Nothing says summer like ice cream! National Ice Cream Day, celebrated annually on the third Sunday in July, was officially declared by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. He also proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month. This action aimed to recognize the popularity of ice cream and the importance of the dairy industry. The day is now widely celebrated with various ice cream promotions and events.
The average American consumes approximately 20 pounds, or about 9.1 gallons, of ice cream per year, according to the Census Bureau and the International Dairy Foods Association. In the United States, vanilla is the most popular flavor of ice cream. At the same time, chocolate and strawberry are consistently among the most popular flavors, according to the International Dairy Foods Association. And, Mississippi ranks ice cream the same.
Vanilla consistently tops the charts in Mississippi as the most popular ice cream flavor, according to a 2023 survey by Instacart. However, Mississippi Mud is also a very popular flavor in Mississippi, at places like Mississippi State’s MAFES Sales Store. Muscadine Ripple is a popular favorite, produced with muscadine grapes grown and harvested at the South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station.
Mississippi is home to a variety of popular ice cream shops. Some favorites include Creole Creamery, in the heart of Old Town, Bay St Louis is known for its unique flavors and named “Best Ice Cream in the state” by Yelp in 2022. Quakes Ice Creamery in Ocean Springs helps the greater community by creating jobs, serving delicious frozen treats, and raising awareness for various causes they are passionate about.
Delta Dairy is a hometown self-serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, custard, & Italian Ice shop in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Mississippi. Sweet Magnolia Ice Cream Co. a small batch artisan gelato company located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, provides it’s frozen treats to Oxbow Restaurant, in Clarksdale, MS, Mississippi Grounds and Cleveland Country Club in Cleveland, MS, Delta Bistro and TurnRow Books, in Greenwood, MS, and even available at select Whole Foods locations.
You can celebrate National Ice Cream Day at home, too. The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit that represents Mississippi’s 48 hardworking dairy farm families and others across the Southeast, is sharing a few of their favorite feel-good recipes, such as a homemade Strawberry milkshake.
Bursting with the rich flavor of strawberry ice cream and blended to perfection, this easy homemade strawberry milkshake is the ultimate treat for any occasion. Topped with a cloud of whipped cream, playful sprinkles, and a fresh strawberry, it’s as delightful to look at as it is to sip.
Whether you’re satisfying a sweet tooth or just need a little pick-me-up, this quick and easy milkshake recipe will transport you to dessert heaven in just minutes.
How To Make A Homemade Strawberry Milkshake
Recipe from The Dairy Alliance
Ingredients:
3 scoops of strawberry ice cream
1/4 cup milk
Whipped cream
Sprinkles
Strawberries, fresh, to garnish
Blend ice cream and milk until combined.
Pour milkshake into a chilled glass. Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a fresh strawberry
Pro Tips:
*A spoonful of malted milk powder or powdered milk adds extra creaminess that takes milkshakes to the next level.
*You can use this recipe with any ice cream your family enjoys. Some ideas for topping your milkshakes include chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup, caramel sauce, crushed cookies, sliced nuts, fresh fruit, and candy.
