Greek frappé is a popular and refreshing iced coffee drink that originated in Greece. It has become an iconic part of Greek café culture and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.

Greek Iced Coffee

Greek frappé is made by vigorously shaking instant coffee, sugar, and a small amount of water in a shaker or blender until it becomes frothy. This frothy coffee mixture is then poured into a glass filled with ice cubes. Milk or water can be added to adjust the strength and consistency of the frappé based on personal preference.

The shaking process creates a creamy foam layer on top of the iced coffee. This foam, known as “kaimaki,” is one of the signature characteristics of a well-made frappé. The drink itself is usually strong, bold, and slightly sweet, offering a pleasant balance between bitterness and sweetness.

Greek frappé is commonly served with a straw and is often enjoyed on hot summer days as a refreshing pick-me-up. It can be customized by adding milk or sweeteners like sugar or condensed milk to suit individual taste preferences.

Frappé is deeply ingrained in Greek culture and is a social drink that is often shared with friends or enjoyed while socializing at outdoor cafés. It is considered a symbol of relaxation, leisure, and taking a break from the daily routine.

While the classic frappé consists of instant coffee, sugar, water, and ice, there are variations that incorporate different flavors and ingredients. For example, you may find frappés made with chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, or even a scoop of ice cream for added richness and indulgence.

Greek frappé has gained popularity worldwide due to its unique preparation method and refreshing taste. It offers a delightful combination of coffee, foam, and ice, making it a favorite choice for coffee lovers, particularly during warm weather. Whether you’re enjoying it at a café in Greece or recreating the experience at home, Greek frappé is a delightful and satisfying beverage.

How To Make Frappé

To make this recipe you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Instant Coffee: Instant coffee is the primary ingredient in Greek frappé. It provides the rich and robust coffee flavor that is characteristic of this drink. The instant coffee dissolves easily in water, making it convenient for preparing the frappé.
• Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the frappé and helps balance the bitterness of the coffee. The amount of sugar can be adjusted according to personal preference. You can add more or less sugar based on how sweet you prefer your frappé to be.
• Cold Water: Cold water is used to dissolve the coffee and sugar mixture, creating the base of the frappé. It also helps to cool down the drink and ensures a refreshing temperature.
• Ice Cubes: Ice cubes are added to the glass to chill the frappé and provide a refreshing, icy texture. They help keep the drink cool and enhance the overall experience, especially on hot summer days.
• Milk (optional): Milk is an optional addition to Greek frappé. Adding milk creates a creamier texture and adds a touch of richness to the drink. You can add milk according to your taste preference, whether you like it with a little creaminess or prefer a stronger coffee flavor.

Once you’ve gathered the ingredients, we will use the following process:

• In a shaker or blender, add the instant coffee and sugar.
• Pour in a small amount of cold water, just enough to cover the coffee and sugar.
• Shake or blend vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the mixture becomes frothy and creamy. The shaking process is essential for creating the signature foam (kaimaki) of the frappé.
• Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
• Pour the frothy coffee mixture over the ice cubes, including the foam.
• Add cold water to the glass, leaving some space for milk if desired.
• Stir gently to mix the coffee, water, and foam together.
• If desired, add a splash of milk to taste. This step is optional and can be adjusted based on personal preference.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Greek frappé!

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Frappé

Choose the Right Instant Coffee: The type of instant coffee you use will greatly impact the flavor of your frappé. Look for a quality instant coffee with a bold and rich flavor. Greek brands like Nescafé Classic or Loumidis are commonly used for authentic frappés.

Adjust the Sweetness: The amount of sugar you add to your frappé can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Start with a small amount and gradually add more if desired. You can also use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Use Cold Water: When mixing the instant coffee and sugar, use cold water. Cold water helps dissolve the coffee and sugar more effectively, ensuring a smooth and well-blended mixture.

Shake Vigorously: The key to achieving the frothy and creamy foam (kaimaki) on top of the frappé is to shake it vigorously. Use a shaker or a blender to vigorously shake the coffee mixture for about 10-15 seconds until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for the authentic frappé experience.

Experiment with Milk: While traditional frappé is made with water, you can experiment by adding milk to your frappé if you prefer a creamier taste. Adjust the ratio of coffee to milk based on your preference, whether you want it stronger or milder.

Choose the Right Glass: Serve your frappé in a tall glass filled with ice cubes. The glass should be able to accommodate the coffee mixture and leave room for the foam on top. A clear glass can showcase the layers of the frappé beautifully.

Customize with Flavors: Feel free to add flavors to your frappé to make it your own. You can add a splash of vanilla extract, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a scoop of ice cream to create different variations and enhance the flavor profile.

Enjoy Slowly: Sip your frappé slowly and savor the flavors. The foam layer will keep the drink cool and refreshing. You can use a straw to enjoy the frappé and gradually mix the foam with the coffee as you go.

FAQs

What to Serve With Greek Frappé

Biscotti: The crunchy texture of biscotti pairs well with the creamy and frothy frappé. Dip the biscotti into the frappé for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Baklava: This sweet and nutty pastry is a classic Greek dessert that complements the flavors of a frappé. The rich and syrupy baklava provides a decadent contrast to the refreshing coffee drink.

Fresh Fruit: Serve a platter of fresh fruits such as grapes, watermelon, or oranges alongside your frappé. The juicy and refreshing fruits can provide a light and vibrant accompaniment.

Greek Yogurt with Honey: Enjoy a bowl of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey alongside your frappé. The creamy and tangy yogurt complements the coffee flavors, while the sweetness of honey adds a touch of indulgence.

Cheese and Olives: Create a small charcuterie-style board with a selection of Greek cheeses and olives. The salty and savory flavors of feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and other Greek cheeses can complement the frappé.

Loukoumades: These fluffy Greek honey dumplings are a delightful dessert choice to serve with your frappé. The warm, golden loukoumades dipped in honey add a touch of sweetness to your coffee break.

Toasted Pita Bread with Tzatziki: Cut pita bread into triangles, toast them until crisp, and serve them with a side of creamy tzatziki sauce. The tangy tzatziki and the crunch of the pita chips make a tasty and refreshing combination with the frappé.

Mini Spanakopita: These savory Greek pastries filled with spinach and feta cheese can be a savory accompaniment to your frappé. They provide a satisfying bite-sized snack option.

Greek Frappé Iced Coffee

If you love this easy recipe please click the stars below to give it a five star rating and leave a comment! Pease also help me share on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

Click here to view the web story for this recipe!

CONNECT WITH SWEET C’S!
Be sure to follow me on social media and get in on all the fun!

Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30 minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!