Imagine sipping an iconic Greek Frappe on a sunny afternoon—the cool coffee foam dancing on the tip of your tongue, the clink of ice cubes teasing your ear, and that irresistible combination of bittersweet and creamy that defines summer in the Mediterranean. This classic Greek Frappe has earned its place as the nation’s signature iced coffee, and now you can whip it up right at home with just a handful of pantry staples and five minutes to spare. Whether you prefer it black, sweet, with milk, or topped with a cloud of cream, this frothy refreshment truly brings a café vibe to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Coffee Foam:
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee (Nescafé Classic preferred)
- 2–3 teaspoons granulated sugar (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving:
- 1 cup cold water or milk (or a mix of both)
- Ice cubes
- Evaporated milk or cream (optional, for topping)
How to Make Greek Frappe
Step 1: Froth Up the Coffee Base
Start by combining the instant coffee, your chosen amount of sugar, and just two tablespoons of cold water in a shaker, jar with a snug lid, or directly in a tall glass if you have a handheld milk frother. The key to a rich Greek Frappe is the vigorous mixing—shake or froth for 20 to 30 seconds until you see a thick, cloud-like foam forming. This is where the magic happens!
Step 2: Build the Frappe in Your Glass
Pour all that wonderful coffee foam into a tall glass. Watching the bubbles settle is oddly satisfying, and you’ll immediately notice the rich, velvety head that’s the hallmark of a true Greek Frappe.
Step 3: Add Ice and Liquid
Drop in a few ice cubes to instantly cool the coffee mixture, then gently fill up the rest of the glass with more cold water, milk, or a combination. Stir gently—just enough to mix, but not so much that you lose the precious foam.
Step 4: Top and Serve
If you’re feeling a little fancy, this is when you add a splash of evaporated milk or cream to the top. Serve your Greek Frappe immediately with a straw. The layers, the aroma, the chill—they all come together for that signature Greek café moment.
How to Serve Greek Frappe
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, garnish your Greek Frappe with a dusting of cocoa powder, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. Even a drizzle of flavored syrup can add a playful note, transforming your iced coffee into something truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Greek Frappe with classic Greek cookies like koulourakia or a buttery slice of cake for a sweet coffee break. It also perfectly complements savory bites like cheese pies or fresh fruit if you want a Mediterranean-style breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by preparing Greek Frappe in mason jars with colorful straws, or serve in chilled glasses adorned with citrus peels or a stick of cinnamon. For parties, set up a “Frappe Bar” with different milks, syrups, and toppings so guests can customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Although Greek Frappe is best enjoyed fresh for maximum foam and chill factor, you can store any leftover liquid (minus the ice) in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a brisk stir or a quick froth before serving to revive some of that foam.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining the characteristic foam, you can pour leftover Greek Frappe into ice cube trays to make coffee ice cubes. These are amazing for blending into smoothies or to chill your next glass of frappe without dilution.
Reheating
Greek Frappe is meant to be cold and frothy, so reheating is not recommended. If you find a glass lingering in your fridge, just re-froth or shake it and serve it over fresh ice for a quick pick-me-up.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?
For an authentic Greek Frappe, instant coffee is a must. It’s the soluble coffee granules that create the impressive foam, which brewed coffee can’t quite replicate.
Is the Greek Frappe supposed to be very sweet?
Not necessarily! Sweetness in Greek Frappe is completely customizable. You can make it “sketos” (no sugar), “metrios” (middle, 1–2 tsp), or “glykos” (sweet, 2–3 tsp) to suit your preference.
Are there dairy-free options for Greek Frappe?
Absolutely. Substitute plant-based milks like oat, almond, or soy for regular milk, or simply stick with water. The result is still deliciously frothy and vegan-friendly!
Why isn’t my Greek Frappe foam thick?
Usually, it comes down to not enough shaking or frothing, or using the wrong kind of coffee. Make sure you’re using instant coffee granules, and shake or froth vigorously for at least 20 seconds.
Can I make Greek Frappe for a crowd?
Yes! Multiply the ingredient quantities, then use an electric mixer or immersion blender to froth a large batch all at once. Pour into individual glasses and let guests choose their mix-ins and toppings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about a homemade Greek Frappe—it turns an ordinary afternoon into a moment of pure Mediterranean bliss. Give this easy recipe a try, experiment with the toppings and sweetness, and discover why this frothy iced coffee is a staple in Greek culture and so many summer memories. Cheers to your new favorite chilled coffee ritual!
Print
Greek Frappe Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Cool off with a refreshing Greek Frappe, a beloved summer drink that combines instant coffee, sugar, and cold water to create a frothy, iced coffee treat. Customize the sweetness and enjoy the creamy texture of this easy-to-make beverage.
Ingredients
For the Coffee Foam:
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee (Nescafé Classic preferred)
- 2–3 teaspoons granulated sugar (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving:
- 1 cup cold water or milk (or a mix of both)
- Ice cubes
- Evaporated milk or cream (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Create the Coffee Foam: In a shaker, jar with a lid, or using a handheld milk frother, combine the instant coffee, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Shake or froth vigorously for 20–30 seconds until a thick, foamy layer forms.
- Prepare the Drink: Pour the foam into a tall glass. Add a few ice cubes and top with cold water, milk, or a mixture of both to fill the glass. Stir gently to combine.
- Optional Topping: Add a splash of evaporated milk or cream on top if desired. Serve immediately with a straw.
Notes
- Customize sweetness by adjusting the sugar: *Sketos* (no sugar), *metrios* (1–2 tsp), or *glykos* (2–3 tsp).
- You can also use flavored syrups or plant-based milk alternatives for a twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
