The hot summer days are upon us, and what better way to cool off than with a refreshing Greek Frappe?
This delicious iced coffee drink has become an iconic symbol of Greece and is loved by locals and tourists alike. But you don’t have to travel to Greece to enjoy a perfectly frothy and refreshing Frappe!
Quick Answer: What is a Greek Frappe?
A Greek Frappe is an iced coffee made with instant coffee, sugar, and water, which are mixed together to create a frothy foam on top. The drink can be served plain or with milk.
In this article, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about this delightful beverage, from the various versions you can try to the best coffee you can use. Let’s get started!
What is a Greek Frappe?
As mentioned above, a Greek Frappe is a famous iced coffee originating from Greece. It’s made by mixing instant coffee, sugar, and water in a shaker or blender until frothy and served over ice.
You can also add milk if you want to make it creamy.
Greek Frappes are commonly found in cafes all over Greece and have become essential to the country’s coffee culture.
There are a few ways to make a Greek Frappe at home, with various sweetness levels. I’ll cover these in the article below.
What is a Greek Frappe made of?
A Greek Frappe consists of only four main ingredients, which you probably already have at home:
- Instant coffee (Nescafe is used in Greece)
- White granulated sugar
- Cold water
- Ice cubes
Optionally, you can finish your Frappe with a splash of cold milk, which I’ll also cover in the recipe card further down.
What sweetness variations are there?
There are three main variations that you can make, all with a different sweetness level.
Below, I’ve listed the variations that you can choose from, depending on how sweet you like your coffee.
| Name of the variation: | How much sugar? | Sweetness level: |
| Sketos | No sugar added | Low |
| Metrios | 1 to 2 tsp (4 to 8 grams) | Medium |
| Glykos | 2 to 4 tsp (8 to 16 grams) | High |
I’d always suggest making this Greek Frappe with 2 tsp (3.5 grams) of instant coffee and some sugar, as listed above.
You could also make a less strong version by only adding 1 tsp (1.8 grams) of instant coffee.
However, when I tried this, the coffee came out a little too bland and didn’t have enough coffee flavor, although you could always make a smaller version with less water if you prefer.
Which coffee is best used for this recipe?
To make an authentic Greek Frappe, I recommend using Nescafe instant coffee.
This type of instant coffee closely resembles the original recipe and is widely used by Greeks in making their Frappes.
Other types of instant coffee may not produce the same taste and texture as Nescafe, so it is best to stick with this brand for an authentic result.
However, feel free to experiment with different types of instant coffee if you prefer a different taste.
For example, I’ve also made it with Frappe using Douwe Egberts instant coffee, and the flavor was pretty good.
However, it doesn’t have the same strength and slight punch as the Nescafe version.
Tip: To learn all about the differences between instant coffee and espresso powder, check out this article!
How do you make a Greek Frappe?
Making a Greek Frappe is almost as delightful as drinking it. To prepare this frothy delight, a small amount of cold water, instant coffee, and sugar (if preferred) is vigorously shaken or blended until a thick, creamy foam is achieved.
This is then poured over ice in a tall glass and topped off with more cold water or milk.
You can also make this drink using a handheld milk frother. These small machines can easily make this frothy goodness in just a few seconds.
Below, I’ve made an overview of the options you have when it comes to froth the instant coffee:
- Use a cocktail shaker (or simply a jar with a lid)
- Blend the mixture in a blender
- Use a handheld milk frother
If you’re looking for a good milk frother, you can look at this list I made, which covers the best milk frothers!
Now that you have all the information needed, here’s how to make a Greek Frappe at home:
Easy Greek Frappe
This easy-to-make recipe will make an incredible Greek Frappe you can enjoy whenever you prefer!
Ingredients
- 2 tsp (3.5 grams) of instant coffee
- 2 tsp (8 grams) of white granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (0.18 l) of cold water
- Ice cubes
- Optionally: a splash of milk
Instructions
- Begin by adding the instant coffee, your preferred amount of sugar, and a splash of water to a glass. (Check the notes below for the different sweetness levels)
- Froth the mixture until it's thick and foamy.
- Then, I fill a tall glass with some ice cubes. I like to fill it halfway.
- Pour the foamy coffee mixture into the glass and top with the remaining water.
- You can finish the drink with a splash of milk if you prefer (this will make it less coffee-forward)
- Serve your Greek Frappe with a straw and enjoy it as soon as possible!
Notes
To make this Greek Frappe perfectly fit your taste, you can choose a sweetness level below:
- Sketos (No sugar added)
- Metrios (1-2 tsp or 4-8 grams)
- Glykos (2-4 tsp or 8-16 grams)
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 33Carbohydrates: 8.4gSugar: 8.4g
I've calculated the number of calories using 2 tsp of white granulated sugar. If you're using a different amount, the calories will differ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, don’t be intimidated by the seemingly complex and elaborate Greek Frappe.
You can easily recreate this refreshing beverage at home with just a few simple ingredients and a shaker or blender.
Remember to experiment with the sweetness levels to find your perfect balance, and don’t hesitate to add your own twists and variations, such as different milk options.
So next time you want to treat yourself or impress your friends with a taste of Greece, grab your coffee shaker and get ready to indulge in this delicious and iconic beverage.
