Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Milkshake Buzz: The Scoop On A Night of Spiked Soda Fountain Treats and Eats
()
A good old fashioned soda fountain treat, like a milkshake, never seems to go out of style, no matter how old you are. If you're 21-and-up, though, you can enjoy your shakes and other sweet treaty beverages with a bonus buzz when they come spiked.
An upcoming event at BLD will showcase soda fountain drinks made by the restaurant's pastry chef and resident milkshakeologist, Mariah Swan, featuring the unique flavors of Art in the Age spirits. BLD Chef/Owner Neal Fraser will have a menu of soda fountain-inspired eats available as well.
Swan explains why putting a little booze in your shake or fizzy drink makes perfect sense: "The soda fountain was at its most popular during Prohibition as an alternative to the saloon (many with back rooms that sold alcohol) so it makes sense that the classic soda fountain drink would lend itself to being spiked. So many of the drinks are essentially soda water with a syrup added for flavor, alcohol can be thought of as another flavoring."
Art in the Age isn't just your typical hooch, either. Their four liquors are Root (similar to root beer), Sage, Rhubarb Tea, and Snap (as in ginger snap). For Swan, those special flavors present a special opportunity: "The Art in the Age line is a thoughtful and craft version of the flavored spirit that is so popular right now. Their line is based on old American recipes so the flavor profiles are well-considered, balanced, and nuanced rather than just being flavored for flavor's sake."
Support for LAist comes from
For the Art in the Age event on October 10th at BLD, Swan is creating a menu of four soda fountain-inspired spiked drinks—think milkshake, egg cream, freeze, and the like. There will be a counter-seating option too, where guests can have a sample of the spirit solo followed by a "flight" of the four drinks, to see how it works in the soda fountain beverage. You'll find Swan behind the counter making the drinks, along with an Art in the Age rep to talk shop.
You can order the drinks a la carte for $12 each from 5 to 10 p.m., while the tasting is $15, and reservations are required for the counter seating.
Swan, who is known for her comfort food treats, like doughnuts and shakes, promises a delicious night of old fashioned treats with a zing. "I like pomp and circumstance," she says of her long love of milkshakes and soda fountain era of treats. "Along with my love of ice cream, I think it was the whole presentation, the beautiful glass, special spoon, whipped cream." Plus, she adds, they're fun to drink!
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning. -
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority. -
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding. -
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45c201e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3894+0+0/resize/786x486!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist