Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cool mint, marshmallow, blueberry cheesecake, triple nut, caramel, piña colada—there is a milkshake for everyone.

The drink, which evolved from an alcoholic whiskey drink with eggs in 1885, was popularized in its current form in the 1900s. But fast forwarding a few decades to now, the selection of flavours and toppings is practically endless.

And just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a cool, refreshing milkshake. Who declared that milkshakes are more of a summertime treat, anyway? Head out to one of our great Victoria eateries to enjoy one of these thick, creamy, cold glasses of happiness, which nowadays cater to all tastes and dietary restrictions. These venues offer an abundance of decadent flavours with creative twists and are prepared with all types of milk—vegan or not.

Politano Cafe

Politano Cafe is dedicated to quality, serving delicious coffee, sandwiches, baked treats, and milkshakes! At Politano Cafe their recipe for success is simple: great food and customer service make customers return every time.

It is also home to the 16-ounce Mega Milkshake in flavours like Oreo, Coffee Crisp, Reese’s, Cookie Monster, birthday cake, salted caramel brownie, S’mores, or Candyland.

Location: 7088 West Saanich Rd., Brentwood BayInstagram: @politano_cafe

Beacon Drive In

The iconic Beacon Drive In is a classic ’50s-style diner serving up burgers, fries, shakes, and soft ice cream. Their most popular menu item is the ice cream, and they have held the title of Victoria’s Best Ice Cream for decades. Flavours of these thick and creamy shakes include chocolate, root beer, pineapple, vanilla, cherry, banana, licorice, strawberry, butter rum, raspberry, and piña colada.

Location: 126 Douglas St.Instagram: @beacondrivein

Burger Crush

This local burger shop believes in simpler times, presenting the perfect burgers, fries, and shakes without a menu full of endless bells and whistles. Burger Crush also offers conventional as well as vegan versions of the classic shake. Vegan shakes are made with coconut milk ice cream and come in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or orange flavours. Shakes are made with regular ice cream and come in chocolate, vanilla, orange, strawberry, and root beer.

Locations: 787 Fort St. and 1580 Cook St.Instagram: @_burgercrush

Floyd’s Diner

Floyd’s Diner was established in 2004 and is a Victoria landmark that prides itself on maintaining a fun and friendly family-oriented experience for all to enjoy. The shakes at Floyd’s are the good old fashioned variety, served in large fountain glasses and the metal mixing cup filled to the brim. They’re made and served the classic way with a choice of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and mango.

Locations: 332 Menzies St., 4496 West Saanich Rd., or 721 Station St.Instagram: @floyds.diner

Fountain Diner

This popular diner is family owned and has been in operation for over thirty years. They have fabulous food and great shakes in a multitude of flavours: chocolate, banana split, black cherry, vanilla, blueberry, strawberry, salted caramel, blackberry, banana, butterscotch, coconut, root beer, banana chocolate, or orange creamsicle.

Location: 2800 Bryn Maur Rd.Instagram: @fountaindiner24

Chocolats Favoris

Chocolats Favoris reinvented the traditional concept of a chocolate shop. They developed a magical new concept of stores that offer a spectacular 10 varieties of real chocolate to dip ice cream in or even take home for a delicious chocolate fondue. This is where chocolate fondue in a can was born! Chocolats Favoris milkshakes have been described as “wonderful drinkable desserts.” For the chocolate lovers, they offer a Decadent Brownie Milkshake

Location: 1010 Government St.Instagram: @chocofavoris

This is just the start of a very large list, and all the venues have their own take on the best milkshake! Don’t wait for summer to fulfil that craving for something sweet, creamy and delicious.

And remember…..” always blended not stirred”.