Learn how to make Greek frappe. A bold, frothy, satisfying Greek iced coffee drink that's both simple and refreshing. The best part? It only takes 3 ingredients and 3 minutes.
I used to make a frappe for my dad, every night after dinner (yes, after dinner!) and he slpet like a baby afterwards 🤷. But let's get this straight: we're not talking about a whipped cream-heavy milkshake like this homemade frappuccino (coffee ice cream frappe recipe).
A frappe (also called café frappe) is a classic Greek iced coffee made from spray-dried instant coffee and water. Invented in Thessaloniki, Greece in the 1950s, this foamy, ice-cold drink quickly became a summer essential for every Greek household. Year's after that, in the early 2000s, a similar drink called Dalgona coffee, was invented and gained immense popularity around 2020.
Greek Frappe coffee is refreshing, energizing, and surprisingly foamy thanks to the instant coffee's unique chemistry when shaken or blended. If coffee is your kryptonite, don't miss this freddo espresso recipe, the modern version of frappe, and this recipe for the traditional Greek coffee (made in a pot).
📋 Ingredient notes
To make this Greek frappé recipe you'll need the following ingredients:
Instant coffee. The most popular brand in Greece is Nescafé, however you can make it with any type of spray-dried instant coffee. Personally, I prefer making this drink with instant espresso powder, but for the sake of authenticity I used the traditional coffee for the photos and video.
Water: Cold water should be used for the best results.
Sweetener: This is optional and will depend on how you prefer your coffee. You can use sugar, honey or another sweetener like stevia.
Ice cubes
Milk: This is optional, and should be added after the frappe is shaken.
👨🍳 Expert Tips
Want to learn how to make how to make a coffee frappe the right way? Just follow these easy tips!
👉 A bit of granulated white sugar will give you thicker foam that lasts longer.
👉 Milk will prevent the coffee from creating a thick foam. That's why you should always add it last, after shaking or blending.
👉 If you're using a shaker and have trouble with the coffee granules dissolving in the water, add a few ice cubes before shaking.
👉 If making more than 2 servings, you can use a blender, and divide the foam between the glasses.
🎥 Video
🎵 Music on Video: Outside Musician: @iksonmusic
📖 Recipe
Frappe Recipe: Greek Iced Coffee Drink
Equipment
- 1 shaker or frother
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee (see note#1)
- ⅔ cups (160 g) cold water
- 5 ice cubes
- Sweetener ( optional, see note#2)
- Milk (optional, see note#3)
Instructions
With an electric milk frother (Greek Frappe Mixer)
- To a tall glass, add 2-3 tablespoons of cold water, the instant coffee and the sweetener (if using).
- Blend with a milk frother until thick and foamy. Move the frother up and down using small motions, but avoid lifting it too high - the foam will expand too much. You want a thick, creamy, luscious foam with tiny bubbles. Avoid large air bubbles, as they will make the foam weak.
- Add the ice cubes and pour in more cold water and milk if you like.
With a shaker (or jar)
- Add the instant coffee, sweetener (if using), a splash of cold water and 2-3 ice cubes to a cocktail shaker or a jar with a tight lid.
- Shake like you're dancing in Mykonos, for about 15-30 seconds.
- Pour the foam into a tall glass over ice and top off with cold water and milk if you prefer.
Notes
- Sketos: no sugar or other sweetener
- Metrios (medium sweet): Equal amount of coffee to sugar (or the equivallent sweetener), measured by volume (teaspoons).
- Glykos (sweet): Double the amount of sugar to coffee.
More coffee recipes to try:
Nutrition
💭 FAQs
A frappé is a Greek iced coffee made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and sometimes milk, shaken or blended until frothy and served over ice. It's light, foamy, and can range from bitter to sweet depending on how much sugar you add. It's especially popular in Greece and Cyprus as a refreshing summer drink.
A Frappuccino, on the other hand, is a Starbucks creation. It's a blended coffee (or crème-based) drink made with espresso or coffee, milk, ice, flavored syrups, and topped with whipped cream. It's much sweeter, creamier, and often more of a dessert than a coffee.
Try this homemade homemade frappuccino (coffee ice cream frappe) to save yourself the trip to Starbucks!
This Greek iced coffee drink is more than a caffeine fix. It's a lifestyle! Greeks sip it slowly, often over deep conversations and seaside views. It's about slowing down, savoring the moment, and connecting.
If you tried this Greek frappe recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
George says
Even though many people prefer the freddo espresso today, I still drink this, just like you describe it in the recipe!
cousteau says
This recipe is the closest one I could find to the one the Greek guy at my office uses, so it's probably the proper one. Many other "frappe" recipes I've seen call for blending/crushing the ice, using brewed coffee (that's a different thing, apparently), mixing with the ice in, or some other weird variations. I'm gonna trust this one.
Makos says
Hi Cousteau, if you’re searching for Greek frape then yes, this is it! 😊
Eleni says
Another great recipe with valuable tips! Thanks for sharing