Frappes are cold coffee drinks that are very popular, especially during the hot summer months. But are frappes always blended? Let’s take a closer look at what defines a frappe and the different varieties that exist.
What is a Frappe?
A frappe is a type of iced coffee drink that is blended with ice and other ingredients to create a thick, frothy, and creamy beverage. The term “frappe” comes from the French word “frapper” which means to chill or to ice. Some key characteristics of frappes:
- They contain coffee as the main ingredient
- They are blended with ice to create a thick, smooth texture
- They often contain milk, sweeteners, flavored syrups, whipped cream, etc.
- They are served cold
So in basic terms, a frappe needs to contain coffee and be blended with ice to achieve that signature thick and frothy texture. However, there are some variations of frappes that may not always be blended.
Blended vs Non-Blended Frappes
There are two main categories of frappes:
- Blended Frappes: The traditional and most common type of frappe. These frappes are blended with ice in a blender to create a smooth, creamy, and frothy consistency.
- Non-Blended Frappes: These frappes are prepared by simply pouring the ingredients together over ice without blending. They have a thinner, more coffee-forward consistency without the thicker, smoother texture.
Some examples of popular blended frappe drinks include:
- The Mocha Frappe – coffee, chocolate sauce, milk blended with ice.
- The Caramel Frappe – coffee, caramel sauce, milk blended with ice.
- The Vanilla Frappe – coffee, vanilla syrup, milk blended with ice.
And some examples of non-blended frappes are:
- Iced Coffee Frappe – coffee poured over ice, with milk and sweetener.
- Iced Mocha Frappe – coffee, chocolate sauce, milk poured over ice.
- Iced Vanilla Frappe – coffee, vanilla syrup, milk poured over ice.
So in summary, while blended frappes are the most popular and traditional, non-blended varieties do exist as simpler iced coffee drinks.
Why Would Frappes Be Non-Blended?
There are a few reasons why some coffee shops or brands may offer non-blended versions of frappes:
- Simplicity – Non-blended frappes are quicker and easier to make, requiring less equipment and preparation.
- Cost – Blending frappes requires an expensive blender, so non-blended versions may be cheaper for some businesses.
- Customization – Customers can customize non-blended frappes more easily by adjusting ice, milk, and sweeteners to taste.
- Calories – Non-blended frappes may contain slightly fewer calories without the extra air and thickness from blending.
- Coffee Taste – The coffee flavor may come through more clearly in a non-blended drink.
However, the smooth and creamy texture is a signature characteristic of frappes. So blended frappes are still vastly more popular than the non-blended versions.
How Do You Make a Blended vs Non-Blended Frappe?
Here is a simple overview of how to make both types of frappes:
Blended Frappe
- Add ice cubes to a blender.
- Add coffee, milk or other liquids, and any flavoring syrups or sauces.
- Blend on high speed until thick and frothy.
- Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream if desired.
- Add a straw and serve immediately.
Non-Blended Frappe
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add coffee, milk or other liquids, and flavorings over the ice.
- Stir briefly to combine.
- Top with whipped cream if desired.
- Add a straw and serve immediately.
The non-blended version involves much simpler preparation without the need for an electric blender. However, it does not achieve the thicker frozen texture.
Popular Brands and Their Frappes
Here is a look at some top coffee brands and chains and the types of frappes they offer:
| Brand | Frappe Offerings |
|---|---|
| Starbucks | Blended frappes only, including the Coffee Frappuccino, Mocha Frappuccino, Caramel Frappuccino, and many flavor variations. |
| McCafe | Both blended and non-blended frappes. The McCafe line includes the Mocha Frappe (blended), Iced Mocha (non-blended), Caramel Frappe (blended), Iced Caramel (non-blended), and more. |
| Caribou Coffee | Offers blended, creamy frappes in flavors like Caramel, Mocha, Vanilla, and seasonal options. |
| The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf | Blended frappes including Caramel, Mocha, Vanilla, and specialty seasonal frappes. |
| Dunkin’ | Both blended and non-blended frappes. Their lineup includes the Coffee Coolatta (blended), Vanilla Bean Coolatta (blended), Iced Coffee (non-blended), Frozen Coffee (blended), and more. |
As you can see, most major coffee chains focus on blended frappes to align with consumer expectations for these creamy and thick iced coffee treats. But some do offer simpler iced versions for those looking for a different, less sweet experience.
Frappe vs Milkshake vs Smoothie
Frappes are often confused with other blended beverages like milkshakes and smoothies. Here’s how they differ:
- Frappes – Contain coffee as the main ingredient, blended with ice and ingredients like milk, sweeteners, and flavorings.
- Milkshakes – Consist of ice cream blended with milk and flavorings. Do not contain coffee.
- Smoothies – Made by blending fruit with ice, yogurt, juice, or milk. Also do not contain coffee.
So while all three are blended, icy beverages, only frappes contain coffee. Frappes also have a thinner, lighter consistency compared to thick and creamy milkshakes.
Frappe vs Iced Coffee vs Iced Latte
Frappes, iced coffee, and iced lattes are three different types of chilled coffee drinks. Here’s how they differ:
- Frappes – Blended with ice and ingredients like milk and syrups. Thick, smooth and frothy.
- Iced Coffee – Chilled coffee poured over ice. Simple coffee-forward taste.
- Iced Lattes – Espresso shots poured over ice, with added milk to give a creamy texture.
Frappes go through an extra blending step to create a richer, frostier texture. Iced coffee is the most straightforward chilled coffee. Iced lattes add espresso and milk for bolder coffee taste and creamy texture.
Popular Frappe Flavor Combinations
Here are some of the most delicious and common frappe flavor combinations:
- Mocha – Coffee blended with chocolate syrup or sauce.
- Caramel – Coffee blended with caramel syrup or sauce.
- Vanilla – Coffee blended with vanilla syrup.
- Pumpkin Spice – Coffee blended with pumpkin pie spices and syrup.
- White Chocolate Mocha – Coffee blended with white chocolate and chocolate syrups.
- Cookies & Cream – Coffee blended with Oreo cookies and vanilla syrup.
- Snickers – Coffee blended with chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter.
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon – Coffee blended with brown sugar and cinnamon syrup.
These flavor combos allow you to customize your frappe to your favorite tastes. The possibilities are endless for inventing new frappe flavors!
Tips for Making the Perfect Frappe
Here are some helpful tips for making a delicious blended frappe at home:
- Use strongly brewed coffee for a bold, intense coffee flavor.
- Let the coffee chill completely before blending for a frosty texture.
- Add ice cubes gradually while blending until reaching the desired thickness.
- Use full fat milk or cream for a richer, creamier frappe.
- Sweeten to taste – add sugar, honey, or flavored syrups.
- Top with whipped cream and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Blend in a high powered blender for smooth, lump-free frappes.
- Serve immediately before the ice melts and enjoy with a straw!
With these tips, you can craft cafe-worthy frappes from the comfort of home. Adjust flavors and ingredients to create your favorite combinations.
Are Frappes Healthy?
Frappes can be healthy in moderation, but often pack high amounts of sugar, calories, and fat. Here are some tips for lightening up your frappe:
- Request less flavored syrups and toppings like whipped cream.
- Choose skim or nonfat milk over whole milk.
- Opt for a small size rather than a large grande or venti.
- Ask for only half the normal amount of sugary base syrup.
- Substitute artificial sweeteners like stevia or syrups like sugar-free vanilla.
- Load up on extra coffee flavor rather than sugary flavors.
- Add fiber-rich rolled oats to give you energy and keep you full.
While frappes will never be as healthy as black coffee, these tweaks can help keep you from overdoing it on sugar and calories when you want to treat yourself.
Frappe Variations Around the World
While frappes originate from Greece and are popular worldwide, some countries have local twists on the blended coffee drink:
- Japan – Matcha green tea frappes are popular.
- Thailand – Frappes with coconut milk and Thai tea flavors are common.
- Vietnam – Strong dark coffee frappes with sweetened condensed milk.
- Mexico – Spiced frappes with cinnamon and vanilla are favored.
- India – Masala chai frappes made with chai tea and spices.
- Italy – Affogato frappes with espresso poured over gelato ice cream.
No matter what your local flavors, frappes around the world all share that signature blended, icy texture!
Conclusion
While traditionally frappes are blended coffee drinks, some simpler non-blended varieties do exist. However, the smooth and creamy blended texture remains the most popular. Frappes can be customized with endless flavors to suit any taste and lightened up to be a healthier treat. No matter how you take yours, frappes remain a favorite way to enjoy iced coffee in the warm months!