Greek Frappe

Foamy iced coffee

The Greek Frappé, an iconic summer refreshment that emerged in 1957 at the Thessaloniki International Fair, represents one of the most significant contributions to modern coffee culture. The drink was accidentally invented by Dimitris Vakondios, a Nescafe representative, who, unable to find hot water for his instant coffee, improvised by mixing it with cold water and ice in a shaker. This simple innovation became a national symbol of modern Greek culture and a beloved refreshment across the Mediterranean region.

The preparation of a Greek Frappé is a unique process that transforms simple ingredients into a complex drink. Instant coffee, sugar, and a small amount of water are vigorously shaken together, creating a thick, creamy foam that's distinctive to this beverage. This foam is then poured over ice and cold water, creating beautiful layers in the glass. The drink can be customized with milk and varying levels of sweetness, typically ordered as 'sketos' (plain), 'metrios' (medium sweet), or 'glykos' (sweet). As it sits, the foam slowly integrates with the liquid below, creating an ever-changing drinking experience that's perfectly suited to long, leisurely afternoons in the Mediterranean sun.