Frappé
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Frappé

Greece
Thessaloniki, Greece

Frappé is an ice coffee originating from Greece, typically consumed in the warmer days and made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and ice, then shaken to create a frothy type of coffee. Frappe became popular during the 1950s when a Greek Nescafé employee made it during a trade show. Since then, the Frappé has become a part of the world coffee culture, with variations popping up in coffee chains where they customize it with sugar, milk, or flavor syrups.

 

Contents

 

Frappe Ingredients: Coffee and More

Frappe is traditionally made using Nescafé instant coffee, because it dissolves easily and creates that signature foam when shaken or blended. The amount of coffee depends on how strong you want it, but a general rule is 2 teaspoons of coffee to about 1/4 cup of cold water. Frappe is served with ice cubes, with the option of adding sugar or milk, because adding them makes the drink less intense.

 

How to Make a Frappe

Making a frappé is as simple as shaking or blending the ingredients needed:

  • Instant Coffee: Start with 2 teaspoons of instant coffee (or one small bag of Nescafé). You can add more Nescafé if you like it intense and caffeine strong drinks.
  • Cold Water: Add 1/2 cup of cold water to dissolve the coffee. If you are in a rush and want to dissolve the coffee a bit faster, first use warm water and then add cold.
  • Optional Sugar and Milk: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. You can go sugar-free, and if you want a creamier taste, add some milk.
  • Shake It Up: Put everything in a shaker and mix it until you get a frothy, creamy texture. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s a thick layer of foam on top.

  • Serve: Pour the frappé over ice cubes in a tall glass and enjoy. Some people top it up with whipped cream for an extra sweet taste.

 

What's the Difference? Frappe vs. Ice Coffee

While frappé might look like ice coffee, there are some key differences. Iced coffee is usually brewed hot and chilled, served over ice cubes with milk or cream. Frappe, on the other hand, is made cold from the start. It is stronger, thicker and more frothy because of the mixing method and usage of instant coffee, while iced coffee is smoother and lighter.

 

Frappe Variations

  • Milk Frappe: For a creamier texture, you can replace part or all of the water with milk. This drink is popular in Central Europe.
  • Vanilla, Chocolate or Caramel Frappe: Adding flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, chocolate or hazelnut will make Frappe a completely different coffee.

  • Alcoholic Frappe: Adding a shot of Baileys or vodka to your makes this a coffee cocktail.

 

Frappe Facts and Trivia

  • Accidental Invention: Frappé was invented by accident in 1957 by a Nescafé employee who was trying to make an instant coffee drink at a trade fair in Greece.
  • Instant Coffee Only: The original recipe uses instant coffee because it dissolves quickly, but you can experiment with other types if you're feeling adventurous.
  • Greek Staple: In Greece, frappé is often considered the unofficial national drink, especially during the summer months.
  • Worldwide Sensation: Frappé has grown beyond Greece, and there are variations in other European countries, and even the United States, where it's served with whipped cream and flavored syrups.