What is the best beverage to drink during winter in Wisconsin? Why a milkshake of course! On a quest to quench my thirst — I crave milkshakes; thus I did some digging into history.  Milkshakes came into history around 1885, explained sodajerks.com. Milkshake’s first ingredients were more egg-nog and whiskey based. By the 1900s, Milkshakes would officially turned into what they are known today. Incorporating flavor-based syrups such as vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. This would end up being a great change that would benefit the future.  

On my quest to find the best tasting milkshakes, which is restricted by budget and location, I selected four candidates for milkshake exploration: McDonald’s, A&W, Culvers and Tom’s.  Unfortunately, I have never tried the milkshakes at most of these places before this.  I know my backup plan is to simply make on at home.  To make a classic chocolate milkshake in just two easy steps. Just follow this recipe at Herseys.com.

On my milkshake quest, I will be finding out who has the best chocolate milkshakes becaause everyone loves milkshakes!

The obvious first stop was Culvers at 1161 Westowne Dr. Interviewing a local milkshake fan, senior Seth Geiger explained, “Culvers has the best chocolate milkshakes. I would even say they are the bomb!” He rated Culvers an 8.5 out of 10. To see if this was correct, I tried one.  Without a doubt, he was right. For the price of around $4 for the regular size, it was definitely worth it. A taste that could be number one. It gave off a good, thick and great chocolate flavor. Everything patrons could ask for in one drink. The chocolate hits right away — certainly a great highlight of the shake.

The second stop was McDonald’s at 705 S. Green Bay Road. For a price of about $3, it was not the best, but was good for its price. Because I have had one in the past, I know these milkshakes are definitely a hit or miss. Sadly, this time it was a miss;  it contained a weird coffee flavor. Though if patrons need a quick fix, Mcdonald’s would be a solid bet.

The third stop was at A&W — down the road from NHS. Location wise it is the best option for a school lunch. While the milkshake was good, it was also the only place where I got a meal on the side. The milkshake was a boon to the meal. This milkshake had a smooth tasting milkshake. Not as thick at all. It was also the only place to add a cherry and whipped cream — that was a nice touch. Overall a good stop to go to with friends.

The last stop was Tom’s on 1405 S Commercial Street. A classic Neenah staple that everyone knows. For a price of around $4, it was worth getting.  Shockingly, I did not expect the Tom’s milkshake to be as good as it was. I thought it would be similar to the McDonald’s milkshake, thinking it would be a hit or miss. For sure, a definite hit. Tastewise, it was better than the A&W milkshake. It had a good thickness. It felt chunky — a good chunky. Felt like a classic milkshake. 

As a result, I would have to say the Culver’s and Tom’s milkshakes were the top two contenders. Overall, however, I would have to say the Culver’s chocolate milkshake was the best (8 of 10). I have even caught myself going back for more. Though everyone’s opinions will be different at each place, I would say try both for sure. Even try all locations, if a milkshake quest is calling today.

Although it is December, Sept. 12 is a special day in the milkshake world. Sept. 12 is national chocolate milkshake day. According to USAToday, the best milkshake from Wisconsin is located in Oshkosh at a place called Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In. A stop that I will have to make soon!