What's the Difference Between Milkshakes, Malts, and Frappes? A Summer Drink Guide

Understanding the World of Frozen Drinks

As the summer heat intensifies, many of us are drawn to the refreshing section of the drinks menu that offers a cold, creamy, and indulgent treat. However, the way we order these frozen beverages can vary significantly depending on where we are in the country and the type of establishment we visit. From milkshakes to concretes, each drink has its own unique characteristics and regional variations.

Milkshakes: The Classic Choice

Milkshakes are perhaps the most iconic of all frozen drinks. They are typically made by blending ice cream with milk until smooth and sippable. The base flavor of the drink is usually determined by the ice cream used, with additional flavorings such as syrups, extracts, or fresh fruit often added. At the Lexington Candy Shop, a historic luncheonette in Manhattan, vanilla is the most popular milkshake, making up about 60% of all orders. Other favorite flavors include chocolate, coffee, and strawberry, with homemade syrups contributing to their distinctive taste.

The shop also offers classic combinations like the black and white (vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup) and the Broadway (chocolate syrup with coffee ice cream). During the summer, they even have peach shakes to keep things seasonal.

Malts: A Twist on the Classic

A malt is essentially a milkshake with the addition of malted milk powder. This ingredient, which combines malted barley, wheat flour, and evaporated milk, gives the drink a distinct toasted, nutty flavor reminiscent of a 1950s diner. Originally created as a nutritional supplement for babies, malted milk powder found its place behind the counter of ice cream shops and luncheonettes, adding a rich, old-school vibe to frozen drinks. Some variations use frozen yogurt instead of ice cream, resulting in fro-yo shakes.

Frappes: Regional Variations

The term "frappe" can mean different things depending on where you are. In New England, particularly Massachusetts, a frappe is similar to what most people would call a milkshake, made with milk, ice cream, and various flavorings. Locally, it might be referred to as "frap," though there is no consensus on the correct pronunciation. In other regions, frappes are associated with coffee-blended drinks, popularized by chains like Starbucks. These icy, blended lattes are often topped with whipped cream and pronounced "frap-pays."

Frosteds: A Nostalgic Term

In New York City and other regions, the term "frosted" was once used to describe a shake. While this term has fallen out of fashion with the rise of fast-food chains that use the term "shake," some establishments still refer to their drinks as frosted. A frosted float is a milkshake with an extra scoop of ice cream floating on top, adding an extra layer of richness.

Concretes: A Thick and Creamy Treat

Concretes are ultra-thick, creamy frozen desserts that are so dense they can stand upright in a spoon. These drinks are made by blending frozen custard with mix-ins like candy, cookies, or fruit, without the addition of milk. They are popular in the Midwest, where frozen custard is widely enjoyed. Frozen custard has less air than regular ice cream and contains 1.4% egg yolks, giving it a richer texture. The concrete was invented at Ted Drewes in St. Louis, where servers hand the drink to customers upside down, ensuring it doesn’t fall out.

Floats: The Fizzy Cousin

Ice cream floats are the fizzy cousins of shakes. A scoop of ice cream, usually vanilla, is placed into a glass of soda, creating a frothy, sweet, and bubbly drink. These floats can evoke nostalgia for many. At the Lexington Candy Shop, they make their floats by hand, using syrup and adding ice cream after stirring. In some areas, a root-beer float is known as a "brown cow."

Ice Cream Sodas: A Different Approach

Like floats, ice cream sodas are not made in a blender. However, the key difference lies in the fizzy base. At the Lexington Candy Shop, they combine syrup with seltzer before adding a scoop of ice cream. While the syrup and ice cream are often the same flavor, some people enjoy mixing and matching.

Smoothies: A Healthier Option?

Smoothies are often seen as a healthier alternative to frozen drinks, traditionally made with fruit, yogurt, juice, and sometimes ice. The fruit is often frozen before being blended into the drink. While smoothies are designed to feel virtuous, they can still be high in sugar, calories, and richness depending on the ingredients. For example, a peanut butter-chocolate-banana smoothie may prioritize flavor over health.

As the summer continues, there's still time to explore the wide variety of frozen drinks available across the country. Whether you prefer a classic milkshake, a thick concrete, or a fizzy float, there's something for everyone to enjoy.