A frappe is a cold, blended drink made by mixing instant coffee, sugar, milk, and ice. You toss it all in a blender until it’s smooth and frothy. Most coffee shops top it with whipped cream and add flavors like vanilla or caramel syrups to make it extra tasty. Some places use espresso instead of instant coffee for a stronger kick. It’s usually served in a tall glass with a straw.
The word “frappe” comes from French, meaning “chilled,” but the drink itself became popular in Greece. It started as a simple mix of instant coffee and cold water and quickly became a favorite summer drink around the world.
The cool thing about frappes is they’re pretty flexible – you can make versions with tea, fruit juices, or even hot chocolate as the base. It’s basically any cold, blended drink that has that signature frothy texture from all the blending and ice.
How to make Frappe?
There’s no standard recipe for frappe – it changes depending on where you are in the world.
Greece (the original): Mix instant coffee, sugar, and water, then add milk. Beat it until it gets frothy.
Bulgaria: They swap the water for soda, giving it a fizzy twist.
Denmark: Use milk instead of water for a creamier base.
Serbia: Add milk or ice cream and top with freshly whipped cream.
America: Blend coffee with milk, sugar, and ice, then pile on the whipped cream. Mocha frappes are huge here.
You can also make them with tea, fruit juice, or hot chocolate instead of coffee. The key is blending everything with ice to get that signature frothy, slushy texture.
Here’s how I like to make a Coffee Frappe
Ingredients
- 2 tsp instant coffee (like Nescafé)
- 2-3 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ cup milk (optional for creamy texture)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Whipped cream or toppings (optional)
For a stronger coffee flavor, use more instant coffee. For a creamy taste, reduce the coffee and add more milk.
Step-by-Step instructions
Step 1: Add Coffee, Sugar, and Water to a Blender
Add instant coffee, sugar, and cold water to your blender or shaker.
If you don’t have a blender, you can use a bowl or a mason jar with a tight lid.
Step 2: Blend Until Frothy
Turn on your blender and blend the coffee mixture for 20 to 30 seconds. You’ll see a thick, bubbly foam form on the surface. That’s exactly what you want. The foam gives the frappe its signature texture.
If you are using a jar, close the lid tightly and shake it like crazy for about 20–30 seconds or if you are using a bowl, blend the mixture with a whisk or a handheld milk frother.
Step 3: Add Ice Cubes
Now, take your tall glass and fill it about halfway with ice cubes. You can also use crushed ice for a thicker texture and slushy feel.
Step 4: Pour the Frothy Mixture Over the Ice
Pour the blended coffee mixture over the ice in your glass. You’ll notice the froth settle on top and the coffee flowing underneath—this layered look is classic in frappes.
Step 5: Add Milk (Optional)
If you like a creamier frappe, now’s the time to pour in cold milk. Add about ½ cup or as much as you prefer.
Step 6: Add Toppings (Optional but Fun!)
Pile on a generous amount of whipped cream. Drizzle with vanilla or chocolate syrup if you’re feeling fancy. Some people add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder too.
Step 7: Sip and Enjoy!
Pop in a straw, give it a gentle stir, and take a sip. Creamy, cold, and flavorful, your homemade frappe is ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips for the Best Frappe
- Everything should be cold – cold water, cold milk, lots of ice. This keeps the foam stable and the drink refreshing. If foam disappears quickly, your water was too warm, or you didn’t whisk long enough
- The more you whisk, the better the foam. It should be thick enough to hold its shape for several minutes.
- Drink it immediately while the foam is still thick and the ice hasn’t melted too much.
Types and Variations of Frappe
You can enjoy frappes in many ways. Here are some popular types:
1. Coffee Frappe
The classic coffee frappe is the original version from Greece. It uses instant coffee, cold water, sugar, and ice and is often served without milk, making it strong, foamy, and refreshing.
2. Mocha Frappe
The mocha or chocolate frappe is a great option if you enjoy a hint of chocolate in your drink. It blends coffee with cocoa powder or chocolate syrup, giving it a rich, chilled mocha taste.
3. Caramel Frappe
The caramel frappe is a popular favorite for those with a sweet tooth. It includes caramel sauce and usually a splash of milk to create a smooth, creamy texture with a sweet finish.
4. Vanilla or Hazelnut Frappe
You can also try flavored frappes like vanilla or hazelnut frappes, which use flavored syrups instead of strong coffee. These are milder in taste and perfect for anyone who prefers a less bitter drink.
5. Fruit Frappe (Non-Coffee)
For a completely caffeine-free option, try a fruit frappe. It’s made with fresh fruit juice, purée, ice, and sweeteners. This version is great for kids or anyone who avoids coffee.
6. Protein Frappe
Another growing trend is the protein frappe. This version mixes coffee, milk, and a scoop of protein powder, making it an ideal post-workout drink. It provides energy, flavor, and nutrition in one glass.
What is the History of Frappe?
The frappe was invented in 1957 in Thessaloniki, Greece, by a Nescafé representative named Dimitris Vakondios.
He was at a trade fair when he ran out of hot water for his usual instant coffee. So, he just tossed together coffee, sugar, and cold water in a shaker, and that’s how the frappe was created. Since then, it’s become a go-to drink in Greece and is super popular around the world.
Over time, the Greek frappe became a cultural icon, especially among young people and coffee lovers. It’s common in Greece, where people gather to sip frappes slowly while chatting or enjoying the sunshine. The drink’s simplicity, strong coffee flavor, and signature foam made it a go-to refreshment in hot weather..
What is the Difference between Frappe and Frappuccino?
A Frappuccino is a Starbucks creation. It’s a sweet, blended drink made with coffee or crème, ice, milk, and flavored syrups, usually topped with whipped cream. It’s more like a dessert in a cup and comes in tons of flavors like Mocha, Caramel, and even seasonal ones like Pumpkin Spice.
Frappes are lighter, stronger in coffee taste, and way less sweet than a Frappuccino.
Check out articles on other iced coffee drinks
Frappe Recipe
Equipment
- Blender or Jar
- Tall Glass
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Instant Coffee
- 1-3 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 cup Cold Water
- 1/2 cup Cold Milk (Optional)
- Crushed Ice or Ice Cubes
- Whipped Cream or toppings (Optional)
- Flavorings (Cocoa Powder, Vanilla, Hazelnut, etc.)
Instructions
- Add instant coffee, sugar, and cold water to a blender or shaker. No blender? Use a mason jar or bowl.
- Blend for 20–30 seconds until a thick foam forms. If using a jar, shake vigorously. You can also whisk or use a milk frother.
- Fill a tall glass halfway with ice cubes or crushed ice for a slushier texture.
- Pour the frothy mixture into the glass. The foam on top and coffee below give it that classic frappe look.
- For a creamier taste, pour in about ½ cup of cold milk—or more, to your liking.
- Add whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate or vanilla syrup. A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder adds a nice touch.
- Pop in a straw, stir gently, and sip your refreshing homemade frappe!
FAQs
Is a frappe just a milkshake?
No, a frappe is not the same as a milkshake. A milkshake is usually made with ice cream and milk, while a frappe is blended with coffee, water, sugar, and ice. Some frappes include milk, but it’s not always included in the recipe.
Is frappe always coffee?
Not always. The traditional frappe is coffee-based, but there are non-coffee versions too. For example: Fruit frappes made with juice or purée, chocolate frappes made without any coffee, and tea-based frappes using matcha or chai. So, if you don’t like coffee, you can still enjoy a frappe.
Are Frappes Healthy?
Frappes can be healthy, but it all depends on your ingredients. A basic version made with instant coffee, cold water, and just a little sugar is usually low in calories and works well as a light beverage. Adding extras like syrups, whipped cream, whole milk, or ice cream quickly turns it into a high-calorie treat. These ingredients add richness and sweetness but also increase fat and sugar levels.
Can I Make A Frappe With Brewed Coffee?
You can make a frappe with brewed coffee instead of instant coffee. This is a great option for those who prefer the richer flavor of freshly brewed coffee or espresso. Make sure the coffee is cooled to room temperature before blending so the ice doesn’t melt too quickly.
