National Chocolate Milkshake Day 2018 Where To Find Free Milkshake Deals And Promotions

The summer of 2018 brought numerous opportunities for ice cream and milkshake enthusiasts to enjoy complimentary treats and special promotions. Among these was National Chocolate Milkshake Day, which prompted several food chains to offer deals and giveaways to celebrate the beloved frozen beverage. While some promotions were specifically timed for National Chocolate Milkshake Day, others coincided with related summer celebrations and ice cream holidays. This article examines the various milkshake promotions and freebies available during this period, focusing on the offers that were most accessible to consumers seeking complimentary treats.

Major Milkshake Promotions on National Chocolate Milkshake Day

Several food service establishments took advantage of National Chocolate Milkshake Day in 2018 to offer special promotions. These deals varied in structure, from buy-one-get-one offers to completely free milkshakes, with some requiring specific codes or being limited to certain days.

White Castle BOGO Deal

White Castle implemented a limited-time promotion for milkshake lovers during the period surrounding National Chocolate Milkshake Day. The fast-food chain offered a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal on small milkshakes, which allowed customers to receive a second shake at no additional cost with the purchase of one. To redeem this offer, customers needed to use the promo code SUMMER when placing their order. The promotion was valid for online and in-store purchases between June 20 and 22, 2018, with the requirement that orders be placed after 8 p.m.

In addition to this milkshake promotion, White Castle celebrated the start of summer with several other initiatives. The chain introduced new merchandise, expanded its late-night hours, and provided special deals for members of its Craver Nation Rewards program. These additional offerings created multiple opportunities for customers to engage with the brand during this promotional period.

Milkshake Factory BOGO Vanilla Milkshakes

Milkshake Factory, a chain specializing in milkshakes, participated in the summer celebration with a promotion specifically timed for National Vanilla Milkshake Day on June 20. Although not directly related to chocolate milkshakes, this promotion provided an opportunity for customers to enjoy complimentary treats. The restaurant offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal on all vanilla milkshakes throughout the entire day.

This promotion aligned with the broader trend of food service establishments using designated food holidays as marketing opportunities to drive customer traffic. By focusing on a specific flavor rather than general milkshakes, Milkshake Factory differentiated its promotion while still capitalizing on the summer milkshake season.

Wayback Burgers Free Shake Day

Perhaps the most generous milkshake promotion during this period came from Wayback Burgers, which celebrated its annual "Free Shake Day" on June 21, 2018. This date coincided with the first day of summer and National Selfie Day, making it a particularly opportune moment for the promotion. The Titusville, Florida location of Wayback Burgers offered one free 12-ounce black & white milkshake to each guest without requiring any purchase.

The promotion ran from 10:30 a.m. until the restaurant's close at 9 p.m., while supplies lasted. To prepare for this substantial giveaway, Wayback Burgers stocked up on significant quantities of ingredients, including 3,400 gallons of ice cream, 300 gallons of Hershey's chocolate syrup, 300 gallons of Monin French Vanilla Syrup, and 30,000 cups, lids, and straws—approximately 30 times the typical daily supply for an average day of milkshake sales.

Wayback Burgers President John Eucalitto explained that the promotion was designed to "start summer on a good note" and to promote "moments of nostalgia for families and friends over great burgers, fries and milkshakes." The restaurant encouraged guests to share their experience on social media using the hashtag #FreeShakeDay, extending the promotional impact beyond the physical event.

Kelis's Famous Milkshake Recipe Reveal

In addition to restaurant promotions, National Chocolate Milkshake Day 2018 was marked by the revelation of a famous milkshake recipe. R&B singer Kelis, known for her 2003 hit "Milkshake" which famously asks "My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard," shared the ingredients to her signature chocolate milkshake creation.

Kelis's recipe combined traditional milkshake components with unique additions that gave the drink an extra edge. The ingredients included 3 ounces of Baileys Irish Cream, 8 ounces of ginger beer, 4 scoops of chocolate ice cream, 5 pieces of candied ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. The preparation method involved blending these ingredients with ice until smooth, then pouring the mixture into a glass with a chili-cinnamon-sugar rim. The finished drink was topped with ginger-infused whipped cream and a piece of candied ginger.

The recipe reveal represented a different approach to celebrating National Chocolate Milkshake Day, focusing on the at-home preparation experience rather than restaurant promotions. This allowed consumers to create their own special treats while engaging with pop culture references.

Other Related Ice Cream and Milkshake Promotions in June 2018

While the focus was on milkshake promotions, several other food service establishments offered ice cream-related deals during this period that provided consumers with opportunities to enjoy complimentary or discounted frozen treats.

Baskin-Robbins Summer Deals

Baskin-Robbins implemented multiple promotions during June 2018. To celebrate the end of school and the start of summer, the ice cream chain offered its rewards members $1.99 scoops at participating locations nationwide. This "Parent Pass" promotion was valid on June 20, as well as June 23-27, 2018.

Additionally, Baskin-Robbins participated in National Ice Cream Day (July 15) with special offers available through its mobile app. These included buy-one-get-one-free cone offers and $2 off a medium milkshake. The chain also launched its new "Freak Shakes" during this period, which were available through July 31.

Cava Mediterranean Fast Casual

To celebrate the first day of summer, Cava, a Mediterranean fast casual chain, offered rewards members a complimentary order of pita chips. While not directly related to milkshakes or ice cream, this promotion provided another opportunity for consumers to enjoy complimentary food items during the summer celebration period. The chips were available in classic and Hot Harissa flavors, and no purchase was necessary to redeem them.

Potbelly BOGO Promotion

Potbelly, the sandwich chain, also implemented a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on June 20, 2018. While the specific menu items included in this promotion were not detailed in the source material, it represented another food service establishment participating in summer-themed deals.

Tips for Finding Future Milkshake Freebies

Based on the promotional landscape observed during National Chocolate Milkshake Day 2018, several strategies emerged for consumers seeking complimentary milkshakes and ice cream treats in the future:

1. Check for Food Holidays: Many food service establishments align promotions with designated food holidays. Monitoring calendars for National Chocolate Ice Cream Day (June 7), National Vanilla Milkshake Day (June 20), and National Ice Cream Day (July 15) can provide insight into potential promotional periods.

2. Join Rewards Programs: Several promotions, including those from Baskin-Robbins and Cava, were specifically targeted at rewards program members. Enrolling in these programs can provide access to exclusive deals and freebies.

3. Follow Social Media: Wayback Burgers encouraged social media sharing of its Free Shake Day event. Following favorite food chains on social media platforms can provide real-time information about promotions and giveaways.

4. Look for Seasonal Promotions: Summer and winter holidays often prompt special promotions. White Castle's summer celebration and Baskin-Robbins's "Parent Pass" promotion demonstrate how seasonal changes can trigger special offers.

5. Check Mobile Apps: Several promotions, including those from Baskin-Robbins and Kung Fu Tea, were accessible through brand mobile apps. Downloading these apps can provide access to exclusive deals and digital coupons.

Conclusion

National Chocolate Milkshake Day 2018 provided multiple opportunities for consumers to enjoy complimentary and discounted milkshakes and ice cream treats. From White Castle's BOGO promotion requiring a specific code to Wayback Burgers's completely free shake giveaway, the summer celebration period offered diverse options for deal seekers. Additionally, the revelation of Kelis's famous milkshake recipe provided an at-home alternative for those looking to create their own special treats.

While the promotions varied in structure and accessibility, they collectively demonstrated how food service establishments leverage designated food holidays and seasonal changes to drive customer engagement. For consumers seeking complimentary treats, joining rewards programs, following brands on social media, and monitoring food holiday calendars proved to be effective strategies for identifying opportunities.

As promotional practices continue to evolve, the lessons from National Chocolate Milkshake Day 2018 remain relevant for deal enthusiasts seeking to maximize their value when enjoying America's favorite frozen beverages.

Sources

1. First Day of Summer 2025: Where to Find Freebies
2. Titusville freebie: Wayback Burgers to give out free milkshakes this week
3. Chocolate Ice Cream Day
4. National Ice Cream Day
5. National Ice Cream Day 2018 Deals & Freebies
6. Kelis reveals her milkshake recipe
7. A Year of Chocolate Holidays: Mark Your Calendar