Frappé coffee

A frappé coffee, often referred to as Greek frappé, Nescafé frappé, or simply frappé, is a cherished iced coffee drink in Greece, crafted from instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk. This invigorating beverage was created in 1957 by Dimitris Vakondios, a Nescafé representative, during an experiment at the Thessaloniki International Fair. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of Greek and Cypriot coffee culture, particularly enjoyed in outdoor settings. The term "frappé" is French for a drink chilled with ice, but the Greek version is distinctive due to its use of instant coffee.

Preparing a frappé is relatively simple. You begin by mixing instant coffee, sugar, and a small amount of water to create a thick foam. This frothy blend is then poured into a glass filled with ice cubes, cold water, and optionally, milk. It’s typically served with a straw to help you navigate the bitter foam that rests on top. The instant coffee used in frappés is spray-dried, which means it has low oil content and can produce a substantial foam composed of air bubbles, coffee solids, and water. This foam thickens over time before gradually dissolving.

In Greece, ordering a frappé involves specifying your desired level of sweetness and whether you want milk. The sweetness levels are "glykós" (sweet), "métrios" (medium), and "skétos" (plain). Milk, usually evaporated, isn’t added by default but can be requested. There are also various iterations, such as frappé with milk (frapógalo), frappés made entirely with milk instead of water, and even those enhanced with alcoholic liqueurs or vanilla ice cream. Another popular variation is the Freddo Espresso, considered a more sophisticated version of the frappé.

While frappés are synonymous with Greece and Cyprus, their appeal has permeated worldwide, thanks in part to Greek immigrants, tourists, and events such as the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. You can now find local adaptations of the frappé in places like Bulgaria, Denmark, and Serbia, where they might include ingredients like Coca-Cola, milk, ice cream, and whipped cream.