Shakes & Malts

Shakes and Malts

Minnesota's favorite milkshakes are from The Malt Shop

Shake vs. Malt

What's the difference between a malt and a shake? At The Malt Shop, we hear this question from our guests and here's a quick summary.

Milkshake: A blended drink made with ice cream, and flavorings like syrup or fruit. It has a smooth, creamy texture.
Malt: A blended shake with the addition of malt powder. Essentially, a malt is a specialized type of milkshake with a unique taste and consistency creating a richer flavor with notes of a distinct toasty, nutty flavor that compliments the ice cream and toppings.

Whether you prefer a malt or a shake, we serve them with a smile!

Photo of two milkskakes, a Reese's shake and a M&M shake.

Our Ingredients

We take pride in using only the best ingredients for our shakes and malts. We source premium ice cream that comes from happy cows to provide our guests with a memorable experience in a comfortable setting.

Cheeseburger and shake from the best restaurant in Minnesota

A burger and malt, what great combination!

Our team is made up of experienced & friendly staff who are passionate about creating the best burgers and ice cream combinations. A shake or malt is the greatest compliment to a cheeseburger and fries.

History of the Milkshake

Shakes

Early Beginnings: The original milkshakes were quite different from today's sweet treats. They were actually alcoholic beverages, often containing eggs and whiskey, and were considered a health tonic similar to eggnog. The first reference to the milkshake is from 1885.
Evolution: By the 1920s-1930s, milkshakes had transformed into a non-alcoholic treat during prohibition made with ice cream, milk, and flavorings. The invention of the electric blender in the early 1900s made the process of creating smooth milkshakes much easier.

Malts

Malted Milk Powder: The foundation for malts lies in malted milk powder, created in the 1880s as a nutritional supplement.
The Malt is Born: The iconic malt we know today emerged around 1922 when a Walgreens employee, Ivar "Pop" Coulson, added ice cream to a malted milk drink. This combination proved immensely popular.

The rise of soda fountains and malt shops in the early 20th century played a significant role in popularizing both milkshakes and malts. These establishments became social hubs and the creamy treats became synonymous with American culture.

Boozy Malts and Tipsy Shakes

Honoring the history and roots of the pre-prohibition drink, we serve a variety of alcoholic milkshake and alcoholic malt combinations. Our Money Maker™, First of the Month™, Malt Hopper™, and Tipsy Float™ keep a smile on our 21+ guests.

The Malt Shop spins great shakes and malts