Beyond the Brew: What Is a Frappe?

If you’ve not tried a frappe for yourself, you’ve definitely seen people drinking them. The frappe is one of the most popular and on-trend coffee orders known for its refreshing blend of coffee, ice and sweetness. It’s the ultimate beverage for revitalising your energy while cooling you down but how did it come about and how can you make one at home? Well, let’s dive into it and discover the history behind the brew.

Why Are Frappes So Popular?

As we’ve said, frappes are one of the most aesthetically pleasing coffee orders you can drink. Inside the cup, the coffee and ice creates a swirly blend that looks delicious and tastes it too. The frappe’s versatility and refreshing creamy taste make it the perfect beverage for sipping on a hot summer day or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

The Origin of the Frappe

The Frappe was created in 1957 at the Thessaloniki International Fair in Greece. A Nestlé representative, Dimitris Vakondios was at the show to showcase the brand’s latest chocolate coffee invention made in a shaker. It was during a break that Vakondios tried to make his own Nescafé Classic but couldn’t get his hands on any hot water so he mixed the coffee with water in his shaker – the world’s first frappe.

Did you know: Frappe comes from the French word “frappé” which means struck. This is because the ice used in a frappe is struck with a blender until they’re crushed ice.

What’s the Difference Between a Frappe and a Frappuccino?

Plenty of people get confused when ordering a frappe or a Frappuccino because they sound and look very similar but there are some big differences. A frappe is a simple blend of water, espresso, milk, ice and potentially a sweetener, all of which are shaken to mix the ingredients. However, a Frappuccino is essentially an iced cappuccino blended with ice and milk. Since 1994, the name “Frappuccino” has been trademarked by Starbucks and is often served with a whipped cream top and an array of flavoured syrups.

Brew Like a Pro: How to Make a Frappe

Homemade frappes are surprisingly simple and you don’t need lots of ingredients. Here’s our favourite frappe recipe for you to try out:

Ingredients

• 180ml of fresh coffee or 1-2 shots of espresso
• 50ml of milk (any type you prefer)
• 1-2 tablespoons of sugar syrup (adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Optional: flavoured syrup

Instructions:

1. Begin to brew: Start by preparing your beans if you need to grind them. If not, brew your ground coffee or espresso pods using your trusty machine.
2. Cool the coffee: Allow your coffee time to cool slightly – alternatively, you can put it in the fridge for a few minutes.
3. Blend: In a blender, combine the cooled coffee with your ice cubes, milk and sugar – If you’re adding a flavoured syrup, now’s the time to add it! Blend it all together until it’s a smooth and frothy mix.
4. Serve and sip: Pour the frappe into your favourite glass. If you want a coffee shop finish, top yours off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.