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.
- Sweet (Glykós): 2 teaspoons of coffee and 4 teaspoons of sugar.
- Medium (Métrios): 2 teaspoons of coffee and 2 teaspoons of sugar (my personal preference)
- 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.
🔪Step by Step 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
- 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.
- 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
- Fill a tall glass halfway with ice cubes.
- 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.
❓FAQs
Don't toss out the leftovers! Wait for it to cool and then freeze it in an ice cube tray. Then, when you're ready to make your frappe, use your coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice cubes! This won't water it down like regular ice cubes do keeping it strong and bold until the last sip!
Frappe is iced coffee, sometimes topped with milk or cream, where Frappuccino is rather like a milkshake with coffee, milk, and ice cream.
💡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!
Classic Greek Frappe
Equipment
- Mason jar
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee (Nescafe is the best)
- 2-4 teaspoons white sugar adjust to your preference of sweetness
- 2 tablespoons water
- Ice cubes
- Milk heavy cream, condensed milk, or evaporated milk to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Pour 2 tsp instant coffee granules, 2 tsp (or more) sugar, and 2 tbsp water into a small mason jar with a thigh-fitting lid or cocktail shaker. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until very foamy.
- Fill a tall glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour the froth into the glass and slowly top off with cold water. Leave room for heavy cream or milk, if using.
Recipe Video
Expert 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. The stronger you shake, the more delicious the foam.
- 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 Baylies, Kahlúa, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Nutrition information is approximate and meant as a guideline only
Nutrition
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.
Wow, I never knew that the frappe came about in this way. Very interesting back story Jas. I love iced mochas so your Greek Frappe with a good shot of Kahlua should settle well on my tummy. Thanks for the re-post it was worth a repeat. That's some crazy shaking your doing in your very good video.
Kahlua is the perfect addition to it, Ron! 🙂 That crazy shaking is due to me having a few glasses of frappe with Kahlua beforehand, lol. Jk, the video is sped up, otherwise, it's a very boring segment. 😉 Wishing you a wonderful week!
All about saving myself from daily $5 coffees at Starbucks. It's great that I can make this at home now.
I hear ya, Connie! Enjoy! 🙂
This classic greek frappe is a kind of drink I'm looking for. Awesome share.
Thank you, Lathiya! Enjoy! 🙂
YES! Just what we need to make this from home. Such a cost savings and now especially not going out, I love being able to have my favorite coffee drink at home.
This looks delicious and super easy! I love making it with milk.
Yes, it's great with milk! We can't get enough of it. 😀
I remember having these in Greece but I never learned how to make them. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe
You're so welcome, Dennis! Hope you'll enjoy it! 🙂
Iced coffee is my love language! haha! This Greek Frappe looks AMAZING!
I love that, Leslie! Thanks for the giggle!!! x
You make this look too easy. I have some friends I know will love this!
It truly is the easiest! 😀
Sending my mom this recipe!
Yasss! Hope she'll enjoy as much as we do. 🙂
When I was in Greece I fell in love with Greek frappe - this iced coffee transports me back!
Oh, even better sipping on it in beautiful Greece! ❤
I love ice coffee, thanks for sharing this amazing recipe!
You are so welcome, Marina! 🙂
That was a super delicious recipe! Like I needed more excuses to drink more coffee! LOL
Lol, I hear ya! 😀
Yes! we are making this Greek frappe all through this summer! 🙂
That's what we've been doing for years! 😀 Thanks for stopping in and enjoy!
Who knew a classic Greek frappe could be so easy and delicious!
Right? It checks off all the boxes: quick, easy, budget-friendly, and delicious! 😀
This Geek Frappe is so delicious and easy to make. I may never go to the coffee shop again!
Thanks, Emily! We drink 3-4 of this frappe daily during the summer, so it's definitely a money-saver. 🙂
I've been looking for frappe recipe and I am glad to find this. They remind of the frappe drink I ordered in Starbucks. I definitely need this in summer season.
I'm glad you found it too! It's so easy and inexpensive to make! 🙂
I haven't been to Starbucks in so long since the pandemic started, so I was super excited to try this recipe and recreate my Starbucks experience at home! It was delicious!
So happy to read this, Anjali! Thanks for stopping in! Stay safe! x
We are saving ourselves a fortune by making our own iced coffee at home. These look perfect.
Indeed! As much as we consume it during summer months, it's definitely a much cheaper option!
So wish I could have caffeine because I would drink the hell out of this;)
I wish you could have it too! 🙁
This Classic Greek Frappe is so delicious, I made it for the first time today and will be making it again.
I'm so glad you like it, Stephanie! xo
I consider my solo trip to Greece (and Israel) the trip of my lifetime (so far) and my wonderful memories of the trip include Greek frappes! I loved how they would custom make them for you to your preferred sweetness. On hot days like today I dream about those frappes, but I never buy them here because they're loaded with sugar. Can't believe I didn't think to make my own before now. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi, Rosa! Memories to last a lifetime, I'm sure. My husband drinks about 5 of these on a hot day. 🙂 Hope you'll make it for yourself and revive those sweet memories 🙂
I will love your Frappe! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
Thank you, Miz Helen! It's so refreshing and although we don't have summer temperatures yet, we're enjoying it daily.
That coffee mug does look pretty awesome! Unfortunately, my coffee tends to spill when I'm carrying it to the car, not when it's on a table. Though we could certainly stand to have a water bottle version of this with our rambunctious 2-year-old running around. Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
I frequently elbow mine when it's on the table, especially next to my laptop, lol. A water bottle version would be cool! Take care, my friend!
Lovely! I have never tried one of these, but now I want to 😉
This looks sooo refreshing! I lived in Greece for a while and the frappes were the main thing that got me through the day in the summer heat! thanks for sharing the secrets on how to make a great one:)
Beautiful!! I love the foamy top!
That's the best part 😉 Thanks for visiting!
I'm sure your frappe is much nicer that a Starbucks one anyway!! x
P.S I have a world food linky over on my blog jesseatsandtravels.com if you're interesting in joining in! x
Thanks so much and thank you for stopping in, Jessica! I'm heading over to your party now. 🙂
I need that mighty mug, hahaha! The frappe looks so inviting. I need to try this! Thanks for sharing, Jas. x
The mug is mighty, ha! Thanks, Jhuls 😀
I LOVE a good Greek frappe! But I use a hand held frother. Quick and easy! And I usually add a bit of coffee creamer liquid if I want to give it a bit of flavor, and since me and milk don't get along so good, I use almond milk or coconut milk.
I should get me one of those! I never liked milk and drink my coffee black but this frappe needs a bit of sugar (I use organic coconut palm sugar) 🙂
Is it really only 2 tbsp of water? That seems like such a tiny volume and the amount in the glasses in your photos seems like much more. Please advise!
Hi, Maggie! I see how it might be confusing and I'm fixing it. The two tablespoons are just to make the froth but then in the directions (step #2), it says to top off your glass with cold water or milk. Thanks for pointing it out! Hope you'll enjoy the frappe, my husband makes 2-3 daily 🙂
I just pinned and tweeted this and I'm looking forward to giving the recipe a try! Thank you for sharing with us at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty!
Thank you, Teresa! Have a great week.
I could drink one of those right now - they look delicious! Thanks so much for sharing with us at #blogginggrandmotherslinkparty. I've pinned and shared on social media. Catch you at the link up next month!
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond.
Thanks, Sue!
Yummy! I know this must taste really good. I'm not a coffee drinker but on occasion I buy one just for something different. Thanks Jas for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared this post.
Thanks, Dee!
I'd love to try this!
Hi Lori, I hope you do. So easy to make! 🙂
This looks divine! I want one right now. I confess to spending $5 a day on iced lattes, and they aren't nearly this pretty. Thanks for sharing on #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty.
~Christie
Thanks, Christie! I guess if that's your only vice then it's ok, lol
Our warm weather has finally hit, making this recipe a perfect choice!
Thank you for including it #blogginggrandmotherslinkparty .
Thank you, Donna. We love it.
I seriously need one of these in my life. I was organizing my craft room, with my teen & coffee went flying across the room, no joke. Love the coffee recipe btw. Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight party @DearCreatives Pinned & shared.
Thank you, Theresa! It happens way too often in my house too 😉
Jas, another delicious recipe! I don't drink coffee, but my husband does and I know he'd love to make something like this. Thanks for linking up with #TuneInThursday this week. See you next time!
Thanks! I hope he likes it. Have a blessed weekend ahead!
I just pinned this Frappe and can't wait to try it! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday! Hope you are having a great week and come back to see us real soon.
Miz Helen
Thanks, as always, for your kindness Miz Helen!
That's a beautiful drink! Thanks for sharing at the Pleasures of the NW's DIY party!
Thank you, Helen!
Yum. These are amazing. And I'd love to visit Greece someday too - it looks so wonderful.
Hi, Kayleigh! Greece is on the top of my bucket list. Thanks for stopping in!!!
I'd definitely give this a go! This looks absolutely delicious!
I hope you do! It's yummy 🙂
These look amazing Jas! I need to try your pouring technique to get that fancy layered look. xx
Hi, Kate! It was unexpected but I love how it turned out 😀
P.S. I'm featuring your scrumptious frappe this Wednesday at House of Hollingsworth Blog xx
Thank you, Kate! You made my day 😀
This looks great and I love the mug! Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Jen!
Starbucks is a tad too expensive for me and I like this option much better. I've knocked over enough beverages to know that the Mighty Mug is something that I need. Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, have a great weekend.
Thank you, Sandra! Hope your holiday weekend is relaxing and safe!
This sounds so good! I can't wait to try it...I need some instant coffee! The mugs look amazing.
Visiting from #TuneInThursday
Thank you, Julie! So glad you like it 😀
Nice recipe. I am not a fan of Starbucks, and like the frugal substitution!
Me neither, Carol, so it's an easy choice for me but there are so many Starbucks addicts out there 🙂 Thank you for stopping in!
3 ingredient frappe! We are all about that. These afternoons a little pick me up is perfect to get us through. Love this mug. Seriously I can't even tell you often I have spilled my coffee/tea over my keyboard! Uggh!! You got your photos to show up on mail chimp. Yeah!!! Sharing of course!
Thank you, Bobbi! Some days I need loads of coffee...
Really, they showed up? That's awesome, considering I haven't done anything to fix it 😀 Have a wonderful rest of your week!
Oh wow! I could use one of those right now!
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-beautiful-city-of-jaffa.html
Thank you! Really easy to make 😉
Aha! Are you going to be perfecting latte art soon? 😉
I like that latte mug of yours. So cool looking! Want. 😀
No latte artist here 😉 What you see is what you get, lol. Enter the giveaway, Ann! You might win it 🙂
a delicious and ultra tempting frappe. Home made ones are the best as one can control the amount of sugar and cream that goes into it. The mighty mug is an amazing product.
Hi, Mayuri! That's the most important thing about homemade - you know exactly what you're putting in. Thanks for stopping in!
oh, that looks so tasty!!!
Thank you, Danielle, it's highly addictive 😀
Haha! You all are so funny! Why would I hide when my besties are coming? I would love to have you ladies visit! I would even fix the rest of the empty rooms for your stay! Jas the mug is perfection. You don't know how many times we have spilled coffee all over the place. The frappe is perfection of course!!
I think Greece is the best central area to meet for Michelle coming from Africa and me from the States. Then I could swing by my home country while there 🙂
So, how many empty rooms do you have Mary? You could be renting that out, you know? I'll let you know when my vacation jar has enough money to travel to Greece. No more Starbucks for me 😉
Entered! Thanks Jas
Yay, thank you! I hope you win 🙂
That looks very refreshing! I am lucky enough to have been to Greece and I tell you these frappes get quite addictive! The mug looks pretty amazing too!
Oh, lucky you! How could you not get addicted to yummy frappes, am I right?
Oooooo can I come too, I've always wanted to visit Mary. Just imagine the fun we'd have 😉 I love your Greek frappe recipe, definitely something I can do in the kitchen and I'm fascinated by this mug Jas. How does it do that? I have to try get one, just to figure it out.
Yes, let's all go to Mary's! She'll probably hide, lol.
I can see you taking this mug apart and making something amazing with it, ha!
No hiding for me. I would take Michelle to the basement and let her raid it for anything she wants. And jas I would take you to the farmer's market and all my favorite taverns.
Yeah, let's lock up Michelle in the basement, hahaha! I'm your favorite 😉 You know me well, I'd so enjoy farmer's market and taverns!