The Ultimate Frappe Guide: Origins, Recipes, and Variations of the Iced Coffee Classic

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on April 24th, 2023
frappe

Have you ever found yourself asking, “What exactly is a frappe?” Well, you’re not alone! Frappes are delicious, versatile, and known worldwide, but they can be a bit of a mystery.


In this article, we’ll dive into the world of frappes, uncover their origins, and even show you how to make your own at home. So, let’s get started!

The Origins of the Frappe

Once upon a time in the 1950s, a man named Dimitris Vakondios stumbled upon a delightful accident. While attending the International Trade Fair in Greece, he was in the mood for a cup of coffee but didn’t have hot water. So, he improvised by shaking instant coffee with cold water and ice. The result? A frothy, semi-frozen beverage that became an instant hit—quite literally!

From that moment on, the frappe became Greece’s national coffee beverage and spread across the globe. But here’s the cool part: frappes can vary in flavor and preparation, so there’s always room for creativity!

Creating Your Perfect Frappe

Ready to make a frappe at home? Here’s a simple guide to get you started on your frappe adventure:

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons of instant coffee
  • 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup of water
  • Ice cubes
  • Milk (optional)
  • Tall glass

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine instant coffee, granulated sugar, and water.
  2. Shake it like you mean it! Aim for about 10 seconds to create a light brown foam on top.
  3. Grab your tall glass and fill it with ice cubes.
  4. Pour the frothy mixture over the ice.
  5. If you’re feeling extra fancy, add a splash of milk. It’s optional, but it adds a creamy touch.
  6. Add more water to reach your desired level, give it a quick stir, and voilà! A refreshing frappe just for you.

Customize Your Frappe:

  • Sweetness Levels: Choose from glykos (sweet), metrios (medium), or sketos (plain) by adjusting the sugar.
  • Frapogalo: Add evaporated milk for a creamy twist.
  • Unique Flavors: Replace water with Coca-Cola, coffee liqueur, or even ice cream for an innovative take on the frappe!

Frappe vs. Frappuccino: What’s the Difference?

starbucks frappe

If you’re wondering about the difference between a frappe and a Frappuccino, here’s a handy comparison table to clear things up:

DrinkOriginMain IngredientsCoffee Content
Traditional FrappeGreeceInstant coffee, sugar, water, iceYes
New England FrappeNew EnglandCreamy desserts, milk, flavoringsNo
FrappuccinoStarbucksIce, sugar, milk, espresso, syrupsYes

As you can see, while a frappe is a Greek iced coffee drink, a Frappuccino is a trademarked beverage by Starbucks that combines elements of a cappuccino with a Boston frappe (which is similar to a milkshake but without coffee). Whether you prefer the traditional Grecian style or the modern Frappuccino, there’s a version for every coffee lover!

Wrapping Up

And there you have it—a crash course on the fabulous frappe! Whether you prefer the traditional Grecian style or want to experiment with new flavors, frappes are a perfect summer quencher. So go ahead, shake things up, and enjoy your beverage!

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something cool and caffeinated, remember the frappe and its fascinating history. Who knows, maybe you’ll even create your own unique twist on this classic drink. After all, that’s the beauty of the frappe—it’s all about exploring and enjoying new flavors. Cheers to your frappe journey!

crazy

Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.