A VAST & VARIED STORY
Coffee can trace its evolution through the ages from when it began as a simple concoction to the popular drink enjoyed globally today. It is also evident that several cultures from around the world have constantly embraced beverages that sprout from humble little coffee beans. This has helped to create several traditions. Among the myriad of coffee beverages, the frappé stands out not only for its refreshing taste but also for its intriguing story. The story of the frappé is an interesting tale that involves a sequence of events that led to a chance encounter in Greece, in the 1950s. It was under these circumstances that this revolutionary drink became a favourite the world over.
IT ALL BEGAN IN GREECE IN 1957
A frappé is a Greek iced coffee based drink made from instant coffee, water, and ice. Additions include sugar or milk, but this remains optional. The story of how the frappé came to be, as we know it today, begins in Greece, which is a country renowned for its rich coffee culture. ‘frappé’ is derived from the French word ‘frapper,’ which is used to describe a drink chilled with ice. In the context of coffee, frappé refers to the method used to create the beverage. This involves shaking and mixing the components to achieve a frothy texture. While variations of the frappé now exist globally, it is widely accepted that the Greek frappé was the original version of the drink. The frappé, because of this, will always hold a special place in the hearts of most Greek coffee enthusiasts.
THE FIRST-EVER FRAPPE
The story of the frappe begins with a chance encounter in 1957. A representative of the Nestlé Company, Giannis Dritsas exhibited a new chocolate beverage at a trade fair in Thessaloniki. Shaken vigorously, using a shaker, the new instant chocolate drink used milk and ice. During a break, Another employee, Dimitris Vakondios, could not find any hot water for his coffee. He improvised with what he had in front of him and ended up using the shaker to mix instant coffee with cold water and ice. The result was an ice-cold, coffee-based frothy drink that was both delicious and refreshing. This improvised experiment established the frappé, which quickly grew in popularity all over Greece.
A POPULAR DRINK
Cafés, all over Greece, act as important social hubs. People gather there daily to enjoy coffee and engage in casual conversation. Once introduced, the frappé, went on to become an instant hit in cafés all over Greece. Its unique texture and refreshing qualities, gave patrons a refreshing cold option for their coffee. The new drink of choice soon spread throughout the whole of the county’s coffee culture. The hot climate also contributed to the rise in the drink’s popularity. People also took the idea home with them. The drink’s simplicity made it accessible to anyone wishing to make it at home.
ICE-COLD COFFEE CULTURE
Following its initial success in Greece, the frappé began to attract attention beyond the Mediterranean. The idea of iced coffee culture quickly spread throughout the world. Intense marketing campaigns by Nescafé during the 1980’s, also helped to broaden the drink’s popularity. The frappé became the ideal companion for leisurely social interaction the world over. The drink’s versatility allowed it to take on various forms, with several coffee shops and cafés experimenting with its ingredients. This has created a completely new array of iced coffee-based beverages. In the United States, coffee chains have popularised the concept of blended frappés. This has led to them incorporating ice and cream to create several smooth, dessert-like beverages. The frappuccino, which is a thick coffee-based milkshake containing ice cream, is a good example of this. In other countries, coffee shops offer frappés with a whole series of new ingredients. These often include crushed cookies, various fruits, several flavoured syrups, oat milk, whipped cream, and chocolate. This has successfully transformed the humble frappé into a global indulgent treat.
THE CYPRUS FRAPPE
In Cyprus, the frappé embodies a way of life. The slow ritual of preparing and sipping a frappé is intertwines with the concept of the traditional ‘KAFENEIO‘, or Cyprus coffee shop. Coffee patrons all over Cyprus often engage in deep conversations and share stories, over a frappé or two. In this social landscape, the Cyprus frappe shares a connection and conviviality, and its popularity has led to the emergence of specific café cultures centred around the drink. In some circles the frappé has created a key feature of the Cypriot identity. This is further compounded by the fact that the frappé has made appearances in Cypriot literature, art, and film. These are good examples of the way the drink has reflected its impact on modern Cypriot culture. The beverage also serves as a symbol of modernity acting as a bridge between the island’s historical coffee customs. Modern contemporary lifestyles, emphasising convenience, sociability, and creativity in consumption, are also often reflected by the drink.
A SYMBOL OF SOCIAL CONNECTION
The story of the frappé is one of chance, innovation, and cultural significance. From its humble beginnings at a trade fair in Greece, to its popularity across the globe, the frappé has evolved into a symbol of social connection, creativity and refreshment. Today, the frothy ice-cold coffee beverage reflects the diverse experiences of coffee drinkers across several cultures. The frappé serves not only as a delightful drink but also as a reminder of how simple ingredients can bridge the gaps between tradition and modernity. The drink has also helped to unite people across the world through their universal love of coffee.
THE FRAPPE RECIPE
To prepare a frappé just a few key ingredients are required. Instant coffee, ice and cold water are essential. Sugar and milk are optional. One places the coffee and the sugar, if required, into a shaker or a glass. Cold water, milk on its own, or a combination of both is then added and the mixture. This is shaken vigorously incorporating air into the liquid. This creates a frothy foam that is characteristic of the drink. Finally, the mixture is poured over ice and topped with cold water or milk, as required. This results in the refreshing ice-cold, coffee-based beverage, known as the frappé.
