Since we’ve been cooped up at home, like many others, we’ve taken the opportunity to learn or try new things. I wrote about how much we’ve been cooking, but Jen has also been experimenting with drinks. With our Chef Collective delivery, we received a pound of dates, which we specifically ordered to recreate the Ace Hotel & Swim Club’s date shake. In previous years, we’d vacation there in the spring and fall, so I can only tell you how much we’ve missed it.

In attempt to re-experience some of our favorite parts of our stays, Jen has been recreating some memorable drinks from their restaurant menu. Oddly enough, the Ace actually put their date shake recipe online recently, so there was no need to guess and check.

If you know me, you won’t be surprised to hear that I tried a bite of my first date while making this. If you don’t know me, you’d be shocked by the list of common foods I either haven’t eaten or only recently tried for the first time—like grapes. As for dates, I’m pretty sure it’s pure candy. There’s no way that’s a real fruit.

While I did take a couple photos throughout the process, the date shake was so good that I forgot to take a final pic. Trust me when I tell you, this won’t be the last time we make date shakes at home.