NATIONAL BLACK COW DAY - June 10, 2023 - National Today

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National Black Cow Day is observed every year on June 10, the perfect time to celebrate a cold and refreshing beverage when temperatures start getting warmer. Many people also know the black cow as the humble root beer float or ice cream soda. Some people even substitute vanilla ice cream with chocolate ice cream, making it a “brown cow.”

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History of National Black Cow Day

A black cow is a beverage made with root beer and vanilla ice cream, which is relished by people of all age groups.

Frank J. Wisner, hailing from Cripple Creek, Colorado, invented the black cow. He was the owner of the Cripple Creek Cow Mountain Gold Mining Company. One night he was thinking about the line of soda waters that were being produced for the citizens of Cripple Creek and that’s when he came upon the idea for the root beer float. While staring out of his window, he saw the full moon shining on the snow-capped Cow Mountain, which made him think of a scoop of vanilla ice cream. That encouraged him to add a spoonful of vanilla ice cream to the children’s soda Myers Avenue Red Root Beer. When he took his first sip of the drink, he knew he was onto something great. He named his creation ‘Black Cow Mountain,’ which was later shortened to ‘black cow’ by the local children.

Over the years, not only children, but even adults have started enjoying this simple yet delicious beverage. It is also offered by several fast food outlets. The black cow can be easily served at house parties or potluck lunches and dinners.

On National Black Cow Day, make this effortless drink and sip away. Anyway, summers are the best time to enjoy this cool drink to beat the sweltering heat.

National Black Cow Day timeline

1800s Root Beer is Invented

Root beer or root tea is invented for medical purposes.

1872 Ice Cream and Soda

George Guy, an employee of Robert Green, is said to have absent-mindedly mixed ice cream and soda to invent ice cream soda.

1874 First Ice Cream Soda

Robert M. Green sells the first-ever ice cream soda at the semi-centennial celebration of the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

1893 Black Cow is Invented

Frank J. Wisner from Cripple Creek makes the first black cow with vanilla ice cream and childrens’ soda.

National Black Cow Day FAQs

Who invented the black cow?

Frank J. Wisner, the owner of Cripple Creek Cow Mountain Gold Mining Company, invented the black cow. 

What is the difference between a black cow and a root beer float?

While a black cow is also sometimes known as a root beer float, the black cow is traditionally made with soda like a Pepsi or Coca-Cola. 

What are the ingredients to make a black cow?

All you need is a cup of Coca-Cola or Pepsi and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pour the soda into a glass and add the scoop of ice cream. Serve chilled and sip it with a straw. 

How To Celebrate National Black Cow Day

  1. Prepare your own black cow

    Quench your thirst by preparing your own black cow. All you need is a soft drink of your choice and a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Put the scoop in a tall glass of soda, sit back, and enjoy while reading a book or watching a movie.

  2. Order in a black cow

    If you do not have the time and ingredients to make a black cow, you can order one from fast-food restaurants or even pick up one from a drive-through. To make the celebration even better, you can buy one for the person in the queue behind you and spread the love for the black cow.

  3. Experiment with the black cow recipe

    Bring out your inner Masterchef and experiment with the classic black cow recipe. You can switch up the soda and ice cream flavors and add your own twist to it.

5 Facts About Ice Cream Soda Everyone Should Know

  1. Countless varieties

    There are so many varieties of ice cream soda such as chocolate ice cream soda, butterbeer, orange float, purple cow, and Snow White, among others.

  2. Known as ice cream float

    It is also known as an ice cream float in the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, and some parts of Asia.

  3. Known as ‘Helado flotante’

    The popular beverage is called ‘Helado flotante’ in Mexico.

  4. Known as ‘vaca negra’

    In El Salvador, Costa Rica, Columbia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Puerto Rico, this drink is known as ‘vaca negra,’ meaning ‘black cow.’

  5. Known as a ‘spider’

    A rather unusual name, it is fondly referred to as a ‘spider’ in Australia and New Zealand.

Why We Love National Black Cow Day

  1. It is refreshing

    Think of a hot summer day, relaxing in the outdoors, soaking in the sun. The only thing missing is some ice cream and a cold drink. What’s better than both these things combined, right? Voila, that’s when you get a black cow!

  2. It is super easy to make

    A black cow is one of the easiest beverages to make with as little as two ingredients. Of course, you can add more ingredients as per your taste and preferences. National Black Cow Day is the perfect opportunity to make one for yourself and your friends and family.

  3. It’s a popular beverage

    A black cow is an extremely popular beverage across the world. And it’s safe for children to consume. That’s what makes it so special. No one needs to feel left out when wanting to have a black cow.

National Black Cow Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 June 10 Wednesday
2027 June 10 Thursday
2028 June 10 Saturday
2029 June 10 Sunday
2030 June 10 Monday

National Black Cow Day related holidays

National Ice Cream Soda DaySatJun 20Featured

National Ice Cream Soda Day

FriAug 8Featured

International Beer Day

WedMay 6Featured

National Beverage Day

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