Frappe vs Iced Coffee: What is the Difference?
The frappe and the iced coffee are two of the most popular caffeinated beverages you can have on a hot day. They are both cold coffee drinks that will cool you off while still giving you the boost you need during the summertime.
It can be hard to distinguish the difference between the two beverages. They are very similar, but do have some differences that set them apart. So, let’s get down to business and discover the difference between the frappe and the iced coffee. This way you can decide which one is the right choice for you.
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What is a Frappe?
The word “Frappe” in French means iced. It originated in the 19th century to describe partly frozen drinks of all types. It is now associated around the world as a cold coffee beverage. This is due to the fact that the frappe coffee in drink in Greece quickly gained popularity during the 2004 Summer Olympics that were held there.
The original Greek Frappe was made with Nescafe instant coffee and cold water, with ice and sugar added to it. It offered a quick and convenient way for you to get the jolt of caffeine you need in the morning. Since then, Frappes have popped up in different locales around the globe and are made differently.
Some use brewed coffee to make it, and others use espresso. Some add milk or cream to the recipe, others even add ice cream. This coffee beverage allows you to get creative and personalize it to your personal taste and preference.
It is important to note that a Frappe is not the same thing as a Frappuccino. Check out my article, Frappe vs Frappuccino, to learn more.
How to Make a Classic Greek Frappe
Traditional Method
1. In a shaker bottle add one or two teaspoons of Nescafe instant coffee
2. Add in 2 tablespoons of water, and sugar to taste (optional)
3. Shake the mixture up to dissolve the coffee and create the frothy layer on top, approximately 30 seconds
4. Put ice cubes in a 12-ounce cup, if you want ice (optional)
5. Slowly pour coffee foam into the cup
6. Add water to fill the rest of the cup, leave room to add milk if you want it
7. Add the optional milk (evaporated milk is the traditional choice, but you can choose your favorite kind)
8. Enjoy!
Modern Method
1. In a blender, add ice cubes, milk, sugar, coffee, and a little water
2. Add in any extras such as flavorings or alcohol
3. Blend it up until thoroughly mixed
4. Pour in a tall glass
5. Top with whipped cream, ice cream, or any other toppings (optional)
6. Enjoy!
What is an Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is another simple beverage that is extremely popular, especially during the hotter months. Iced coffee is where you brew coffee like normal and pour it over ice. You can chill the coffee after it is brewed in a refrigerator before you pour it over the ice.
However, you don’t have to. You do need to know that the flavor of the coffee will be diluted by the ice. To prevent this from happening you can make an extra strong brew by adding more coffee grounds than normal. This way as the ice melts and it gets watered down, it will still be strong and flavorful for you.
A traditional iced coffee is made with just brewed coffee and ice. However, many people like to add in milk, cream, sugar, or flavored syrups to it.
How to Make Iced Coffee
1. Brew your coffee like you normally would (in your Keurig machine or Mr. Coffee pot)
2. Let the coffee cool down, refrigerate it if you want
3. Add some ice to your cup
4. Pour the coffee over the ice
5. Add any extras you want such as milk, cream, or flavored syrups (optional)
Frappe vs Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?
There are many similarities between these two coffee drinks. They are both traditionally made with coffee that has been cooled down. It can be difficult to understand what the difference is besides the texture.
However, there are some differences that distinguish the two coffee beverages from each other. These differences include:
Type of Coffee Used:
While modern frappes can be made with brewed coffee or espresso, the traditional frappe is made using Nescafe instant coffee. An iced coffee, on the other hand, is made with regular brewed coffee in a coffee maker.
Brewing Method:
A frappe is made using a shaker bottle or blender, depending on if you are making the traditional version or a more modern take on it. If you do the traditional method then you pour it over ice.
If you want to make a modern frappe then you add everything into the blender and blend it up. This makes the texture more like an frozen beverage or milkshake, depending on what all you add to it.
An iced coffee is very simple because it is just brewed coffee poured over ice. Then you can add whatever else you want to it.
Milk
This is a tricky one because both the traditional frappe and iced coffee doesn’t include milk. However, most modern takes on a frappe now include milk in them. Whether its milk, cream, or even ice cream, you will be hard-pressed to order a frappe that doesn’t include some type of milk in it.
An iced coffee doesn’t feature milk in it. While you can add milk or cream to it. It is still very common to order a regular iced coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can a frappe be made in a blender?
Yes, the most common way to make a frappe today is to use a blender. You just add in all of the ingredients you want in your frappe of choice, and blend it up. It’s a super quick and simple way to make your favorite frappe flavor.
Do frappes taste like coffee?
Yes, the base ingredient in a frappe is brewed coffee so it will taste like coffee. However, you can add in other things like sugar, cream, or even ice cream to smooth it out.
If you don’t like coffee, then you may still find a frappe beverage that you enjoy. However, the traditional Greek Frappe tastes very much like coffee, so if you don’t like coffee you won’t like this drink.
Do frappes have milk in them?
While the traditional Greek frappe doesn’t include milk. Most of the popular frappe beverages that you find today do contain some type of milk in them. Whether its milk or cream, it is a popular ingredient in most frappes today.
Are frappes hot?
No, frappes are not a hot coffee drink. Both the traditional and modern version are cold. Today’s popular versions are made with ice and blended up for a sweet frozen treat. Perfect for hot summer days.
Is iced coffee just hot coffee cold?
This pretty much sums up what iced coffee is. You brew hot coffee and then let it cool and pour it over ice. So, yes iced coffee is technically just hot coffee cold.
Final Thoughts:
As you can tell the frappe and the iced coffee are very similar caffeinated drinks. They are both made with coffee and ice. However, there are some big differences that make each of these drinks its own unique coffee beverage.
If you love coffee and just want a nice way to drink it cold, then you should choose to get an iced coffee. If you would rather have a frozen coffee that many times is like a coffee flavored milkshake, then you will love the frappe.
It really comes down to personal preference. I love both of these drinks, especially during the summer. The iced coffee is more my day-to-day choice and the frappe is more like a special treat for me.
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