Easy recipe for how to make iced cappuccino coffee, also known as freddo cappuccino in Greece. The best caffeinated summer drink!
Is there anyone who's visited Greece and hasn't noticed the Greek people drinking iced coffee at coffee shops?
And not only during the summer, but throughout the year! In a country full of coffee lovers freddo cappuccino and freddo espresso are the stars of the coffee scene.
These iconic beverages bring together the rich heritage of traditional Greek frappe (Greek iced coffee made with instant coffee granules and cold water) with a refreshing twist, offering a healthy dose of caffeine and the coolness of ice.
However, to enjoy this kind of frappuccino, you don't have to visit Starbucks. Making refreshing glass of homemade iced cappuccino is easier then you think.
What is cappuccino coffee?
The traditional cappuccino is made by brewing 2 ounces (60 ml) of espresso and then adding approximately the same quantity of steamed, foamy milk. Optionally, you can add the sweetener of your choice.
For more details, you can watch this YouTube video for how to make a cappuccino.
What is iced cappuccino?
Iced Cappuccino or freddo cappuccino is a type of cold coffee beverage that originated in Greece. It is a popular variation of the traditional cappuccino, which is served hot. The name "freddo" comes from the Italian word for "cold."
Freddo Cappuccino is made by combining iced espresso with frothed cold milk and (optionally) a sweetener. It is often served in a tall glass and can be topped with a dollop of whipped cream, cinnamon or chocolate powder.
The result is a refreshing and creamy coffee drink with a strong coffee flavor and a foamy texture.
This iced cappuccino coffee is enjoyed as a popular summer beverage in Greece and has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well.
Many Greeks have it for breakfast with a sesame bagel (koulouri) or a piece of Spanakopita (Greek spinach pie) while other enjoy it as a refreshing afternoon snack plain or paired with a sweet treat like a slice of one bowl easy apple crumble pie or a chewy tahini and olive oil chocolate chunk cookie.
Is it the same as frappuccino?
Frappuccino is a line of blended iced coffee drinks sold by Starbucks. It may consist of coffee or crème base, blended with ice and ingredients such as flavored syrups and usually topped with whipped cream and or spices.
In that sense, iced cappuccino is a type of frappuccino.
Ingredients
To make an iced cappuccino coffee you'll need the following simple ingredients:
- A double shot of strong espresso
- Ice cubes
- Cold skim milk (nonfat milk)
- Sweetener of choice (optional)
- chocolate or cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)
- ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient notes:
A shot of espresso is made with 30-40 ml water and 1 espresso capsule or 10 grams ground coffee beans. For the cold version, 2 shots of espresso are required.
For the best results the milk should be UHT skimmed milk. A 2% reduced fat will also work, but it has to be very cold. If you can find a milk that says "barista" on the packaging, choose that, because it will produce a very thick foam.
I don't suggest using cold whole milk because it doesn't froth well.
Cold evaporated milk will also foam when you whip it with the milk frother. After a few minutes, it will become thick and creamy, almost like a loose whipped cream.
For this recipe, use your favorite sweetener (stevia, granulated sugar, maple syrup, honey etc.)
Instructions
Follow this easy step by step guide for how to make this homemade freddo cappuccino recipe:
Step 1:
Brew two shots of strong espresso using your preferred espresso machine. Add the sweetener of your choice (optional) and stir with a spoon. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Step 2:
Fill a glass with ice cubes or crushed ice and pour the espresso over the ice.
At this step you can optionally froth the coffee with a frother (you can also blend it or shake it in a cocktail shaker until frothy). Some baristas do that, while others leave it as is, because the frothed milk sits better on the surface of the coffee.
Step 3:
Pour very cold skim milk in a container and whip up with a frother until you get a cold foam.
Step 4:
Gently spoon the cold milk foam on top of the coffee and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chocolate powder. Serve with a drinking straw.
Before taking your first sip, let the frothy milk mingle with the chilled espresso by lazingly stirring it with a straw. It will make the texture creamier and the taste sweeter, with caramel and buttery notes.
Instruction notes:
Never try to shake, blend or froth the coffee when milk is already added. It will never froth. For the best results, first froth the coffee (optional) and then add the frothed milk.
Iced cappuccino is NOT made with steamed milk. It's made with cold milk, that has been frothed with a frother.
Tip: make ice cubes with coffee. Pour freshly brewed coffee into an ice cube tray and allow it to cool completely. Once frozen, these espresso ice cubes will prevent dilution, ensuring your Freddo Espresso retains its bold flavor.
Serving glass
In many cafes, freddo cappuccino is served in tall glass while in others a shorter wide glass is used.
In any case, any large enough tumbler with capacity more than 10 oz (300 ml) will do.
Variations
With whipped cream:
Instead of milk, you can whip ¼ of a cup heavy cream until light and fluffy and soft peaks form. Pour it gently over your coffee to make this rich and creamy variation. You can also add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract and some confectioners sugar to the heavy cream for more flavor.
This variation is like an iced capp. The term "Iced Capp" typically refers to a specific drink offered by Tim Hortons, a popular Canadian coffee and fast-food chain. It is made by blending coffee, cream, sugar or sweetener, and ice. The result is a thick and creamy iced coffee beverage with a consistency similar to a milkshake.
With ice cream:
For those who appreciate a creamier twist, a dollop of ice cream can be added to the beverage. This indulgent addition not only enhances the flavor but also imparts a luscious creaminess that complements the boldness of the espresso.
For extra coffee flavor use this one-step, no-churn coffee ice cream, Alternatively, follow this recipe for coffee ice cream frappe (frappuccino) for an utterly delicious frozen summer drink.
Vegan and dairy-free
A great idea for those who prefer a plant-based twist is to substitute regular milk with a vegan milk alternative such as oat milk or almond milk. Plant-based milk will not froth as well as regular milk, that's why it's best to first froth the coffee with the ice cubes and then add the milk.
For a creamier version chill a can of coconut cream, scoop out the white solids at the top and whip it to make vegan whipped cream.
These alternatives will add a creamy and nutty flavor profile to your beverage.
With instant coffee
If you don't have an espresso machine at home you can use a Moka pot. Alternatively, you can also use instant espresso powder to make the espresso coffee. I don't suggest using instant coffee granules because you'll make a frappe, not a cappuccino.
Caffeine-free or decaf
This recipe will also work with decaf espresso. So, if you want your drink to be caffeine-free, use that instead.
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a pinch of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top of the frothy layer. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the aroma and complements the flavors of the iced cappuccino.
Food pairing
You can pair iced cappuccino with savory snacks like this croissant dough pizza or this Greek cheese pie with bechamel sauce. However it will shine with anything sweet such as cookies, cakes or ice cream.
Here are some great pairing ideas:
- Greek sesame and olive oil cookies (koulourakia) - vegan
- Greek rice pudding (Rizogalo)
- Greek milk pie with phyllo (easy Bougatsa)
- Homemade cinnamon rolls with white chocolate icing
- Homemade vanilla ice cream (without machine)
- Double white chocolate and vanilla bundt cake
- Olive oil, cocoa and apple cake
For a delicious beverage with less caffeine, make sure to try this homemade iced matcha latte, that's way cheaper than the one from your local coffee shop.
Recipe
Homemade iced cappuccino recipe (Freddo cappuccino)
Equipment
- 1 serving glass
- 1 frother
Ingredients
- 2 shots of freshly brewed espresso (2 to 2.7 ounces total or 60-80 ml)
- 8-10 ice cubes
- 3-4 tablespoons very cold skim milk (45-60 ml)
- Sweetener of choice, optional
- Chocolate powder or ground cinnamon, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Brew two espresso shots, add the sweetener of your choice (optional) and stir with a spoon. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Fill a glass with the ice cubes (or crushed ice) and pour the espresso over them.At this step you can optionally froth the coffee with a frother. Some baristas do that, while others leave it as is.
- Pour the skim milk in a container and whip up with a handheld frother until you get a thick foam.
- Gently spoon the cold milk foam on top of the coffee and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chocolate powder. Serve with a drinking straw.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ
No, an iced cappuccino is not the same as a latte, although they may share some similarities. While both beverages contain espresso and milk, there are key differences in their preparation and ratios of ingredients.
An iced cappuccino follows the same principles as a regular cappuccino but is served cold. It is made by brewing espresso, allowing it to cool, and then pouring it over ice. The espresso is then topped with equal parts cold milk and foam. This creates a refreshing and frothy drink with the distinct layers of espresso, cold milk, and foam.
In contrast, an iced latte follows a similar process as a regular latte. It involves pouring espresso over ice and then adding cold milk with minimal foam. This results in a smoother and less frothy beverage compared to an iced cappuccino.
While both the Iced Capp and frappe are cold coffee drinks, they differ in their specific ingredients and preparation methods. The Iced Capp tends to have a creamier and thicker consistency, while a frappe is typically lighter and more frothy.
Additionally, the term "frappe" is often used generically to refer to any blended or iced coffee drink in various parts of the world, whereas the term "Iced Capp" specifically refers to the drink offered by Tim Hortons.
When you order a freddo cappuccino in Greece, you'll be asked about the sweetness level. This is because the sweetener is added by the barista when the coffee is still warm in order to dissolve better.
The most common level of sweetness are:
"Sketo" which means plain and it doesn't include any sweetener.
"Metrio" which means medium. Usually you add 2 teaspoons sugar or the equivalent sweetener.
"Gliko" which means sweet. This refers to a freddo cappuccino with 4 teaspoons sugar or the equivalent sweetener.
Maria
I made it with cold condensed milk (that was what I had at the moment) and it was very good. First time I made an iced cappuccino at home 🙂
Makos
That's great!