How to Make a Greek Frappe at Home (Authentic & Easy Recipe)

Picture this: you’re lounging on a breezy balcony in Santorini, sunglasses on, waves crashing, and a tall glass of frothy iced coffee in hand. That, my friend, is the magic of a Greek frappe.

This bold and bubbly drink is a summer staple in Greece. It’s strong, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make.

No fancy espresso machine, no barista training, but just instant coffee, water, and a little elbow grease (or a milk frother).

Whether you’re sweating through a heatwave or just craving something different, this budget-friendly classic delivers every time!

What Is a Greek Frappe?

The Greek frappe was born by accident in the 1950s at the Thessaloniki International Fair, when a Nescafé rep mixed instant coffee with cold water in a shaker after running out of hot water—true story.

Since then, it’s become more than just a caffeine fix in Greece, as it’s now become a lifestyle.

Picture crowded outdoor cafés, shaded sidewalks, and locals sipping this icy brew for hours while chatting, people-watching, or just escaping the midday sun.

It’s not just a drink; it’s an excuse to pause.

What makes it stand out? That thick, velvety foam on top, the bold coffee flavor underneath, and the fact that it stays cold and strong even after a long conversation.

It’s frothy. It’s refreshing. And it’s unapologetically simple!

Café Frappe	Homemade Frappe
$4–6	Under $0.50/glass
Travel time	Made in 2 minutes
Customization limited	Fully customizable

Ingredients Needed

Essential Ingredients

• 2 tsp instant coffee (preferably Nescafé Classic)
  The star of the show—Greek frappes rely on instant coffee for that signature frothy top.
• 2–3 tsp sugar (optional, to taste)
  Add more for a sweet frappe (called “glykos”) or skip it if you prefer it bold and bitter.
• 2–3 tbsp cold water
  Just enough to create that thick foam when shaken or frothed.
• Ice cubes
  Keeps the drink chilled and refreshing from first sip to last.
• Cold water or milk to top up
  Use water for the classic version, or milk for a smoother, creamier finish.

Optional Add-Ins

• Sweetened condensed milk
  Adds richness and a hint of sweetness—great for a dessert-style twist.
• Flavored syrups (e.g. vanilla, caramel)
  Perfect for customizing the flavor and making it café-style at home.

Equipment Checklist

• Tall glass
  Essential for showing off that iconic frothy top and keeping room for ice and liquid.
• Handheld milk frother, cocktail shaker, or jar with lid
  Any of these will work to whip up the foam. A frother makes it quick, but shaking works just as well.
• Spoon or straw
  For stirring, sipping, and scooping that glorious foam.
• Measuring spoons
  Helps keep your coffee-to-water ratio just right, especially if you’re tweaking sweetness levels.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add the ingredients to a shaker or jar

Pour 2 tsp of instant coffee, 2–3 tsp of sugar (if using), and 2–3 tbsp of cold water into a shaker, jar with a lid, or a tall glass if you’re using a milk frother.

2. Froth until thick and creamy

Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or use a frother until you get a thick, stable foam. It should be light and frothy with no big bubbles.

3. Fill your glass with ice

Take a tall glass and fill it at least halfway with ice cubes. This keeps your drink chilled and slows down dilution.

4. Pour the foam over the ice

Carefully pour your whipped coffee mixture over the ice. The foam should sit nicely on top.

5. Top up with cold water or milk

Add cold water for a strong, classic frappe or cold milk for a smoother, creamier version. Your call.

6. Stir gently and serve

Use a spoon or straw to give it a light stir—just enough to combine without killing the foam. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Different Versions to Try

Classic

This is the OG Greek frappe—just instant coffee, water, and ice. You can have it sketos (no sugar), metrios (medium sweet), or glykos (sweet), depending on how much sugar you add.

It’s bold, it’s bracing, and it’ll wake you up faster than your alarm clock ever could.

Sweetened with Milk

Want something a bit smoother? Swap out the water top-up for cold milk—any kind works, but full cream adds a velvety touch.

This version balances the sharpness of the coffee with a mellow, creamy vibe. It’s like the Greek cousin of an iced latte, but with extra froth and flair.

Vegan-Friendly

Ditch the dairy and go with oat, almond, or coconut milk. Oat milk gives it a naturally sweet edge, almond adds a nutty twist, and coconut brings a bit of tropical vacation energy.

You still get the foam, flavor, and refreshment, but just without the cow!

Dessert-Style

Craving something a little extra? Turn your frappe into a sweet treat. Add a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or even a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling wild.

It’s like a frappe met a milkshake and they fell in love. Ideal for impressing guests or just spoiling yourself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Hot Water

This one’s a deal-breaker. Hot water might seem like it would help dissolve the coffee faster, but it actually kills the magic.

The foam in a Greek frappe forms best when the coffee is shaken or frothed with cold water only.

Heat breaks down the structure of the foam, leaving you with a flat, sad drink that’s more like bitter soup than iced coffee. So keep it cool—literally.

Not Shaking Enough

If your arm isn’t a little sore, you probably didn’t shake it hard enough. Weak shaking means weak foam, and in a frappe, that foam is everything.

It’s what gives the drink its texture, its charm, and its staying power.

Whether you’re using a frother, shaker, or jar, make sure you go at it for at least 30 seconds—longer if you want that thick, creamy top café-style.

Over-Diluting

It’s tempting to fill the glass all the way up with water or milk, but don’t overdo it. Too much liquid waters down the bold flavor and turns your frappe into a bland, forgettable iced coffee.

The sweet spot? Enough water or milk to balance the coffee, but not so much that it tastes like cold dishwater. Stick to topping off the glass, not drowning it.

Serving Tips

Serve with a Reusable Straw

A Greek frappe is meant to be sipped slowly, and a straw makes the experience smoother and more satisfying.

Bonus points if it’s reusable because you’ll cut down on waste and look like you know what you’re doing. Metal, glass, or even silicone straws work great and give that final touch of café-style coolness.

Pair with Greek Pastries or Biscotti

Coffee and carbs? Always a good idea. A frappe goes beautifully with something slightly sweet on the side. Think baklava, koulourakia, or even a simple almond biscotti.

The bold bitterness of the coffee balances out the richness of the pastry, making each bite and sip more enjoyable than the last. It’s like a little Mediterranean vacation for your taste buds.

Use Clear Glassware to Show Off the Foam

Don’t hide your handiwork, show it off. A clear glass not only looks elegant, but it also puts that thick, golden-brown foam front and center.

Watching the layers settle—foam on top, ice in the middle, coffee beneath—is half the fun. It’s visual proof that you nailed it.

Final Words

And there you have it—frothy, bold, refreshing, and ridiculously easy to whip up. The Greek frappe is proof that great coffee doesn’t need fancy machines or five-dollar bills.

Give it a try, snap a pic, and tag it with #BrewedMoments—we’d love to see your creations!

Craving more chill coffee adventures? Check out our other iced or international coffee recipes next. Your taste buds deserve the trip.

FAQs

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant?

Not really, the foam relies on instant coffee granules.

Is it high in caffeine?

Yes! It’s surprisingly strong for how light it looks.

Can I make a large batch for guests?

Yes, just blend or shake in larger quantities and pour individually.