What are the different types of milkshakes?
The main types are the classic milkshake (milk, ice cream and flavoring), the malt (a milkshake with malted milk powder), the frappe (a milkshake in parts of New England, an icy blended coffee elsewhere), the concrete (extra thick frozen custard with mix-ins) and fruit or smoothie-style shakes. Names vary by region.
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What are the different types of milkshakes?
A classic milkshake is milk and ice cream blended until smooth, often with syrup, extract or fruit. Most other types are variations on that base, and the names change from place to place, so check the menu description.
| Type | What it is |
|---|---|
| Classic milkshake | Ice cream and milk blended, flavored with syrup, extract or fruit |
| Malt (malted) | A milkshake with malted milk powder, for a toasted, nutty taste |
| Frappe | In Massachusetts, usually a milkshake; elsewhere, an icy blended coffee drink |
| Frosted | An older New York City term for a milkshake |
| Concrete | Very thick frozen custard blended with mix-ins like candy, cookies or fruit; dense enough for a spoon to stand upright in it |
| Float | Ice cream scooped into soda such as root beer; not blended |
| Ice cream soda | Syrup, seltzer and ice cream, not blended |
| Smoothie | Blended fruit, yogurt and juice, not always lighter in sugar |
Thick versus thin
How thick a shake is depends on the ratio of ice cream to milk. More ice cream gives a thicker shake; more milk makes it drinkable through a straw. Some places use soft serve, others hard ice cream, which changes the texture.
Other common variations
- Flavors: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry are the standard three; cookies, peanut butter and coffee are common add-ins.
- Dairy-free: made with non-dairy frozen desserts or plant milk.
- Boozy shakes: some bars add liqueur; they are for adults only.
How to choose
Want a smooth classic: order a milkshake. Want more flavor depth: a malt. Want something you eat with a spoon: a concrete. Watching sugar: a smoothie is not automatically lighter, so check the ingredients. Calories and sugar vary widely by shop, so ask or check the nutrition info.
People also ask
What is the difference between a milkshake and a malt?
A malt is a milkshake with malted milk powder added, which gives a toasted, nutty flavor.
Is a frappe the same as a milkshake?
In Massachusetts it usually means a milkshake. Elsewhere, especially at coffee chains, it is an icy blended coffee drink.
What is a concrete?
A very thick frozen custard blended with mix-ins like candy, cookies or fruit, thick enough that a spoon stands upright in it.
Sources
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