Once again, I am diving into the world of coffee drinks. And what a world it is. I want to introduce you to a coffee with a different dimension. A relatively new cup called a Frappe. A fun summer drink enjoyed by young and old all over the planet.
So, what is a frappe? Doesn’t really sound like a coffee, does it?
In simple terms, a frappe is a creamy, foamy drink made by mixing instant coffee with water in a shaker and pouring the coffee over ice cubes. As a dessert drink, it’s often topped with ice cream or whipped cream.
The Who, What, and Where?
It’s tricky to unearth the origin of most coffee drinks but luckily the frappe is so new we have the who, what, and where.
A Nestle employee, Dimitris Vakondios, noticed a chocolate smoothie-type drink being sold at an International Trade Fair in Greece in 1957 and decided to try the recipe using instant coffee instead of chocolate.
His new coffee became so popular that it was named the Greek national coffee beverage by 1979 and the rest, as they say, is history.
How to Make A Frappe at Home?
A frappe is a creamy, foamy drink made by mixing instant coffee with water in a shaker and pouring the coffee over ice cubes. As a dessert drink, it’s often topped with ice cream or whipped cream. At least, that’s how the coffee started in Greece.
As you’re going to find out soon enough, there is no right way to make a frappe. Since its inception, the coffee recipe has taken on a life of its own. Coffee shops like to substitute the water with milk, ice-cream, even Coca-Cola.
To start you want to mix a tablespoon of instant coffee with a tablespoon of granulated sugar and a ¼ cup of water. Shake your mix until you see the enticing brown foam appear. All that is left is to pour the coffee over a glass full of ice. Remember to top the coffee with ice cream and caramel, or chocolate syrup.
Not Your Average Coffee
The Frappe most of us are familiar with has strayed a little from the popular Greek coffee.
The modern Frappe is made by blending ice cubes, milk, sugar, instant coffee, with a little water, and flavorings such as syrups or sometimes Kahlua. Obviously, the cream toppings and melted chocolate and caramel are a necessity.
As many coffee drinks do, the frappe has taken on a life of its own. See all the variations of a Frappe from CookPad.
Is Frappe Short for Frappuccino?
A common misconception. These two drinks share a similar phrase but have different origins. As described before the frappe comes from Greece but the Frappuccino is a Starbucks branded drink made by combining a milkshake with coffee.
Nowadays they sell Frappuccino at most corner stores in small glass bottles, I’m sure you’ve seen them before.
Finally
Frappe – Greek origins, made with instant coffee and water.
Frappuccino – Starbucks brand coffee.
Variations – Water, milkshake, alcohol, ice cream, Coca-Cola, milk, juice.
I’m sure that inspired you to try a Frappe the next time you have a chance. If you find yourself having to choose between a hot coffee and a frappe topped with ice cream and chocolate on a sunny day, I’m sure you will make the right choice.
If you are making one at home, and are feeling slightly adventurous, try it with Coca-cola or milk instead of the water.
I’ve always seen coffee as a way of bringing people together. Everywhere I go people seem to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and that’s what drives my passion. There’s always a new brew to master, and there’s always a new face to enjoy it with. Hitch a ride with me on a coffee-fueled adventure to find a perfect cup.
