Milkshakes fall into distinct styles such as classic diner shakes, thick shakes, malted shakes, concretes and freak shakes. At Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream in Herriman, Utah, we match the style to the occasion by using our small batch super premium ice cream, bold mix ins and theatrical presentation so you get the texture and flavor you expect from each style.
What we mean by milkshake styles
A milkshake style describes texture, sweetness, mix ins and presentation. The same flavor of ice cream can become different experiences depending on the liquid to ice cream ratio, whether malt powder is used, how large the mix ins are, and whether the final drink is served in a glass, a chilled tin or as an oversized dessert.
Common style names you will see on menus include:
- Classic shake, with a pourable texture that rides a balance of milk and ice cream.
- Thick shake, denser and richer, often drinkable only with a spoon or a wide straw.
- Malted shake, made with malt powder for a toasty, cereal like note.
- Concrete or scoop style, where the mix ins are fully folded in and the drink holds shape like soft serve.
- Freak shake, an oversized theatrical presentation with sundae elements built on top.
- Handspun soda style, where ice cream and syrup are whipped with soda for a fizzy finish.
Why milkshake styles matter in Herriman and the greater Salt Lake region
Choosing the right milkshake style matters for appetite, group type and the occasion. Families with young kids may prefer a classic shake or a handspun soda that is easy to share. Teens often pick thick shakes or freak shakes for the photo moment. Event planners choosing desserts for birthday parties or company gatherings will consider portion size and presentation when ordering large format shakes or dessert stations.
We serve guests from Herriman to Salt Lake City and beyond, including Roy, Ogden, Layton and Farmington. Our menu is designed so you can pick a style that fits the drive, the weather and the mood of your group.
Key concepts to understand when you order a milkshake
- Base consistency. More milk makes a lighter shake, more ice cream makes it thicker.
- Mix ins. Cookie pieces, candy, fruit and nuts change texture and sweetness, and they determine whether the drink is spoonable.
- Malt versus milk. Malt powder adds a warm toasted flavor that changes the profile more than sweeteners alone.
- Presentation. Glassware, whipped cream, sauces and garnishes define whether the item is a drink or a dessert.
- Portion and sharing. A large format freak shake is a centerpiece. A classic shake is easier to sip and share quietly.
How the milkshake styles compare
| Style | Texture | Typical base | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic shake | Pourable and smooth | Ice cream plus milk | Simple glass with straw |
| Thick shake | Dense and creamy | Higher ice cream to milk ratio | Chilled tin or wide straw |
| Malted shake | Toastier taste, medium thick | Malt powder plus milk and ice cream | Often dusted with malt powder |
| Concrete | Very dense holds shape | Firm ice cream with folded mix ins | Served like a scoop plus spoon |
| Freak shake | Variable, usually dense | Shake base plus sundae elements | Theatrical with toppings piled on |
| Handspun soda | Light, slightly fizzy | Soda plus ice cream | Served tall with froth |
How we choose a style for an occasion
We think about three things when recommending a style: who will eat it, how you will serve it and whether the dessert should be a visual centerpiece. For family outings we suggest approachable textures for sharing. For birthday parties we plan portion sizes and presentation so the dessert fits the schedule and photo moment. For tasting flights we use smaller portions so you can compare flavors without overload.
Quick checklist for choosing a milkshake style
- Decide if the shake should be easy to sip or spoonable
- Pick a base flavor that pairs with mix ins, for example chocolate with brownie pieces
- Choose presentation level, low for casual, high for events
- Consider dietary needs and swap to dairy free options if needed
Common questions we hear about milkshake styles
What makes a shake thick instead of just creamy
Thickness is driven by the ratio of ice cream to milk and by how long the shake is blended. A higher percentage of ice cream and shorter blending preserves density and texture. The type of ice cream matters too. Our small batch super premium ice cream has less air and more fat, which makes a thicker mouthfeel without relying on extra thickeners.
How do mix ins change a style
Large chunky mix ins will make a shake spoonable and can push a classic into concrete territory. Finely ground cookies or sauces blend more fully and keep the drink pourable. If you are ordering for a group we can suggest mix in sizes that match the style you want. See our shake add ins for ideas on combinations and balance at Shake Add Ins.
Are malted shakes better with specific flavors
Malt pairs well with chocolate, banana and vanilla. It adds a toasted note that complements caramel and nut flavors. Malt is a flavor choice more than a texture changer, so you will still choose thickness separately.
Related services and pages
We group milkshake styles with our other dessert formats so you can plan an outing or a party. Learn about our milkshakes and portion options on the milkshakes page, and see how shakes fit with large format desserts and cakes for events.
- Milkshakes service page for menu style descriptions and portion notes.
- Sundaes service page to compare build techniques and toppings.
- Cakes service page to plan dessert pairings for parties.
- Large Format Desserts topic for party scale ideas and presentation guidance.
Related locations we serve
We welcome guests from across the greater Salt Lake region. Our regular service area includes Roy, Ogden, South Ogden, West Haven, Riverdale, Layton, Clearfield, Syracuse, North Salt Lake, Salt Lake City, West Bountiful, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, Kaysville, South Salt Lake, Draper, Layton Hills, Pleasant View and Fruit Heights. If you are planning a group dessert for a party or event, these are common neighborhoods we support.
Helpful resources and further reading
For flavor ideas and pairing guidance, see our topics on ice cream flavors and mix in combinations. For planning a dessert for a party, our party dessert planning page covers portion sizes, cake pairings and presentation options.
Pro tip: If you want a photo friendly dessert that is easy to share, pick a thick shake or a small freak shake with a single large garnish. That gives visual impact without creating too many separate plates.
Key takeaway
Milkshake style is a combination of texture, mix ins and presentation. Choose classic for sipability, thick for richness, malted for toasted flavor, concrete for dense folded in mix ins and freak shake for theatrical presentation. Use portion and presentation to match the occasion, whether a family outing, a birthday or a tasting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a thick shake and a concrete
A thick shake is a dense blended drink that is often spoonable. A concrete is denser still and typically has mix ins fully folded in so the item holds shape like a scoop of firm ice cream.
Can you make milkshakes dairy free
Yes. We offer dairy free options that work in several styles. Dairy free bases behave differently, so we recommend styles with a little more liquid for smooth texture.
Which milkshake styles are best for kids parties
Classic shakes and handspun soda style drinks are easy for kids and share well. Small freak shakes can be used as a treat and a photo moment, but plan for a cleanup and a slower serving time.
How do I pick mix ins that do not break a straw
Choose finely chopped mix ins or sauces if you want to keep the drink pourable. If you prefer large chunks, expect a spoon or a wide straw and a thicker texture. Our team can advise mix in sizes based on the style you pick on the milkshakes page.
Learn more and see us in person
Read customer reviews, get directions and see current hours on our Google Business Profile. To explore our menu and related dessert options, visit our services and topics pages including the Milkshakes service page, Mix In Combinations and our Party Dessert Planning topic.