The Greek Frappe is a beloved iced coffee that has become a staple in Greek culture. Known for its frothy top and refreshing taste, it’s the perfect beverage for hot summer days. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients. Here’s how to create your own Greek Frappe at home.
Ingredients
- Instant coffee: Strong instant coffee
- Sugar: Adjust to your taste (optional).
- Cold water: For mixing and serving.
- Ice: To keep your frappe nice and cold.
- Milk: Optional, for those who prefer a creamier texture.
Equipment
- Shaker or jar: To mix the coffee.
- Tall glass: For serving.
- Handheld frother or blender: To create the frothy texture (optional but recommended).
Instructions
1. Prepare the Coffee Base
Start by adding 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee into your shaker or jar. Adjust the amount based on how strong you like your coffee. Add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar if you prefer your frappe sweet.
2. Add Cold Water
Pour about 2 tablespoons of cold water into the shaker. This small amount of water helps create the frothy base of the frappe.
3. Shake Vigorously
Secure the lid on your shaker or jar and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, or until you see a thick, frothy foam forming. If you’re using a handheld frother or blender, mix until you achieve the same frothy consistency.
4. Fill the Glass with Ice
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. This will keep your frappe chilled and refreshing.
5. Pour the Coffee Foam
Pour the frothy coffee mixture over the ice in your glass. The foam should sit on top, creating a beautiful layered look.
6. Top Up with Water or Milk
Top up the glass with cold water, leaving some space if you prefer to add milk. Stir gently to mix the coffee with the water or milk.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Your Greek Frappe is ready to enjoy! Sip it slowly and savour the delightful combination of strong coffee and refreshing cold water or milk.
Tips for the Perfect Greek Frappe
- Adjust Sweetness: Tailor the amount of sugar to suit your taste. Greeks often enjoy their frappe with varying levels of sweetness: glyko (very sweet), metrio (moderately sweet), or sketo (no sugar).
- Experiment with Milk: Adding a splash of milk can make your frappe creamier and less intense. Try using different types of milk, such as almond or oat milk, for a different flavour.
- Frothing Methods: While a shaker is traditional, using a handheld frother or blender can create a more consistent foam.
Conclusion
The Greek Frappe is more than just a coffee; it’s a cultural experience. Perfect for warm weather, this iced coffee is easy to make and customize. Give it a try and bring a little bit of Greece into your home with every frothy sip. For more coffee inspiration and recipes, explore resources like Coffee & Health and BBC Good Food. Happy brewing!