Ingredients
Coffee
- 2 tspinstant coffee
- 2 tbspcold water
- sugar, to taste
To finish
- cold water, to top up
- evaporated milk, if wanted
- ice cubes
Equipment
- a cocktail shaker, a jar with a lid, or a handheld frother
To serve
- in a tall glass with a straw, over hours
Directions
- Put the instant coffee, sugar and a very small amount of cold water in a shaker.
- Use two tablespoons at most, since the foam forms from a thick concentrated slurry and not from a dilute one.
- Shake it hard for thirty seconds to a minute.
- Shake it far longer than feels necessary, since the foam builds progressively. It should turn from dark liquid to a thick pale caramel-coloured foam that fills the shaker.
- Put ice cubes in a tall glass. Pour the built foam over the ice. Now topping it up with cold water.
- Add cold water slowly, pouring down the side of the glass.
- Pour gently, since a fast pour collapses the foam you have just built. The foam should occupy the top third of the glass or more.
Technique
- It was invented in 1957 at the Thessaloniki fair by Dimitris Vakondios.
- Instant coffee is the correct ingredient, since it is what foams.
- Use very little water when shaking, since foam forms from a thick slurry.
Substitutions
- Any instant coffee, though Nescafé is what is used in Greece.
- A jar with a lid or a handheld frother in place of a shaker.
Variations
- Metrios or glykos, with more sugar.
- With evaporated milk, as me gala.
- Freddo espresso, the modern alternative.
History
Invented in 1957 at the Thessaloniki International Fair by the Nescafé representative Dimitris Vakondios, who shook instant coffee with cold water.
Frequently asked questions
What is Frappé?
Frappé is a drink from Greece: shaken iced instant coffee crowned with foam. Invented in 1957 at the Thessaloniki International Fair by the Nescafé representative Dimitris Vakondios, who shook instant coffee with cold water.
How long does Frappé take to make?
Frappé takes 5 min of preparation and none of cooking. The recipe makes 1 drink. It is rated easy to make.
What can I substitute in Frappé?
Yes, within limits. Any instant coffee, though Nescafé is what is used in Greece. A jar with a lid or a handheld frother in place of a shaker.
