Malted Milkshake

The Malted Milkshake is a nostalgic and beloved beverage that harks back to the golden age of American soda fountains. It combines the creamy sweetness of a traditional milkshake with the unique, toasty, and slightly savory flavor of malted milk powder. This key ingredient adds a complex, nutty depth that elevates it beyond a standard shake, creating a rich, thick, and satisfying treat. It's a perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering a comforting and delicious experience.
Malted Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a non-alcoholic milkshake. It's a sweet, blended beverage, perfect as a dessert or a rich treat. It belongs to the family of classic American diner drinks.

Serving

This is a cold, non-alcoholic drink served in a large, classic milkshake glass. The total serving size is substantial, making it a filling treat.
Serving size
350-450 ml / 12-15 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled glass (optional)

Backstory

The malted milkshake, or "malt," was invented in 1922 by Ivar "Pop" Coulson, a Walgreens employee in Chicago. He added two scoops of vanilla ice cream to the standard malted milk drink (malted milk powder, milk, and chocolate syrup). The resulting concoction became an instant hit and a staple of soda fountains and diners across America.
Origin
United States, 1922. The drink originated in Chicago, Illinois.

Malted Milkshake

The Malted Milkshake is commonly known simply as a "Malt Shake" or just a "Malt." These names are interchangeable and refer to the same classic beverage made with milk, ice cream, and malt powder. The term "Malt" became popular in American soda fountains and diners.
Original name
Malted Milkshake
Alternative names
  • Malt Shake
  • Malt

Characteristics overview

The Malted Milkshake has a distinctively rich, creamy, and malty flavor with nutty undertones. Its texture is thick and smooth, presenting a pale beige color, and is enjoyed as a refreshing treat any time of year.
Flavor
Creamy, Sweet, Malty, Nutty, Toasty
Aroma
Malty, Sweet, Vanilla, Dairy
Taste balance
Sweet, Creamy
Aftertaste
Lingering, Malty, Sweet
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Off-white, Pale beige
Texture
Thick, Creamy, Smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season treat, Classic summer drink

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by high creaminess and sweetness, complemented by a unique malty taste. It's a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverage with a very low saltiness level.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and the key ingredient, malted milk powder. A splash of vanilla extract can be added to enhance the flavor.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream3 large scoops (approx. 200g)
    Use a good quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream for the best texture and flavor.
  • Whole Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Adjust the amount for desired thickness.
  • Malted Milk Powder2-3 tablespoons
    Brands like Horlicks or Ovaltine are common choices.
  • Vanilla Extract1/2 teaspoon(optional)
    Enhances the vanilla flavor, but is optional.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

A standard kitchen blender is all that is required to combine the ingredients into a smooth and creamy shake. A milkshake maker can also be used.
  • Blender

Instructions

Simply combine milk, malt powder, and ice cream in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass, garnish as desired, and serve immediately.
1. If desired, chill your milkshake glass in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before starting.
2. Add the milk, malted milk powder, and optional vanilla extract to the blender.
3. Add the three large scoops of vanilla ice cream to the blender.
4. Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Do not over-blend, as this can make the shake too thin.
5. Pour the blended milkshake into the chilled glass.
6. Garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of malted milk powder, and a maraschino cherry, if using.
7. Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon.

Garnishing

Optionally, top the milkshake with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a light dusting of malted milk powder, and a classic maraschino cherry.
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Malted milk powder dusting (optional)
  • Maraschino cherry (optional)

Dietary Information

This drink is vegetarian and caffeine-free but is not vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free. Check ice cream ingredients for potential allergens like soy or eggs.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✕ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a high-calorie beverage, rich in carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the ice cream and milk. It's best enjoyed as an occasional indulgent treat.
Calories
450-600 kcal / 1880-2510 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
60-80g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
55-75g
Sugar level

Occasions

A Malted Milkshake is perfect as a dessert after a meal or as a delightful afternoon treat. Its nostalgic quality also makes it a great choice for themed parties or simply for indulging in a classic comfort drink. It's especially popular during warmer months as a refreshing cooler.
  • Dessert
  • Afternoon Treat
  • Nostalgic Indulgence
  • Summer Cooler

Pairing suggestions

The Malted Milkshake pairs perfectly with classic American diner fare like burgers and french fries. Its sweetness provides a delicious contrast to salty foods. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a standalone dessert.
  • Classic American burger
  • French fries
  • Diner food
  • Salty snacks like pretzels

The Classic Malted Milkshake: A Nostalgic Delight

The Malted Milkshake is a timeless American classic, offering a thick, creamy texture and a unique flavor profile. Its signature taste comes from malted milk powder, which adds a nutty, toasty, and slightly savory dimension to the sweet vanilla ice cream base. Easy to make and deeply satisfying, it's a nostalgic journey back to the soda fountain era, perfect for a special treat or dessert.

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