Freddo Espresso is a refreshing iced coffee delight from Greece. It is made by shaking double shots of espresso with ice to cool, then pouring it over ice cubes and served in a tall glass with a straw.
With its bold espresso flavor, creamy froth, and cool ice, Freddo Espresso is the perfect pick-me-up on a hot summer day.
Freddo Espresso became popular in Greece in the 1990s after Espresso came onto the scene. In fact, it is now so popular in Greece that people view it more as a beverage than a coffee.
How to Make Freddo Espresso?
Here’s the Simple Recipe of Freddo Espresso
Ingredients
- A Double-shot Espresso
- Ice Cubes
- Flavored syrup or sweetener (As per taste)
Step by step Guide
1- Prepare Double Shot Espresso
Traditionally, Freddo Espresso is prepared with a double shot Espresso. Use 16-18 grams of finely ground coffee beans to pull the shot.
Dark roasted beans are used for preparing Freddo Espresso as they pair well with the coolness of ice.
If you prefer a sweet drink add the sweetener now as it will mix easily in the hot espresso drink.
2- Mix Ice and Espresso
Once you’ve got your hot espresso, add it to a cocktail shaker with crushed ice and shake vigorously for 30 to 40 seconds.
In this way, you will create a foamy surface on top of the drink and bring the temperature down.
Drink mixers are necessary equipment since they lower the temperature of Espresso quickly and do not crush ice like blenders.
3- Serve and Enjoy
Next, strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes. And voila, you’ve got yourself a Freddo Espresso!
Preferably serve the drink within 30 seconds otherwise the foamy layer will collapse and the ice will melt which will further dilute your drink.
But wait, there’s more! If you want to get fancy, you can add a splash of milk or even some flavored syrup to take your Freddo game to the next level.
Add milk to make Freddo Cappuccino
You can add a little extra milk to Freddo Espresso to make it creamier and delicious.
To make a Freddo Cappuccino, follow the same steps as a regular Espresso. Shake together a double espresso, ice, and sugar in a cocktail shaker until you get that lovely frothy layer on top.
Then, pour a splash of cold milk into the shaker and shake it well until smooth and silky foam is created. Using whole milk is preferred as it creates a long-lasting foam.
Layer frothed milk over Freddo Espresso to create a milky top. Voila! You’ve made yourself a Freddo Cappuccino.
For the best results, don’t stir the drink. The foamy layer will slowly incorporate into the drink as you savor each sip, creating a sweet and creamy experience.
So, try the Freddo Cappuccino next time you’re in the mood for something extra. Your taste buds will thank you (and probably beg for more).
Read a guide on What is Cappuccino
How is Freddo different from regular iced coffee?
Freddo Espresso is the cooler, more sophisticated cousin of iced coffee.
Instead of just pouring hot coffee over ice and calling it a day, Freddo Espresso is made by shaking a double shot of espresso, ice, and sugar to create a delicious, frothy drink.
Besides the fact that it’s way more fun to say “Freddo” than “iced”, The flavor of Freddo Espresso is not diluted by the addition of ice, unlike regular iced coffee made with drip coffee. Moreover, the shaking process creates a layer of foam on top of the drink, giving it a unique texture and taste.
And let me tell you, it tastes more delicious than regular iced coffee and is a perfect pick-me-up on a hot summer day.
Also Read: 30 different varieties of Espresso drinks
Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap on everything you need to know about making Freddo Espresso at home! This refreshing iced coffee drink from Greece is the ultimate summer cooler that you can enjoy anytime.
Let me know in the comments – have you tried making Freddo Espresso before? Planning to give it a go after reading this? Share your best Freddo Espresso hacks! I’d love to know how yours turns out. Stay chill!
Also, Read the recipe for other Espresso Based Drinks
FAQs
What’s the difference between frappe and Freddo Espresso?
The main difference between Frappe and Freddo Espresso is that Frappe is made by blending instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk until it becomes frothy and creamy. While Freddo Espresso is a stronger coffee-flavored iced coffee, made by shaking a double shot of espresso with Ice.
I personally always prefer Freddo over Frappe because of the richer coffee taste.
Do Italians drink Freddo Espresso?
While Freddo is a beloved summer staple in Greece, it is not a traditional Italian coffee drink. Italian coffee culture is steeped in tradition, with espresso, cappuccino, and macchiato being the most popular beverages.
However, Italy is a diverse country with a wide range of coffee preferences. It is not uncommon to find specialty cafes serving drinks inspired by other coffee cultures, such as Greece’s Freddo.
Is Freddo Espresso sweet?
Traditionally, Sugar is added to Freddo Espresso to prepare a sweet and refreshing drink. However, if you are not into sugar you can order plain Freddo Espresso without any sugar or sweeteners.
How much Caffeine is in Freddo Espresso?
As Freddo Espresso is prepared with a double shot Espresso it has around 120-133 mg of caffeine.
how many calories are in a Freddo espresso?
Straight Freddo Espresso without any sweetener or milk has almost no calories.
There are 20 calories in a teaspoon of sugar and around 100 calories in 100 mL of milk. So, a serving of Freddo Cappuccino has around 100-150 calories.
Freddo Espresso Recipe
Equipment
- Espresso machine
- Cocktail Shaker or Drink Mixer
Ingredients
- A Double shot Espresso
- Ice Cubes
- Flavored syrup or sweetener (As per taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Espresso: First, Grind the coffee beans and brew yourself a double shot of espresso using the Espresso machine.
- Mix Ice and Espresso: Once you've got your hot espresso, add it to a cocktail shaker with crushed ice and Shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds.
- Serve and Enjoy: Next, strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes. And voila, you've got yourself a Freddo Espresso!
