Classic milkshake variations from around the world
Classic milkshake variations include the American malted shake (with malted milk powder), the New England frappe, the Latin American and Spanish batido, South Asian lassi and falooda, and the Persian faloodeh. They differ by base (ice cream, milk, yogurt), flavoring and toppings.
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What are the classic milkshake variations?
A basic milkshake is milk and ice cream blended with a flavor. Around the world, similar cold milk drinks differ in the base, the sweetener and what goes on top.
| Drink | Where | What makes it different |
|---|---|---|
| Malted shake | United States | Adds malted milk powder for a toasty, slightly sweet taste |
| Frappe | Massachusetts and nearby New England | The regional name for what others call a milkshake: milk, ice cream and flavoring |
| Batido | Latin America, Spain | Spanish word for a shake or blended drink; often fruit, milk and sugar |
| Lassi | Northern India and region | Yogurt or buttermilk based, sweet or salted |
| Falooda | India, Pakistan and beyond | Layered with vermicelli, basil seeds, rose syrup and chilled milk |
Malted shakes
The malted version gets its flavor from malted milk powder. Order a malt to get that flavor; a plain shake has no malt.
Frappe
In Massachusetts a frappe is generally what people elsewhere call a milkshake. Historically a New England milkshake was just milk and syrup with no ice cream, so the names can mean different things from shop to shop, and many now use them interchangeably.
Batido
In Spanish, batido is the general word for a milkshake or blended drink. It is often made with fruit, milk and sugar, and recipes vary by region.
Lassi
Lassi is a yogurt drink, not an ice cream shake. Sweet versions use fruit or rose; salted ones are commonly flavored with spices such as cumin.
Falooda
Tasting Table describes falooda as a sweet dessert, often served as a cold drink, with vermicelli, basil seeds, ice cream and sweetened rose-flavored milk, topped with nuts such as pistachios or almonds. Its exact origin is unclear, though some sources point to Persia. It was inspired by the older Persian dessert faloodeh, which is more like a sorbet.
Which one should you try?
- Want something classic and thick: a vanilla or chocolate malted shake.
- Want something lighter and tangy: a mango lassi.
- Want a dessert you eat with a spoon and straw: falooda.
Recipes and names vary by region and cafe. Dairy-free versions use plant milks and are not the same drink.
People also ask
What is the difference between a milkshake and a malt?
A malt includes malted milk powder, which adds a toasted, slightly sweet flavor. A plain shake does not.
Is a lassi a milkshake?
Not exactly. A lassi is yogurt or buttermilk based and can be sweet or salty; a milkshake is usually ice cream and milk.
What does batido mean?
It is the Spanish word for milkshake or blended drink, often made from fruit and milk.
Sources
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