New England Milkshakes Are The Ultimate Form Of Chocolate Milk

If you find yourself traversing through New England, you'll quickly see there's quite the emphasis on dairy and ice cream (after all, Vermont is the birthplace of Ben & Jerry's). But if you order a milkshake — whether you're in Massachusetts or any other of the six states that make up the region — it won't necessarily be the ice cream-laden and blended shake you may be used to. Instead, a proper milkshake in New England is more akin to chocolate milk with an extra frothy twist.

Made up of milk and chocolate syrup (though it can be made with vanilla or other flavored syrups too), a New England milkshake doesn't contain ice cream. It's similar to chocolate milk at the most basic ingredient level, but (dare we say) better. True to its name, the milk and syrup are shaken or blended to result in a signature foamy top — as opposed to chocolate milk, which is simply stirred to combine its ingredients.

A New England milkshake is unique to the area; the refreshing drink is definitely worth trying if you haven't had one. However, if you insist on a thicker ice-cream-based dessert, you'll need to specify that you want what's called a "frappe" in the region. Otherwise, your milkshake will be made the local way: milk, shaken up with sweet flavoring.

Though there's a difference between a typical milkshake and a malt, a New England milkshake is a standalone drink in and of itself — it's pretty much the ultimate spin on chocolate milk. Why the culinary terms of the region differentiate from other areas of the country is a bit unclear. It's said that around the prohibition era of the 1920s, ice cream and soda fountain shops rose in popularity, and people started adding a scoop or two of ice cream to their milkshakes (yes, the frothy chocolate milk kind).

In other parts of the country milkshake has become synonymous with ice cream, but that didn't necessarily stick in New England. Though some restaurants won't make the regional distinction, many will. In a thread on Reddit inquiring about a recipe for the regional sweet treat, one user commented, "If you go to a chain place or whatever, they'll call it a milkshake. But real deal mom and pop shops and places like Haywards still call it a frappe." Another user commented, "old England," referring to the region's take on a milkshake.

In local shops you'll likely find both milkshakes and frappes listed on the menu, though the milkshake vs. frappe distinction is waning in some establishments. Still, it's not uncommon for servers to clarify to those seeking milkshakes that if they want ice cream, they might actually want a frappe. Really, it all comes down to personal preference.

Whatever way you enjoy your cold dairy drink, with this knowledge you won't be shocked when you order a milkshake in New England and it's served to you sans ice cream. While it may seem sub-par to those accustomed to rich ice cream blends, a New England milkshake certainly has its place. Overall, it's a lighter drink option and is less of a rich, dessert-y commitment compared to the infamous frappe (or if you're from outside of New England, a typical ice cream milkshake).

Perfect for when you want something sweet to sip on, a New England milkshake is easy to make at home too, and allows for a twist (or really, a shake) on your typical chocolate milk. If you want to try making your own at home, simply combine milk — straight out of the fridge, so it's very cold — with your favorite chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry syrup in a blender. Choose a high-fat dairy option for the richest taste and creamy texture, then blend the mixture until it becomes nice and aerated. Alternatively, you could blend it with a handheld milk frother or immersion blender or add your New England milkshake ingredients to a mason jar, seal the jar with a lid, and shake it like you mean it. The result will be sweet, milky, and pleasantly frothy.