The Date Shake is a hallmark of California’s Coachella Valley. The first recorded recipe for the shake dates back to the 1930s, when Coachella was rapidly becoming a major producer of dates. The popularity of the shake grew quickly, and soon the creamy sweet treat could be found throughout the desert region.
Now, date shakes are a California institution, with versions available across the Golden State. Here are a few great locations to grab a shake when you’re in the Coachella Valley + Desert region, plus recipes to whip up a date shake or smoothie at home.
Five Spots to Sip a Date Shake in the Desert:
Great Shakes | Palm Springs
Family-owned Great Shakes in downtown Palm Springs is a dream for treat-lovers, with a variety of shakes, creamy treats, mini donuts and “fruit infusions” to try.
Be sure to try one of their date shake options, made with dates directly from local grower Leja Farms. You’ll find the traditional variety and Date-Banana available year-round, plus additional flavors like Date-Walnut on special. (Pro Tip: try “Blueberry Hill” too, blueberries + a touch of lavender + a squeeze of lemon juice in a creamy sip!)
Nature’s Health Food + Cafe | Palm Springs
Nature’s Health Food in Palm Springs is a side-by-side cafe and retail store offering tons of vegetarian, vegan and organic options.
Choose from the Vegan Date or Power Date shake options, both made with fresh dates and date crystals from local producer Shield’s.
Hadley’s Fruit Orchards | Cabazon
Whether you’re driving through the desert or visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs, Hadley’s Fruit Orchard is a most-stop on your way. The inviting cafe and retail store offer tons of options, but folks are really stopping for the shakes – which can be found in Original, Date-Banana, and Vegan versions. The local Morongo Band of Mission Indians took over the business from the Hadley family in the 1990’s, so you know it’s locally run too. (Fun Fact: Hadley’s is the originator of Trail Mix!)
Shields Date Garden | Indio
Stop at the original 1960s milkshake counter at Shields Date Garden in Indio to order a shake before you walk the 17-acre date garden, view the biblical statue garden, or shop their retail space. The cafe also has other date treats to try, with the date pancakes being a popular favorite.
Westmorland Date Shake | Westmorland
This mostly retail store with a treat counter in the back ships dates, honey, olive oil and more across the nation via their website. If you’re passing through Westmorland on the way to ride the sand dunes or see East Jesus and Salvation Mountain, Westmoreland Date Shake is worth a stop. The signature shakes are available in both original and vegan versions.
Date Shake Recipes to Try at Home:
California Grown Date Shake Recipe:
If you’re ready to try a shake at home, here’s our go-to Date Shake recipe. It starts with a batch of Date Caramel, which makes a smooth, creamy shake and is equally good as a fruit dip or dessert topping.
Cinnamon Walnut Date Smoothie:
True to the original flavors with some tasty additions and healthy bits to kick it up, this Cinnamon Walnut Date Smoothie recipe from Salt & Wind Travel is a tasty treat full of natural sweetness that works any time of day.
You can check out their shake recipe too!
More local goodness in Coachella Valley!
Looking for more delicious stops in Palm Springs and beyond?
Check out this list of spots to eat deliciously in the desert.
Find more Only in California original locations like this one!
Article by K.C. Cornwell. Photos by Meg van der Kruik and courtesy of locations listed