Uncover the delightful world of frappes with this comprehensive guide. Learn about the origins, preparation methods, and variations of this popular iced coffee drink. From traditional Greek frappes to modern twists, this guide explains what makes a frappe unique and how to create your own perfect version at home. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just looking to try something new, gain valuable insights into this refreshing beverage.
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What Is The Difference Between A Frappe And A Frappuccino?
A Frappuccino is a portmanteau of words “lait frappé” and cappuccino. The former is the New England name from the French for a milkshake with ice cream, and a cappuccino, of course, is an espresso coffee with frothed milk.
So, Frappuccino traditionally refers to when a cappuccino is mixed with a milkshake. Thanks to the milky coffee and use of milkshake, it is often creamier than a frappe, which will usually just use plain brewed coffee and add things such as milk or cream.
If you go to a coffee shop that isn’t Starbucks however, the menu will likely only be able to offer you a frappe. Why? Starbucks trademarked the name and now the milkshake is usually at the forefront, with added flavors such as coffee. However, there are a number of offerings now that do not contain any coffee.
You can buy decaf versions or ones with particular syrups and additions such as chocolate chips. The chain also sells Frappuccino’s in bottles, which are available in stores and supermarkets. You may also remember the Unicorn Frappuccino, which went viral in 2017.
How To Make A Frappe
First of all, frappes are usually made with a blender, so it is essential you have one of these to hand in order to get the right consistency.
You will also need really good quality black coffee as a base. Using a coffee blend (not single-origin) is usually best for a non-bitter taste, and making it in a
But the good news is that there is no technical recipe for it. It’s technically just a cold blended drink, like a slushie. Because it doesn’t need to contain coffee, you can also just have a fruit frappe (although of course, that is not something we condone…)
The recipe can vary around the world, too. In Greece you may be served a sweetened coffee, shaken until frothy and poured over ice cubes; France usually serves coffee, ice cream and ice whizzed together in a blender; America takes it up a notch, with coffee blended with milk, sugar and ice, topped with whipped cream.
Mocha frappes are also popular, with added chocolate or chocolate powder.
Credit: BBC Good Food
Our favorite recipe for a coffee frappe comes from BBC Good Food, who keep things nice and simple, so you can experiment with the base:
- 200ml strong coffee, chilled
- 50ml whole milk
- 1-3 tsp sugar syrup
- 2-3 handfuls ice cubes
- Ice cream or whipped cream to serve (optional)
Method
- Pour the coffee into a blender with the milk and 2 to 3 handfuls of ice cubes. Add some of the sugar syrup, but not too much as you can always add more at the end to make it sweeter
- Blend until the ice is broken into an icy slush and is foamy. Pour into a tall glass, and add the ice or whipped cream to serve
The sugar syrup can be made really easily using one of the recipes online, or you can keep a flavored coffee syrup to hand for when the frappe mood takes you.
Dan is a former competition barista and has been honing his knowledge of coffee for over two decades.
He has worked in coffee farms in Peru, as well as roasters in Australia. He now trains new baristas and hosts cupping experiences in Austin.