How to Make True Greek Frappe at Home

This classic Greek Frappé recipe is super easy to make and uses just 3 simple ingredients, the main one being instant coffee.

Also known as a "Nescafé frappé", it has been a popular summer drink in Greece for decades!

This seriously delicious authentic Greek iced coffee will make you forget about that popular Starbucks frappuccino.

If you're looking for a cheaper solution, then look no further! This easy recipe includes everything you need to know about homemade Greek frappe from scratch, so grab your ingredients and get started today!

Transform yourself to a small Greek café with white houses in the background and blue skies and holding a cold frappe! It's a must-have coffee recipe for those hot summer days for any and all caffeine junkies.

What is Frappe?

In Greece, the frappe is more than just a refreshing caffeinated drink. It's an integral part of the outdoor Greek coffee culture and one that has been enjoyed for generations.

Through experimentation by Dimitris Vakondios, an employee of Yannis Dritsas (a representative of the Nestlé company), Frappe was invented at Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, Greece, in 1957.

Some say it started out as an emergency solution, as he didn't have hot water to make instant coffee, so he put a few teaspoons in a glass of cold water and shook it.

This latte-like beverage is the national coffee of Greece and is available in three degrees of sweetness, determined by the amount of sugar and coffee used.

1. Sweet (Glykós): 2 teaspoons of coffee and 4 teaspoons of sugar.
2. Medium (Métrios): 2 teaspoons of coffee and 2 teaspoons of sugar (my personal preference)
3. Plain (Skétos): 2 teaspoons of coffee and no sugar.

📃 Why it Works

• It's quick and easy to make.
• For this authentic "Greek frappé" you only need three ingredients (if you count ice cubes).
• It's budget-friendly.
• This whipped coffee tastes absolutely delicious! It tastes much like Dalgona coffee.
• It's perfect for every coffee lover who need a quick caffeine fix.
• The best part is that no brewing or coffee machine is required!

🛒 Ingredients and Notes

To make your own frappe, without a blender, all you need is:

• Instant coffee granules - we had the best results with Nescafe Instant Coffee
• Sugar - we prefer white, granulated. I found that coconut sugar changes the original flavor. You can experiment with 1:1 sugar substitutes.
• Water and ice cubes - that's basically one ingredient fresh and frozen.

*See the recipe card below for the amounts.

🔪 Instructions

No blender, electric frother, or fancy shaker is needed to make it. All you need is a mason jar with a lid!

Step 1

1. Pour teaspoons of coffee granules, sugar per your personal taste, and a little bit of water (enough to cover the ingredients) into a frappe or cocktail shaker. A mason jar with a thigh-fitting lid works just as well.
2. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until very foamy.

It is meant to be shaken vigorously to allow the thick foam to form. The creation of the characteristic thick frothy layer is what it is all about!

Then it is poured over lots of ice cubes, with the option of adding a splash of cream or cold milk (regular, evaporated, or condensed).

Step 2

1. Fill a tall glass halfway with ice cubes.
2. Pour the frothy sugar mixture into the glass and slowly top off with more cold water. Serve with drinking straws.

Enjoy while dreaming of sunny Greece!

👉 Variations

• Use milk instead of water (except when making the foam).
• If you like it extra creamy, add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or evaporated milk.
• Replace milk with chocolate milk.
• Take it to the next level and add a shot of Baileys or Kahlúa.
• Top with whipping cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Use decaf Instant Coffee.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

👩‍🍳 Top Tips

• Make it with milk instead of water (except for the little bit in the beginning) and you'll have a frapógalo - frappe float.
• Don't skimp on the shaking step. Shake vigorously! The harder you shake, the more foamy your frappe will be!
• It's damn near impossible to get all the foam out of the jar...so pour some water in it, put the lid on, and shake. Pour contents into your glass, repeat as necessary.
• No shortcuts! If you try to add all of the water and then shake, you'll end up with just the foam.
• Take it to the next level and add a shot of Baileys, Kahlúa, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a yummy dessert!

🥙More Greek Recipes:

• Greek Pasta Casserole - Pastitsio
• Beef and Cheese Tortellini
• Sheet-Pan Herbed Chicken
• Greek Lamb Meatball Pita Sandwich
• Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
• Greek Orange Fillo Cake

Liked this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and/or a review in the comments section. Your feedback is always appreciated! Stay in touch through Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! Don't forget to sign up for my email list below too!

Update Notes: This recipe was originally published in May 2017. It was updated in June of 2020 with new photos, a video, and great recipe tips.