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Frappe

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegetarian, Beverages

Frappe

Frappe, Greece's beloved iced coffee, traces its roots to a serendipitous creation at the 1957 Thessaloniki International Fair. It quickly became a staple in Greek cafés and homes alike, enjoyed year-round but especially cherished during the sun-drenched summer months. This version captures the essence of a Greek family kitchen, where olive oil, salt, and lemon are constants, though not part of this brew.

The frappe should be a frothy delight, with a robust coffee flavor balanced by the coolness of ice and the creaminess of milk. Sugar adjusts the sweetness to personal preference, creating a refreshing sip that invigorates the senses. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon, it's as much about the ritual as the taste.

Ingredients

  • 2 tspinstant coffee
  • cold watera splash
  • ice cubes — to serve
  • milk — optional
  • to tastesugar

Method

  1. Start by placing 2 teaspoons of instant coffee into a tall glass or shaker. Add a splash of cold water, just enough to dissolve the coffee granules. This will create a concentrated coffee base that is essential for the Frappe's signature flavor.
  2. Add sugar to taste, depending on your preference for sweetness. Commonly, Greeks enjoy their Frappe sweet, so consider starting with 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar and coffee are fully dissolved, ensuring no granules remain.
  3. Using a handheld milk frother or a shaker, vigorously mix the coffee and sugar solution until it becomes frothy and light. The goal is to achieve a thick, creamy foam that will sit atop the drink, a hallmark of a well-made Frappe.
  4. Fill the glass with ice cubes, about halfway, to chill the drink thoroughly. The ice will not only cool the Frappe but also help maintain the foam's structure as you add more liquid.
  5. Pour cold water into the glass, filling it almost to the top, but leaving enough room for milk if you choose to add it. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to disturb the foam too much, as it should remain on top of the drink.
  6. If desired, add a splash of milk to the Frappe, adjusting the amount to your taste. Milk will soften the coffee's intensity and add a creamy texture, balancing the drink's flavors.
  7. Serve the Frappe immediately in a tall glass with a straw. This allows the drinker to enjoy both the foam and the liquid coffee beneath, capturing the essence of a traditional Greek café experience.
Cover of Authentic Greek Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Greek Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Greek Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Greek volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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