Milkshakes, Malteds and More
Sweltering, summer days demand chilly, satisfying milkshakes, malteds or floats.
All of these ice cream drinks are sweet, frosty concoctions, but they’re not the same. Milkshakes consist of ice cream, milk and flavorings blended to a thick, creamy consistency. Malteds are just like milkshakes but also contain malted milk powder, making them sweeter and richer than milkshakes.
And floats, sometimes called sodas, simply pour carbonated liquids (club soda, seltzer water or soft drinks) over a scoop of ice cream and occasionally other flavorings, creating a foamy top on icy, appetizing brews.
You can throw together any of the three (milkshake, malted or float) in less time than it takes to go to your local ice cream store. But my favorite part, except for drinking them, is letting my creativity go wild with ingredients and garnishes. Are you craving one yet? Good thing we’ve got plenty of ideas to get you started.
If you like to start easy, I suggest the Basic Vanilla Shake. Just put three ingredients in a blender, give it a whirl and you’re ready to taste this straw-defyingly thick treat.
For something that’s tangy and refreshing, but still creamy and luscious, try my favorite, the Strawberry Buttermilk Shake. Or, if you’re craving a yummy, soda fountain favorite, make the Vanilla Malted. It brings a toasted, nutty flavor to milkshakes and offers the option of replacing the vanilla ice cream with chocolate.
Looking for something a little lighter than a milkshake or malted? Stir up a float or soda. Both, Fresh Berry Ice Cream Float and Orange Ice Cream Floats, mix slightly sweetened, rejuvenating fruit combos with ice cream and club soda, creating frothy, chilly potions.
If your passion is chocolate give the Chocolate Soda a try. It packs a chocolaty wallop when made with carbonated water or a more blended, sweeter flavor when prepared with cream soda.
How about an adult indulgence? Whip up the Mojito Milkshake. It adds a little white rum to a lime- and mint-flavored milkshake. Or try our Limoncello Raspberry Float for a fruity pick-me-up. Take your pick—milkshake, malted or float, then grab a straw. Just add a lawn chair and maybe a pool. Need I say more?
Now that you’ve mastered these ice cream treats, try making your own homemade ice cream! Read how and get our favorite recipes here.
