The Traditional Greek Frappé: An Instant Coffee Classic
The story of the frappé is a serendipitous tale born at the Thessaloniki International Fair in Greece in 1957. A Nestlé employee was demonstrating a new instant chocolate drink for children, but during his break, he found himself without access to hot water for his instant coffee. His improvisation led to a discovery: by mixing instant coffee, cold water, and sugar in a shaker, he created a deliciously frothy, iced beverage. This Greek invention, which uses spray-dried instant coffee, relies on the coffee's low oil content to create a stable, thick foam when shaken vigorously. This traditional approach is why, historically and in Greece, a frappe is almost always associated with coffee.
How the Greek Frappé is Made
- Mix: Combine instant coffee, sugar (to taste), and a small amount of cold water in a cocktail shaker or with a handheld frother.
- Shake: Shake vigorously until a thick, rich foam forms, which should be substantial enough to hold a straw upright.
- Pour: Transfer the foamy mixture into a tall glass filled with ice cubes.
- Add: Top with additional cold water and milk if desired. In Greece, milk is traditionally evaporated milk.
Frappe Variations: Beyond the Coffee Base
While the original Greek version is coffee-centric, the global proliferation of the drink has led to numerous interpretations. Many cafes and fast-food chains now offer frappes that don't contain any coffee, catering to a wider audience, including children or those who are caffeine-sensitive. These modern frappes are often more akin to milkshakes, relying on flavored syrups, cream, and a variety of other ingredients to create a creamy, blended drink. The inclusion of ice cream is also a common variation, particularly in regions like Boston, where the term "frappe" traditionally referred to a milkshake. These non-coffee versions are typically blended, not shaken, resulting in a different, thicker consistency than the classic Greek beverage.
Popular Non-Coffee Frappes
- Matcha Frappe: Made by blending matcha green tea powder with milk, ice, and syrup for a creamy, earthy flavor.
- Vanilla Bean Frappe: A simple, dessert-like option using vanilla syrup, milk, and ice.
- Chocolate Frappe: Blends chocolate syrup or cocoa powder with milk and ice for a rich, sweet treat.
- Fruit Frappe: Uses fruit, juice, or flavored syrups to create a sweet, cold, and fruity drink.
Frappe vs. Frappuccino: Clarifying a Common Conundrum
One of the most frequent sources of confusion is the difference between a frappe and a Frappuccino. A key distinction is that "Frappuccino" is a trademarked term by Starbucks, while "frappe" is a more generic and widely used name for a blended iced drink. The two differ in their origins, preparation, and ingredients.
Comparison Table: Frappe vs. Frappuccino
| Feature | Traditional Greek Frappé | Modern Cafe Frappe | Frappuccino (Starbucks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee Type | Instant coffee | Instant, brewed, or espresso, or none at all | Coffee base or cream base (can be coffee-free) |
| Preparation | Shaken to create a thick foam | Often blended until smooth | Blended with a base mix and ice |
| Texture | Frothy foam layered over coffee | Creamy and icy, milkshake-like | Smooth, thick, and milkshake-like |
| Ingredients | Instant coffee, water, sugar, ice, optional milk | Milk/cream, syrups, ice, optional coffee | Base mix, milk, ice, syrups, toppings |
| Toppings | Optional milk | Whipped cream, drizzles, etc. | Whipped cream, drizzles, etc. |
Making Your Own Frappe: The Verdict on Coffee
Ultimately, whether a frappe has coffee in it depends on your personal preference and the style you wish to create. If you are aiming for the classic Greek beverage, coffee is essential. However, if you are simply looking for a blended, creamy iced drink, you have the freedom to add any flavor base you desire, with or without coffee. This versatility is what makes the modern frappe so appealing and adaptable. The next time you're craving a frothy, cold treat, consider your ingredients. If instant coffee, sugar, and cold water are your foundation, you're making a traditional, authentic coffee frappe. If you opt for flavored syrups or matcha, you're enjoying a modern, caffeine-free interpretation.
Conclusion
In short, the answer to whether a frappe is supposed to have coffee in it is both yes and no. The historical and traditional Greek frappe is inherently a coffee drink, famously made with instant coffee. However, the term has evolved significantly, particularly in North America, to include a wide array of blended, iced beverages, many of which are coffee-free. Therefore, if you are in Greece, expect coffee, but if you are at a modern cafe elsewhere, check the menu for both coffee and cream-based options. The frappe's history shows a path from a singular, instant-coffee creation to a diverse family of customizable cold drinks.
For an in-depth look at the differences, you can review the history and types of frappes on the Nescafe UK website.
What is the difference between a frappe and a Frappuccino?
A frappe is a generic term for a blended iced drink, often containing instant coffee, while a Frappuccino is a trademarked Starbucks beverage that can have either a coffee or a creme base and uses brewed coffee or a base mix.
Does a traditional Greek frappe always have coffee?
Yes, the classic Greek frappe, which was invented in 1957, is always made with instant coffee, water, and sugar, and shaken vigorously to create a foam.
Are there any frappes that don't have coffee?
Yes, many modern interpretations of the frappe, especially from large cafe chains, are made without coffee. These often use flavored syrups or a cream base.
Is a McDonald's frappe a coffee drink?
Yes, McDonald's frappes typically contain a coffee base, but they are more similar to a blended Frappuccino with added syrup and cream rather than a traditional Greek frappe.
What type of coffee is used in a frappe?
A traditional Greek frappe uses spray-dried instant coffee, which is key to creating its signature thick foam. Modern cafe versions might use brewed coffee, espresso, or no coffee at all.
Can I make a non-coffee frappe at home?
Yes, you can create a delicious non-coffee frappe at home by blending milk or a milk substitute with ice, flavored syrups, or ingredients like matcha or cocoa powder.
Is a frappe the same as a milkshake?
While some modern, non-coffee frappes can be similar to milkshakes, a traditional frappe is different. A frappe uses a shaken or blended coffee base, whereas a milkshake is typically made with ice cream and milk.
