During a recent trip to Palm Springs, I went with the intention of immersing myself in the art and design scene. The mid-century modern architecture, desert hues, and vintage-meets-modern aesthetic were everything I hoped for. But between visiting the museum, galleries and vintage shops, I started noticing something unexpected: date shakes.

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Date shakes originated

in Coachella Valley

now Palm Springs staple

Palm Springs' architecture

embodies mid-century modern

with vintage-modern blend

Region produces over

90% of U.S.

dates in desert

Shields Date Garden remains

a classic spot

for iconic shakes

❮

❯

Almost every cafe in downtown Palm Springs had a version of the treat on their menu. It was hard to ignore. Curious and craving a sweet treat, I ordered one from a cafe. It was thick, sweet, slightly caramel-y and absolutely decadent. But more than that, it felt nostalgic, like the homemade milkshakes my mom and I made as a child.

So I did some digging and discovered that dates have deep roots in the region. Palm Springs sits within the Coachella Valley, a desert oasis that produces more than 90% of the dates grown in the United States. The date shake became popular in the area during the mid-20th century as a way to celebrate this local crop. Over time, it became an iconic part of the desert’s culinary identity—something visitors seek out the way they might hunt down the best bagel in New York City or café au lait in Paris.

Once I got back to Atlanta, I couldn’t stop thinking about that date shake. It had the perfect blend of sweetness and creaminess, without feeling too heavy. I knew I had to recreate it at home. After a few tries, I found the version that comes close—and it’s definitely going to be one of my go-to summer treats.

Homemade Palm Springs-Style Date Shake

Whether you’ve been to Palm Springs or not, this shake brings a taste of the desert to wherever you are.