Milkshakes vs Ice Cream: Key Differences Explained
Milkshakes are not the same as ice cream; milkshakes are blended drinks made with milk and ice cream, while ice cream is a frozen dessert on its own.
While milkshakes and ice cream share some ingredients, they’re fundamentally different treats. Milkshakes blend ice cream with milk into a drinkable consistency, while ice cream stands alone as a scoopable frozen dessert. Let’s explore what sets them apart.
What Is Ice Cream?
Ice cream is a frozen dairy dessert with these characteristics:
- Made from cream, milk, sugar and sometimes eggs
- Churned to incorporate air (called overrun)
- Has a dense, scoopable texture
- Served frozen at about -15°C (5°F)
Premium ice creams like those used in quality milkshakes contain at least 10% milkfat. The churning process prevents large ice crystals from forming, creating that smooth mouthfeel we love.
What Is a Milkshake?
A milkshake transforms ice cream into a drink by:
- Combining ice cream with milk (typically 3:1 ratio)
- Adding flavorings like syrups or fruit
- Blending until smooth and pourable
According to ice cream experts, the perfect milkshake has a viscosity that’s thick enough to cling to a straw but fluid enough to drink easily.
Texture Comparison
| Characteristic | Ice Cream | Milkshake |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Firm, scoopable | Pourable, drinkable |
| Mouthfeel | Dense and creamy | Light and frothy |
| Serving Temp | -15°C (5°F) | -5°C (23°F) |
Preparation Differences
Making Ice Cream
Traditional ice cream requires:
- Heating dairy ingredients to pasteurize
- Aging the mixture for 4+ hours
- Churning in an ice cream maker
- Hardening in a deep freezer
Making Milkshakes
Milkshakes come together quickly using a powerful blender:
- Add 2 scoops ice cream per 1/2 cup milk
- Include flavorings (chocolate syrup, fruit, etc.)
- Blend on low speed until smooth
- Adjust thickness with more milk or ice cream
Creative Variations
Beyond Basic Milkshakes
Modern milkshakes go far beyond vanilla and chocolate:
- Malts: Add malted milk powder
- Concrete mixers: So thick they’re served upside down
- Freakshakes: Over-the-top with cakes and candies
Ice Cream Innovations
Ice cream makers constantly develop new formats:
- Soft serve (higher air content)
- Gelato (lower fat, served warmer)
- Dairy-free alternatives
Whether you prefer scooping or sipping, both ice cream and milkshakes offer endless possibilities for frozen dessert enjoyment. The key difference remains texture – one’s a food, the other’s a drink made from that food.
