It's a New England Thing: Frappe vs Milkshake in Connecticut

Woman drinking a milkshakePhoto byAlora GriffithsonUnsplash

Did you know that in certain parts of New England, milkshakes are called Frappes? Yes, it's true! Here in Connecticut, there is a destinct difference between the two. But, in certain states such as Massachusetts, you would never order it as a milkshake, you would say frappe (pronouced FRAP not frap-ayyy) which is French for "to beat" when ordering in a restaurant, ice cream shop or coffee shop.

A milkshake in New England is made of milk that is shaken with a flavoring added, like chocolate syrup, until it's frothy, basically what here in Connecticut we call that Chocolate Milk. In Boston, for instance, a frappe includes milk and your favorite ice cream. Crazy, right!?!

If you live in Connecticut though, when you want a Frappe, you want that high-end Starbuck's kind. Which is usually a sweet, foamy coffee drink. If you are not looking to spend a lot of money, but would enjoy having one at home, here is a Frappe for beginners.

In an old-fashioned soda shop or 50's inspired diner you can find both a milkshake and a frappe on the menu. Just to confuse things more, in Rhode Island ''milkshakes are sometimes called "cabinets" because that's where the blender was kept,'' according to America's Test Kitchen.

Some say New England is the reason we now have Frappuccinos. What started in the mid 90's on the West Coast quickly made it's way to Massachusetts. According to their website ''Starbucks acquired The Coffee Connection in Boston, along with one of their products called “frappuccino,” a cold, slushy drink made using a soft-serve machine. Starbucks applied the name to its new blended beverage.''