What to Order at a Mexican Restaurant

Most people use the terms "milkshake" and "malt" interchangeably. Older generations, however, know the difference between these two ice cream drinks. They are clearly defined as two different treats, which means you need to clarify which one you want when you order at a restaurant. Some restaurants, like the fast food chains, do not give you a choice. They offer only one or the other. In that case, it is important to know the difference between a malt and a milkshake, so that you order what you actually want.

Milkshakes

Milkshakes, for which milkshake machines are named, are a combination of ice cream and milk, or heavy whipping cream to make the treat really creamy. The ingredients are typically very few, not more than two or three, depending on the recipe or process that a restaurant uses to make their milkshakes. In a pinch, you could make a milkshake in a blender, too. So, if your waiter or waitress says that he/she cannot make a milkshake because the milkshake machine is not working, tell them to try a blender.

Malts

Malts, also known as "malteds," are a combo of ice cream, malted powder, and milk. The malted powder is a combination of ground flour, ground barley, and powdered milk. It was conceived of as a means to settle upset stomachs and feed to infants, but when combined with ice cream it produced a treat that became very popular, very quickly.

The result is an ice cream drink that is very thick in consistency and has a unique aftertaste similar to malted milk ball candy, which uses the same powder. If not effectively blended into the ice cream, it can make the malt rather gritty. Since the powder is already a combination of ingredients, a malt has several more ingredients than just ice cream and milk. Additional flavor syrup, such as chocolate or strawberry, may be added to disguise the malt aftertaste from the ground barley.

Using a Milkshake Machine for Malts

You could use a milkshake machine for malts. However, it is not generally recommended. Because the malt powder tends to clump a bit, a blender is better. The blender refines the malt powder while blending it into the ice cream. Restaurant customers (like yourself) who ask for a malt and get a milkshake, or who ask for a milkshake and get a malt, will be able to taste and feel the difference in their mouths.

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