What is the difference between a milkshake and a malt?

A milkshake is made with milk and ice cream, along with flavorings such as chocolate syrup for chocolate, strawberry syrup for strawberry, etc. A malt is basically the same thing, but with a sweet, liquid malt syrup or powder added. The malt gives the shake a distinctive flavor, which is actually quite good, and can be added to any flavor milk shake. Malts are not as common as they used to be; many places that serve milk shakes don't even offer malts anymore; I find that sad, especially since so many of the younger generation may never even know what a good malt tastes like!

You can still find chocolate malt flavored Ovaltine which is one of my favorite nighttime drinks.