burgers and fries or something to be enjoyed at night by itself. For us, it is the latter.

We have consumed our fair share of milkshakes this summer. When Sid and I went on our anniversary trip, ordering milkshakes at the end of the night to bring to our room was a joy. When I took the kids to an outdoor movie in July, we brought milkshakes with us.

Beau sits under the Riverfront Park Pavilion drinking his Zip’s milkshake while “Captain America” plays.

One of our fondest memories from our recent Myrtle Beach vacation was ordering milkshakes from Cook Out. When I took the kids to an ice cream shop during our weekend in Seattle, they didn’t care about a sundae or chocolate dipped cone…they just wanted milkshakes. Heck, I even made a special trip to Zip’s last night to pick up a tall, creamy vanilla shake just for my beloved wife.

When we visited Bainbridge Island during our Seattle trip, the kids ordered milkshakes at the ice cream parlor.

So you get the idea, right? But perhaps a few of the observations I made this summer amidst all of our milkshake sipping might not be so apparent…

1. Milkshakes are usually more expensive than other ice cream products on restaurant menus, including creations like Blizzards and the McFlurry that come with candy mix-ins. I think this is because shakes just take a lot more ice cream to make.

2. Thick or creamy? Do you prefer to wait it out until your shake thaws enough so you can suck up just the smallest of sips? Or do you want the goodness of ice cream through a straw right away? We have enjoyed both types over the summer and although I normally prefer to delay gratification, I like my milkshakes to be drinkable upon receiving them 😉.

3. Keep in mind that milkshakes take time to make. On at least two occasions this summer, I apologized to people behind me in line because our shake order took a long time to fulfill. My sympathy also extends to the poor teenagers who were on the receiving end of our order.

4. The most disappointing evening this summer was when I was craving a milkshake and Wendy’s was the only restaurant nearby. No, a Frosty does not count as a shake.

5. If whipped cream is offered, I am saying “yes” every time.

Do you have a favorite place for milkshakes? If so, please let my family know. After all, summer isn’t over just yet. Don’t Blink.