Classic Greek Frappe - Easy Iced Coffee

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This Classic Greek Frappe 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 Greek iced coffee will make you forget about that popular Starbucks frappuccino. Save big bucks by learning how to make classic Greek Frappe at home.(check out the video below).

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.

Transform yourself to a small Greek cafe 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 Greek coffee frappe?

Greek frappe or 'Nescafe frappe' is a foamy iced coffee drink made with instant coffee, sugar, and water. It is shaken vigorously and poured over top ice cubes, with the option of adding evaporated milk. No brewing or coffee machine required!

Frappe origin:

According to the Wikipedia, the frappé (French for hit) was invented through experimentation by Dimitris Vakondios, a Nescafe representative, in 1957 in Thessaloniki, Greece.

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.

Frappe coffee is the standard choice for the Greeks who enjoy it at home, in cafes, and on the beaches in a glass, as it deserves, or in plastic cups for the road. 

It's perfect to sip on at the pool or your own backyard and share it with a friend.

How to make a Greek frappe coffee

Three ingredients (if you count ice cubes) and three minutes is all you need to make this authentic "Greek latte"! I love how quick it is to shake up in the morning, quicker than brewing hot coffee for sure. It tastes just like the gourmet coffee-shops, if not better, and a whole lot CHEAPER!

Ingredients for a homemade Greek frappe:

To make your own homemade classic Greek 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.

Customizing Your Greek Iced Coffee:

• 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.
• 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

"Do I need a coffee maker or frother?"

Nope! You don't need a blender, frother or a fancy shaker to make this foamy Greek style coffee. All you need is a mason jar with a lid!

1. Pour the water, coffee granules, and sugar into a cocktail shaker or a mason jar with a thigh-fitting lid. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until very foamy.
2. Fill a tall glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour the froth into the glass and slowly top off with more cold water.
3. Enjoy while dreaming of sunny Greece!

*Keep scrolling to get the full (printable) recipe, ingredient amounts, and video, or click on the “Skip to Recipe” button at the top of the page.

Leftover coffee tip for your frappe!

Do you ever make too much coffee? 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 Greek frappe, use your coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice cubes! This wont water it down like regular ice cubes do keeping it strong and bold until the last sip!

Greek Frappe Tips:

• Make your frappe 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 coffee 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!

Other classic Greek recipes on ATJ you will love:

• GREEK PASTA CASSEROLE - PASTITSIO
• GREEK LAMB MEATBALL PITA SANDWICH
• HOMEMADE TZATZIKI SAUCE
• GREEK QUINOA SALAD

Classic Greek Frappe (Iced Coffee) Recipe:

Classic Greek Frappe

This seriously delicious and refreshing iced coffee will make you forget Starbucks this summer. Save big bucks by learning how to make a Greek Frappe at home.

5 from 19 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Beverage

Cuisine: Greek

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes

Servings: 1

Calories: 38kcal

Author: Jas

Equipment

• Mason jar

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons instant coffee
• 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)

US Customary - Metric

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.

Video

Notes

• 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

Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 71mg | Sugar: 8g

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