You’ve probably heard the word “frappe” at coffee shops and wondered about it. Is a frappe a coffee? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no, and it depends on where you are in the world. This guide will clear up the confusion and explain everything you need to know about this popular drink.
We’ll look at its history, how it’s made, and how it compares to other iced coffees. By the end, you’ll be a frappe expert.
Is A Frappe A Coffee
To understand if a frappe is a coffee, we need to define both terms. Coffee is a brewed drink made from roasted coffee beans. A frappe, in its original form, is a specific type of iced coffee beverage. So, yes, a traditional frappe is absolutely a coffee drink. However, modern usage has blurred the lines. Today, many drinks called “frappes” might not contain coffee at all, using alternatives like tea or even just fruit and cream.
The Origin Story: A Happy Accident in Greece
The coffee frappe was invented by chance. It happened at the 1957 Thessaloniki International Fair in Greece. A Nestlé representative named Dimitris Vakondios was demonstrating a new chocolate drink for children that was made by shaking instant chocolate powder with milk in a shaker.
Wanting his own coffee break, but having no hot water available, he mixed instant coffee with cold water and ice in the shaker instead. The result was a frothy, cold coffee drink. This happy accident created what Greeks now call the “Greek frappe,” a national treasure.
The name comes from the French word “frapper,” which means “to hit” or “to chill.” It perfectly describes the method of shaking the drink to create its signature foam.
How a Traditional Greek Frappe is Made
The authentic version is simple and relies on a few key ingredients. You won’t find complex syrups or blenders in the original recipe.
- Instant Coffee: This is non-negotiable. Greek frappes use spray-dried instant coffee, which creates the best foam.
- Cold Water: A small amount is used to dissolve the coffee initially.
- Sugar (Optional): Added to taste before shaking.
- Ice Cubes: Lots of them.
- Milk (Optional): A little evaporated or fresh milk can be added after shaking.
The magic is in the method. The coffee, water, and sugar are shaken vigorously in a cocktail shaker or mixed with a handheld milk frother until a thick, brown foam forms. This foam is poured into a tall glass, ice is added, and then cold water and optionally milk are poured in. The foam sits on top, creating layers.
The Importance of the Foam
For a Greek frappe, the foam is everything. It’s not just for looks. The foam holds the intense flavor of the instant coffee and slowly blends with the water and ice as you drink. This gives the drink a long-lasting taste and a creamy texture without any dairy. If your frappe doesn’t have this thick foam, it’s not a true Greek frappe.
The American Evolution: The Frappuccino
When the frappe concept traveled to America, it changed dramatically. The biggest influence came from a coffee shop chain named Starbucks. They trademarked the term “Frappuccino,” a portmanteau of “frappe” and “cappuccino.”
This drink is very different from its Greek ancestor. It moved away from the simple shaken method to a blended, dessert-like creation.
- Base: Often uses a coffee frappuccino base syrup or frap roast (a strong coffee concentrate) instead of instant coffee.
- Method: Always blended with ice in a high-powered blender, not shaken.
- Texture: Smooth, slushy, and uniform, without the separate foam layer.
- Add-ins: Loaded with syrups, sauces (like caramel or mocha), whipped cream, and toppings.
This is where the question “is a frappe a coffee” gets tricky. While a Coffee Frappuccino contains coffee, Starbucks and other cafes also sell “Creme Frappuccinos.” These are coffee-free versions made with a cream base and flavors like vanilla bean or strawberries. So in the U.S., “frappe” often means a blended, milkshake-style drink that may or may not have coffee.
Frappe vs. Other Iced Coffee Drinks
It’s easy to mix up all the cold coffee options. Here’s how a frappe stands out.
Frappe vs. Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is straightforward. It’s regular hot-brewed coffee that has been cooled and poured over ice. It’s simple, liquid, and doesn’t have foam or a blended texture. A frappe, whether Greek or American, is specifically aerated (shaken or blended) to create a frothy or thick consistency.
Frappe vs. Iced Latte
An iced latte is made with espresso and cold milk, poured over ice. It’s not shaken or blended, so it remains a layered, liquid drink. A frappe always involves agitation to create its character.
Frappe vs. Smoothie
This comparison is mainly for American-style frappes. Both are blended and cold. The key difference is the base ingredient. A coffee frappe has a coffee base, while a smoothie typically uses fruit, yogurt, or juice. However, a “creme” frappe can be almost identical to a milkshake or smoothie.
How to Make Both Types at Home
You can easily recreate both classic styles in your own kitchen. No fancy equipment is needed for the Greek version.
Authentic Greek Frappe Recipe
You will need a shaker, french press, or a small jar with a tight lid. A handheld milk frother works best.
- Add 2 teaspoons of instant coffee, 2 teaspoons of sugar (or to taste), and 2 tablespoons of cold water to your shaker.
- Shake very hard for 15-30 seconds, or use the frother, until you have a thick, light brown foam with no liquid underneath.
- Pour the foam into a tall glass.
- Add ice cubes to fill the glass.
- Pour cold water (and a splash of milk if you like) slowly into the glass, leaving the foam on top.
- Insert a straw and enjoy immediately.
American-Style Blended Coffee Frappe Recipe
For this, you’ll need a good blender.
- Brew ½ cup of strong coffee or espresso and let it cool. You can also use 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee dissolved in ½ cup of cold water.
- Add the coffee, 1 cup of ice, ½ cup of milk, and 2 tablespoons of sugar or syrup (chocolate, caramel, etc.) to the blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and slushy. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add more ice.
- Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and a drizzle of syrup if desired.
Global Variations on the Frappe
Different cultures have put there own spin on the frappe idea.
- In parts of New England (USA), “frappe” is a regional term for a milkshake that includes ice cream, further confusing the coffee connection.
- In Cyprus, they love their frappes just as much as in Greece, often served with a side of water.
- In Southeast Asia, you might find frappes made with local robusta coffee and sweetened condensed milk, creating a rich and potent version.
- Many cafes worldwide now offer “protein frappes” or “superfood frappes,” using the blended format as a vehicle for health supplements, often without coffee.
Nutritional Considerations
The nutritional profile of a frappe varies wildly. A traditional Greek frappe with just coffee, water, and a little sugar is low in calories and fat. It’s a simple, refreshing drink.
An American-style blended frappe from a coffee shop is a different story. With whole milk, sweet syrups, and whipped cream, it can contain:
- High amounts of sugar (sometimes 50+ grams).
- Significant calories (comparable to a dessert).
- Saturated fat from whipped cream and syrups.
If you’re watching your intake, you can ask for modifications like non-fat milk, sugar-free syrup, and skipping the whipped cream. A homemade version lets you control exactly what goes in.
Common Mistakes When Making a Frappe
Even simple drinks can go wrong. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Using brewed coffee for a Greek frappe. It won’t create the right foam. Stick to instant.
- Not shaking or blending enough. This results in a weak, separated drink without the proper texture.
- Adding too much liquid initially. For the Greek style, start with a small amount of water just to dissolve the coffee for shaking.
- Using warm coffee in a blended frappe. This will melt the ice too quickly and make a watery mess. Always ensure your coffee is cold.
The Cultural Significance of the Frappe
In Greece, the frappe is more than a drink; it’s a social ritual. It’s associated with leisure, friendship, and long, relaxing conversations at cafes by the sea. It’s consumed slowly, often for hours. The drink’s longevity—thanks to the foam slowly mixing—supports this leisurely pace.
The American frappuccino culture is different. It represents convenience, customization, and a treat. It’s often a grab-and-go item or a sweet reward. Both versions, though different, have become iconic in their own regions.
FAQ Section
What is the difference between a frappe and a Frappuccino?
A frappe traditionally refers to the Greek shaken coffee drink. A Frappuccino is a Starbucks trademark for their line of blended, often coffee-based, beverages. “Frappuccino” is a brand name, while “frappe” is a more general term, though Starbucks’s popularity has made the terms interchangeable for many people.
Can a frappe have no coffee in it?
Yes, absolutely. Many modern cafe menus include “creme” frappes that use a base without coffee. These are flavored with things like vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry and are essentially milkshakes. So while the original frappe is a coffee drink, the category has expanded.
Is a frappe just a blended iced coffee?
Not exactly. A blended iced coffee is just that—coffee and ice blended together. A true frappe, in either style, involves creating a foam or emulsion. The Greek style uses shaking to make foam from instant coffee, and the American style uses blending to combine ingredients into a uniform, thick slush. The process is key.
Why is my homemade frappe not frothy?
For a Greek frappe, the lack of froth usually means you didn’t shake or mix it long enough, or you didn’t use instant coffee. For a blended type, it might be that your ratios are off—too much liquid or not enough ice. Make sure your blender is powerful enough to crush the ice completely.
Are frappes considered coffee?
This depends on the specific drink. A traditional Greek frappe is definitively a coffee beverage. A Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino is also a coffee drink. However, any “frappe” labeled as “creme” or made with a non-coffee base is not a coffee drink; it’s a blended cream beverage. Always check the ingredients if your unsure.
Final Thoughts
So, is a frappe a coffee? The origin is firmly in the coffee world, born from instant coffee and water. The classic Greek frappe remains a beloved coffee preparation. However, language and menus evolve. The term has been stretched to cover a wide range of blended, cold drinks, many of which contain no coffee at all.
The best way to know what your getting is to ask or look at the description. Whether you prefer the simple, frothy original or the sweet, blended modern version, there’s a frappe out there for almost every taste. Now you can enjoy them both with a deeper appreciation for there history and craft.