A VARIED COFFEE STORY
Coffee can trace its evolution back through the ages from when it began as a simple concoction to the popular drink enjoyed globally today. As a result, there are several cultures from around the world that 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 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 went on to become a favourite the world over.
IT ALL BEGAN IN GREECE IN 1957
The story of the frappé begins in 1957 in a country renowned for its rich coffee culture. Although the word ‘frappé’ is derived from the French word ‘frapper,’ which is used to describe a drink chilled with ice, the drink was born out of a series of circumstances in Thessaloniki in Northern Greece. A frappé is typically an iced coffee-based drink made from instant coffee, water, and ice. Additions include sugar or milk, but these remain optional. 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 both milk and ice. During a break, another employee, Dimitris Vakondios, could not find any hot water for his coffee. He then 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 success in cafes 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. The drink’s simplicity also made it accessible to anyone wishing to make it at home, which further boosted its popularity.
ICE-COLD COFFEE CULTURE
Following its initial success in Greece, the frappé began to attract attention beyond the Mediterranean world. The idea of a new iced-based coffee culture quickly formed and spread throughout the world. Intense marketing campaigns by Nescafé during the 1980s also helped to broaden the drink’s popularity. The frappé then 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. With this, a completely new array of iced coffee-based beverages was created.
A NEW CONCEPT OF BLENDED FRAPPES
In the United States, coffee chains have gone on to popularise 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 options. 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 intertwined with the concept of the traditional ‘KAFENEIO‘, or traditional Cyprus coffee shop. Coffee patrons across Cyprus often engage in deep conversations and share stories over a frappé or two. In this social landscape, the Cyprus frappé 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.
A SYMBOL OF SOCIAL CONNECTION
Modern contemporary lifestyles, emphasising convenience, sociability, and creativity in consumption, are also often reflected by the drink. Its story is one of chance, innovation, and cultural significance. This is all reflected by its humble beginnings at a trade fair in Greece, to its popularity across the globe today. With this in mind, it is fair to say that 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. It also serves not only as a delightful drink but also acts as a reminder of how simple ingredients can bridge the gaps between tradition and modernity. The drink today, has also helped to unite people across the world through a 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.
THE ESPRESSO FREDDO
Another Greek coffee invention is the Espresso Freddo. This drink also uses the ‘Frappe’ method and is essentially a cold beverage, but with a difference. This drink starts hot and is made using strong coffee, similar to an Italian espresso, as its main ingredient. A regular hot Italian-style espresso coffee is poured into a metal shaker containing ice cubes. The interaction of the ice cubes with the hot coffee causes a unique reaction, and once the drink has cooled, it is served cold with the addition of even more ice cubes and a straw. Cold coffee drinks are very refreshing, especially on hot summer days, and are designed to be enjoyed at a slow pace.
