Returning from a small bed and breakfast in an even smaller town in the Catskills, I encountered the absolute best milkshake of my life. This Chocolate and Marshmallow Malt was enjoyed at the Bun N’ Cone (great name) in Margaretville, NY. It was absurdly delicious. Returning to New York, I became quite determined to find an authentic malt in the city. Unfortunately, my first excursion to find the Bespeckled Trout (even better soda fountain name) in the West Village was a bust. Sadly, we could see what was once a candy banner over another, developing wine bar.

Luckily, here are a couple other places I plan to visit in NYC:

Serendipity - I live dangerously close to this popular sundae spot, but the long lines (upwards of 2 hours) certainly are a deterrent.

Homer’s World Famous Malt Shop

Lexington Candy Shop

Soda Shop

Mary’s Dairy

Growing up in Indiana, we had a neighborhood pharmacy called McCamey’s, not a CVS, Walgreen’s, or the like. This pharmacy had a wonderful Soda Shop counter, where I would enjoy Cherry Cola (not the canned variety of course) and grilled cheese. I still consider grilled cheese one of my favorite comfort foods, and I’m not sure I’ve ever had such delicious soda. Perhaps I’m biased. During my undergraduate years, I returned to find that a CVS had put McCamey’s out of business in my hometown. I really never understood how the town could let this happen.

My fellow editor, Hillary feels the same fondness towards soda fountains, and more specifically, phosphates. Here is her blog post on the topic, Bring Back the Soda Shop Era.

In order to indulge my malt fix, I’m delighted to find so many recipes submitted by our readers that include the flavor.

Cherry Chip Malted Brownies - Malt would add that little something to brownies.

Malted Milk Cake - This recipe would be a snap to prepare and does the trick.

Frosted Malt Chocolate Cookies - This seems just like my milkshake, but in cookie form!

Hot Mint Malt - An interesting twist I would love to try.

Not a fan of malt? Fruit and Cream Soda, Chocolate Milkshake and breakfast-ready Coffee Soda are all in the spirit of the old-fashioned soda fountain. For a full meal, serve your drink with the best grilled cheese ever, Cheddar Bacon Hamburgers, or a gourmet, stuffed hamburger.

Visit the One-Stop Soda Shop for more recipe ideas.