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.
🔪 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.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
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.
- 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 teaspoon instant coffee granules, 2 teaspoon (or more) sugar, and 2 tablespoon 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
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.
Shar says
Greece heaven, ly taste lands very awesome thank you
Ron says
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.
Jas says
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!
Connie says
All about saving myself from daily $5 coffees at Starbucks. It's great that I can make this at home now.
Jas says
I hear ya, Connie! Enjoy! 🙂
Lathiya says
This classic greek frappe is a kind of drink I'm looking for. Awesome share.
Jas says
Thank you, Lathiya! Enjoy! 🙂
Debra says
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.
Patrice says
This looks delicious and super easy! I love making it with milk.
Jas says
Yes, it's great with milk! We can't get enough of it. 😀
Chef Dennis says
I remember having these in Greece but I never learned how to make them. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe
Jas says
You're so welcome, Dennis! Hope you'll enjoy it! 🙂
Leslie says
Iced coffee is my love language! haha! This Greek Frappe looks AMAZING!
Jas says
I love that, Leslie! Thanks for the giggle!!! x
Jess says
You make this look too easy. I have some friends I know will love this!
Jas says
It truly is the easiest! 😀
Jen Talley says
Sending my mom this recipe!
Jas says
Yasss! Hope she'll enjoy as much as we do. 🙂
Michele Peterson says
When I was in Greece I fell in love with Greek frappe - this iced coffee transports me back!
Jas says
Oh, even better sipping on it in beautiful Greece! ❤
Marina says
I love ice coffee, thanks for sharing this amazing recipe!
Jas says
You are so welcome, Marina! 🙂
Amy says
That was a super delicious recipe! Like I needed more excuses to drink more coffee! LOL
Jas says
Lol, I hear ya! 😀
Lizet Bowen says
Yes! we are making this Greek frappe all through this summer! 🙂
Jas says
That's what we've been doing for years! 😀 Thanks for stopping in and enjoy!
Sue says
Who knew a classic Greek frappe could be so easy and delicious!
Jas says
Right? It checks off all the boxes: quick, easy, budget-friendly, and delicious! 😀
Emily Flint says
This Geek Frappe is so delicious and easy to make. I may never go to the coffee shop again!
Jas says
Thanks, Emily! We drink 3-4 of this frappe daily during the summer, so it's definitely a money-saver. 🙂
Saif says
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.
Jas says
I'm glad you found it too! It's so easy and inexpensive to make! 🙂