frappé

Frappé is a cold, foamy beverage typically based on coffee, prepared by vigorously shaking or blending coffee with ice, sugar, and water until a thick layer of foam forms. The drink is strongly associated with Greek café culture, though the term is used in various regions to describe different frothy cold beverages.

Origins are linked to Greece in 1957, reportedly at the Thessaloniki International Fair. A representative using instant coffee could not dissolve the granules in hot water, so the drink was created by shaking instant coffee with cold water and ice to produce foam. The frappé spread in Greece, becoming a staple in homes and cafés, and several regional variants developed over time.

Classic frappé is made with instant coffee, cold water, sugar, and ice, shaken or whisked until foamy and served in a tall glass with a straw. Milk may be added, and some variations use espresso instead of instant coffee or incorporate flavors such as vanilla or chocolate.

Variations and regional usage vary. In Greece, frappé typically refers to this specific iced, foamy coffee drink, while in other countries frappé can denote a broader range of frothy cold beverages, including milkshakes or blended coffees. In the United States and elsewhere, similar drinks may be labeled frappé or frappuccino, with substantial differences in ingredients and preparation depending on the café or brand.