Coffee / Tea
Frappé
The Frappé is a refreshing cocktail that combines the rich flavors of coffee with a frothy, icy texture. Typically made with espresso, sugar, and chilled water, it's shaken vigorously to create a creamy foam, often served over ice for a delightful pick-me-up. This invigorating drink is perfect for warm weather, offering a unique twist on traditional coffee beverages.
- refreshing
- icy
- coffee
- slightly bitter
- Prep Time
- 5 min
- Glass
- Highball Glass
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Yields
- 1 serving
The Frappé is a coffee / tea, celebrated for its refreshing and icy character — a consistently top-searched summer. Whether you're after a reliable outdoor gatherings option or simply want to master a classic, this 5-minute recipe is straightforward enough for home bars yet refined enough to impress. Perfect if you've been searching for the best outdoor party.
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Ingredients
- Serves
- 1 serving
- Glass
- Highball Glass
- Prep
- 5 min
- 1/2 cup blackCoffee
- 1/2 cupMilk
- 1-2 tspSugar
Method
Preparation
- 01
Mix together. Blend at highest blender speed for about 1 minute. Pour into a glass and drink with a straw. Notes: This works best if everything is cold (if you make fresh coffee, mix it with the milk and let it sit in the fridge for 1/2 hour. If it is not frothy, add more milk, or even just some more milk powder. The froth gradually turns to liquid at the bottom of the glass, so you will find that you can sit and drink this for about 1/2 hour, with more iced coffee continually appearing at the bottom. Very refreshing.
Origin
History & Origins
The Frappé, particularly known in Greek and Mediterranean cultures, is a beloved iced coffee and spirit drink that emerged from practical necessity and evolved into cultural tradition. This drink reflects post-war innovation in the Mediterranean, where creative bartenders transformed simple coffee into an indulgent, cooling beverage that became synonymous with leisurely Mediterranean lifestyles.
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Bartender’s Insight
Pro Tips
Use quality coffee as your base for best results
From Willow
shake vigorously to create proper foam and texture
adjust ice levels for desired consistency
balance sweetness carefully
serve in appropriate tall glassware for presentation
At the Table
Perfect Pairings
Beyond the Classic
Variations
Frappe Martini
A spirit-forward variation
Frappe Liqueur
A creamy liqueur-based version
Iced Greek Frappe
A traditional authentic Greek interpretation
Questions
Frequently Asked
- The Frappé has a flavor profile that is refreshing, icy, coffee, slightly bitter. It is crafted to balance these characteristics into a harmonious, satisfying drink that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- The Frappé is ideal for outdoor gatherings, brunches, beach parties. Its flavor profile and presentation make it a versatile choice that works equally well as a social cocktail or a relaxed evening drink.
- Yes, there are several ways to adapt a Frappé. If you cannot source Coffee, look for a similar alternative that matches its flavor profile. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the balance of the cocktail, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. The variations section above lists popular alternatives bartenders use.
- Some of the most popular Frappé variations include Frappe Martini, Frappe Liqueur, Iced Greek Frappe. Each variation puts a unique twist on the original recipe while retaining the essential character of the classic cocktail.
- The Frappé is traditionally served in a Highball Glass. Using the right glassware is important because it affects the aroma, temperature retention, and overall drinking experience. If you do not have a Highball Glass on hand, a similar shaped glass will work.
- Yes, a mocktail version of the Frappé is possible. Replace the base spirit with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative (there are many quality options available) and keep all other components the same. The result will capture much of the original's flavor profile while being suitable for guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
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