Personal Area
Frappé definition
On a warm day in Thessaloniki, Greece, in 1957, the frappé was invented, somewhat by accident, by Dimitris Vakondios, a coffee representative. At the Thessaloniki International Fair, finding himself without access to hot water to make his usual coffee, Vakondios sought alternative methods, stumbling across a demonstration for children by another brand rep, which involved shaking ice and water together with a chocolate beverage. By mixing his coffee with cold water and ice cubes, Dimitris had created a drink that was to become hugely popular across Greece and Cyprus up until today - the frappé.
Definition of Frappé
The word frappé originates from the French word for "struck" or "beaten," referring to the blended consistency of this popular coffee drink. The frappé has evolved over time and now encompasses a variety of chilled drinks that may or may not include coffee. All types of frappé share the common feature of being blended to achieve a frothy, iced texture. The most commonly-understood definition of the frappé refers to the coffee-based drink involving ice, milk and sweeteners.
What is a Frappé?
A frappé, in its simplest form, is a chilled, blended beverage. Using the traditional Greek method, it is made by shaking or blending instant coffee, water, and ice. The result is a refreshing, frothy drink that is perfect for hot weather. While the classic Greek frappé is made with instant coffee, the term has broadened to include a variety of blended beverages. These can include:
- Coffee Frappé: Blended with brewed coffee, ice, milk, and often sweeteners or flavourings.
- Non-Coffee Frappé: Blended with fruits, yogurt, milk or even ice cream, and often combined with sweeteners or syrups.
- Alcoholic Frappé: Blended with spirits, liqueurs, and ice, sometimes with additional flavourings or mixers.
The versatility of the frappé makes it a popular choice across different cultures and preferences.
Tips for Making the Perfect Frappé
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavour, use fresh coffee, milk, and ice.
- Blend Properly: Ensure you blend long enough to achieve a smooth, frothy texture.
- Sweeten to Taste: Customise the sweetness level to your preference. Popular options include sugar, honey, or flavoured syrups.
- Experiment with Flavours: Add different syrups, spices, or even a scoop of ice cream to create unique variations.
Curiosities About the Frappé
Global Variations of the Frappé
While the Greek version remains the most popular, countries around the world have adopted and adapted the frappé. In the United States, the frappé is often associated with the ‘frappuccino’, a name now trademarked by Starbucks to mean the blend of coffee, ice, milk, and syrups.
There’s also the New England Frappe - a thick milkshake made with ice cream.
Non-coffee Frappes
Many coffee shop chains have now expanded their menus to include a variety of non-coffee based frappes, often including flavours such as chocolate, caramel and pistachio, as well as plenty of fruit-based flavours for those seeking caffeine-free alternatives.
Whether you're looking for a quick caffeine boost, a refreshing summer drink, or a versatile base for culinary experimentation, the frappé offers endless possibilities.
