Classic Greek Frappe (Iced Coffee) Recipe • All that's Jas (2024)

FAQs

What is the famous Greek iced coffee? ›

The frappé was invented in 1957 in Thessaloniki through experimentation by Dimitris Vakondios, a Nescafe representative. Frappés are among the most popular forms of coffee in Greece and Cyprus and have become a hallmark of postwar outdoor Greek coffee culture.

But is there a real difference between frappé coffee and Greek frappé? Yes, because the original Greek recipe uses instant coffee, whereas in the rest of the world, frappés are made from any type of coffee. Regardless, the method remains the same: the coffee is shaken with ice cubes.

To make one, add about 2 teaspoons instant coffee (Nescafé is, clearly, the best choice) and 3 to 4 tablespoons or so of cold water to a cup or jar. Add a spoonful of sugar if desired. Use a milk frother to whip until thick, foamy, and light brown. Fill a tall glass halfway with ice, then pour the mixture over the ice.

The Ibrik Or “Greek” Coffee

Greek coffee, also known as “ibrik coffee” has been around – and remained popular – for centuries. It is finely ground coffee made and served from a “briki”, also known as an “ibrik” (a small brass pot with a long handle).

Greek coffee or 'Ellenikos Kafes' is brewed differently (more like Turkish coffee and probably making its way to Europe in Ottoman times). It is thick, black and strong and needs to be made in a special pot called a 'briki' - a small conical pot with a long handle. It's considered an art form and an acquired taste.

The biggest difference between iced coffee and a frappe is that in its basic form, iced coffee is served black over ice. On the other hand, a basic frappe recipe already includes sugar and even milk, if water is not used.

Xanthan gum, a common food additive, is the key to getting that thick, satisfying consistency. I tried making a Frappuccino without xanthan gum and it came out too icy. The coffee also quickly separated from the ice. Both golden syrup and xanthan gum are sold in the baking section of most grocery stores.

The former consists of one or two shots of espresso, shaken in a mixer and served over ice. Freddo cappuccino is the same, but with a thick layer of cold, frothy milk on top. (You can tell the difference between a frappé and a freddo: one has brown froth, the other white.)

You can use either fresh coffee or instant coffee to make a frappe. Fresh coffee has more complex composition than instant coffee and is the better option, since it provides a sweeter and more varied bouquet than the instant coffee brew.

How to drink Greek frappe? ›

Pour the coffee froth over the water in the glass. If desired, add milk to the glass. Use a straw to stir the coffee into the water until it's mixed well. Enjoy sipping your refreshing and energizing Greek frappe.

If you say "frap" and then pause, that is the correct pronunciation.It is also important to note that frappe is not pronounced like "frap", which is an English verb meaning to beat or hit. Be sure to make the "p" sound very soft when saying frappe. Practice saying frappe out loud to get the pronunciation right.

Traditionally, a frappe is made by combining instant coffee, water, sugar and milk in a shaker and shaking until cold and frothy, then serving over ice.

The Frappé we know and love is pronounced 'frap-pay' and when loosely translated from French, it literally means 'iced'. This delicious drink is generally made of water, espresso, sugar, milk, ice and is shaken, blended or beaten to combine the ingredients.

Too little ice and it will be extremely runny and liquid.

Although the freddo espresso, another Greek invention, has become very popular, the frappe, to this date, remains the most popular coffee beverage among Greeks. Frappe became the national coffee beverage of modern Greece around 1979.

Ouzo. If you desire the best Greek drinks, the national drink is where you should start. Ouzo is typically consumed before a meal as an aperitif or after a meal as a digestif. Ouzo has a distinct licorice flavor and is similar to absinthe.

Iced Mocha

This is one of the most popular cold coffee drinks out there. Iced Mocha consists of equal parts espresso, milk, and chocolate syrup. The ingredients are then blended to create a fun summer drink. If you want to add some extra flavor, try adding vanilla or almond extract instead of chocolate.

Greece has a typically Mediterranean climate and is sunny on most days of the year, so the population enjoys iced coffee beverages all year round. “Greece is the country in which you can enjoy sunny days all year long. As a result, people prefer cold beverages.