Quick answer: blend 1½ cups of ice with ½ cup of strong cold coffee, ½ cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of sugar or syrup until smooth, pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream. For a caramel frappe add 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce; for mocha, 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup.
Base frappe (1 large drink)
- 1½ cups ice
- ½ cup (120 ml) strong coffee or 2 shots of espresso, chilled
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- 2 tbsp sugar or simple syrup, to taste
- Whipped cream to top
- Chill the coffee first so it does not melt the ice.
- Blend everything except the whipped cream until smooth and slushy.
- Pour into a tall glass, top with whipped cream and serve with a straw.
Three flavors
| Frappe | Add to the blender | Finish with |
|---|---|---|
| Caramel | 2 tbsp caramel sauce (reduce the sugar) | Whipped cream and a caramel drizzle |
| Mocha | 2 tbsp chocolate syrup | Whipped cream or chocolate whipped cream and chocolate shavings |
| Vanilla | 2 tbsp vanilla syrup, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream | Whipped cream |
The whipped cream topping
A tall swirl of whipped cream is what makes it look like the coffee-shop version. Whip it by hand (how to make whipped cream) or use a whipped cream dispenser for a neat rosette; see whipped cream for coffee for flavored toppings.
Tips for a thicker frappe
- Freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray and blend the cubes.
- Use whole milk, or swap a few tablespoons for heavy cream.
- Add the liquid first so the blender catches the ice.
- Serve at once; it separates as it melts.
Without coffee
For a cream-based frappe, leave out the coffee and use an extra half cup of milk with vanilla, strawberry or chocolate syrup.
More iced drinks: cold foam and whipped cream dispenser recipes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a frappe?
In the U.S., a frappe is a blended iced coffee drink made with coffee, milk, ice and syrup, usually topped with whipped cream. The Greek frappé is instant coffee shaken with water and ice.
How do I make a frappe thick?
Use more ice and less liquid, freeze the coffee into ice cubes, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I make a frappe without a blender?
A blender gives the slushy texture. Without one, shake strong coffee, milk and syrup hard with crushed ice for an iced coffee instead.
What is the difference between a frappe and a Frappuccino?
Frappuccino is a coffee-shop brand name for a blended iced coffee drink. A homemade frappe is the same idea.
