If coffee were a person, the frappé would be the breezy, beach-loving cousin who always shows up in flip-flops and makes everyone laugh. This frothy, caffeinated creation is as much a staple of Greek summers as sunshine and turquoise waters. But don’t let its chill demeanor fool you—frappé has a story, and it starts with an accident.
A Happy Accident: The Origins of the Frapé
The year was 1957, and the setting was the Thessaloniki International Fair. A Nestlé representative was showing off a new instant chocolate drink for kids that you could make by shaking it with cold milk. Meanwhile, a man named Dimitris Vakondios, an employee at the event, was in desperate need of coffee but had no hot water.
Necessity being the mother of invention, Dimitris borrowed the shaker, tossed in some instant coffee, cold water, and sugar, and gave it a vigorous shake. The result? A frothy, chilled coffee unlike anything anyone had tasted before. And just like that, the frappé was born—not in a hip café, but in the middle of a fair, in a moment of caffeinated improvisation.
Since then, the frappé has become a symbol of Greek coffee culture. It’s not just a drink; it’s a lifestyle. Sipping a frappé is practically a national pastime in Greece, where it’s as much about savoring the moment as it is about getting your caffeine fix.
What Makes a Frapé Special?
The frappé is deceptively simple yet undeniably unique. It’s made with just three main ingredients—instant coffee, water, and sugar—but its trademark foam is what sets it apart. That creamy, frothy layer isn’t just for show; it’s the heart and soul of the drink.
Unlike other iced coffees, which might use brewed coffee or espresso, the frappé relies on instant coffee for its signature taste and texture. The result is bold, slightly bitter, and incredibly refreshing—especially on a hot day.
How to Make the Perfect Frapé
The frappé doesn’t need fancy equipment or exotic ingredients. All you need is a shaker (or a jar with a lid) and a bit of enthusiasm for shaking things up—literally.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee (classic Nescafé is the traditional choice)
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional, depending on how sweet you like it)
- Cold water (about 1/4 cup for the foam, plus more to fill the glass)
- Ice cubes
- Milk (optional, for a creamier version)
Equipment:
- A shaker, mason jar, or electric milk frother
- A tall glass
- A straw (because sipping a frappé without one just feels wrong)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Foam It Up
Start by adding the instant coffee, sugar, and a splash of cold water (about 1/4 cup) to your shaker or jar. Seal it up tight and shake it like your life depends on it. You’re aiming for a thick, velvety foam that triples in volume. If shaking isn’t your style, you can use an electric milk frother for the same effect. -
Pour and Build
Once your foam is ready, pour it into a tall glass. Add a few ice cubes to keep things cool, then top it off with cold water. Want to mix things up? Add a splash of milk for a creamier frappé, or go full-on dessert mode with sweetened condensed milk. -
Stir and Serve
Give your frappé a gentle stir to combine the foam and liquid, but don’t overdo it—you want to keep that frothy layer intact. Pop in a straw, and you’re ready to sip your way to caffeinated bliss.
Frapé Variations: For Every Mood
The frappé’s simplicity makes it endlessly customizable. Here are a few popular twists:
- Sketos (Plain): No sugar, just coffee and water. For the hardcore purists.
- Metrios (Medium Sweet): A balanced blend with 1-2 teaspoons of sugar.
- Glykos (Sweet): A dessert-level treat with 2+ teaspoons of sugar.
- With Milk: A splash of milk softens the boldness and adds a creamy texture.
- Alcohol-Infused: Add a shot of Baileys or Kahlua for a boozy twist.
Why You’ll Love the Frapé
The frappé isn’t just a drink—it’s a mood. It’s the coffee that reminds you to slow down, take a seat, and enjoy the moment. Whether you’re lounging on a sun-drenched balcony or people-watching at a bustling café, a frappé is your perfect companion.
It’s also one of the most accessible coffee drinks to make. No espresso machines, no fancy grinders—just instant coffee, water, and a little bit of effort. And thanks to its bold flavor and frothy texture, it feels far fancier than it has any right to.
Frapé vs. Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?
Don’t confuse the frappé with your standard iced coffee. While iced coffee is brewed hot and then chilled, the frappé starts cold from the very beginning. This means no melted ice watering it down, and the foam adds an extra layer of texture and flavor that iced coffee can’t match.
The Frappé Lifestyle
Drinking a frappé isn’t just about the caffeine—it’s about taking a moment to relax and enjoy life. In Greece, frappé culture is as much about the social experience as it is about the drink itself. It’s not unusual to see locals lingering over their frappés for hours, chatting, laughing, and watching the world go by.
So, the next time you’re looking for a coffee that’s bold, refreshing, and unapologetically fun, make yourself a frappé. Shake it up, sip it slow, and savor the simple joys of life—just like they do in Greece.