Greek Frappe Coffee is an amazingly light and creamy iced coffee that is both refreshing and comforting, all at once. Fluffy and chilled coffee — yes, please.
Have you tried an authentic Greek frappe? If not, I highly recommend it. Greek specialty stores and restaurants around my area serve this delightful iced coffee. If you live in New York City, Titan Foods in Astoria, Queens, is a great place to satisfy Greek cravings — from homemade yogurt to a wide selection of feta, and, of course, a made-to-order frappe.
If you’re exploring Astoria, I also recommend Taverna Kyclades. Having spent time in Greece, I can recognize authentic cuisine, and this restaurant captures it well. Favorites include tzatziki (garlic and cucumber yogurt sauce), horiátiki salad (tomato, cucumber, onion, olives and feta), saganaki (fried cheese), and whole grilled fish. In my experience, Taverna Kyclades is one of the best Greek restaurants outside Greece — the portions and flavors are generous and memorable.
My first real introduction to the Greek frappe was in 2009, when I traveled to Cyprus for a wedding. I arrived early to help with arrangements and enjoy a little sightseeing. One of the bride’s friends, who had lived in Cyprus, insisted we go get a “frapka” and promised it was the best iced coffee I’d ever taste. We sat at a café by the beach and ordered three medium frappes. When the waitress brought tall, cold glasses topped with fluffy, creamy foam, I was stunned. Every café seemed to have a special tool to whip the coffee into that signature foam.
I left Cyprus after ten wonderful days and missed that daily indulgence. A few years later, during a late-night layover in Athens while waiting for a flight to Santorini, I found a small 24-hour café outside the airport serving frappes. Ordering a medium transported me back to Cyprus — the same airy foam and refreshing chill. Throughout my Greek trip, I enjoyed a frappe almost every day.
Back in the United States, I missed the frappe so much I once considered buying a commercial machine. On a shopping trip to Titan Foods in Astoria, I noticed a dessert counter with a frappe machine. I ordered a medium and, after the first sip, was instantly back in Greece and Cyprus in spirit. I told the vendor how much I wanted to recreate this at home. She smiled and said it was easy — a hand blender would do the trick. I already owned one and had never thought to use it for frappes.
Armed with a can of instant frappe coffee (or any instant coffee), a hand blender, and a few simple ingredients, I made my first homemade version and it turned out wonderfully. The method is quick and perfect for hot weather.
To set the mood, here are a few travel photos from Greece. Santorini remains one of my favorite destinations; its views are unforgettable. Mykonos is playful and easy to wander through. These images remind me how well a chilled frappe pairs with seaside afternoons.
Me in Santorini — my absolute favorite place to visit:
Maze in Mykonos — so much fun and easy to get lost.
Don’t you just want to sip a Greek frappe right at that table?
Greek Frappe Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 2 teaspoon sugar or stevia (optional)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup milk
- tall glass or mason jar filled with ice
Instructions
-
Add coffee, sugar and water to a tall glass.
-
Using a hand blender, mix until the coffee is fluffy and has roughly doubled in volume.
-
Pour the foam over ice and top with milk.
-
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Calories from Fat 18
Nutrition
This post was originally published on July 15, 2014 and has been updated with additional information.
If you like this recipe you may also enjoy these Greek specialties:
Traditional Greek Tzatziki Recipe
Greek Spinach Rice with Feta
Greek Panzanella Salad with Garlic Lemon Vinaigrette
Greek Lentil Soup with Feta – Fakes
Greek Chicken with Tomatoes, Cauliflower and Feta
