Frappe 101: The Creamy, Frothy Coffee You Didn’t Know You Needed (And How to Make It Better with Bazan)

Among the many coffee creations across the world, few are as iconic, accessible, and deliciously refreshing as the frappe. Invented by accident but loved by design, this frothy chilled drink has won fans from Greek beach cafés to modern-day coffee chains.

But what exactly is a frappe? How is it different from a frappuccino? Does it contain caffeine? And more importantly-how can you make one that actually tastes great using specialty Vietnamese coffee from Bazan?

This article serves as your complete guide to all things frappe.

What Is a Frappe?

A frappe (pronounced frap-pay) is a cold, foamy coffee drink made by shaking or blending instant coffee, water, sugar, and ice. Originating in Greece in 1957, it was first created using Nescafé instant coffee during a trade fair.

Key Traits:

• Traditionally made with instant coffee

• Served cold, with or without milk

• Famous for its thick foam and airy texture

• Sweetness level can be adjusted (from sketo to glyko)

What's in a Frappe?

A classic Greek-style frappe typically includes:

• 1–2 tsp instant coffee (e.g., spray-dried Robusta)

• 100 ml cold water

• 2–4 ice cubes

• Sugar (optional)

• Milk (optional, for a frappé me gala)

Modern variations often add:

• Sweetened condensed milk

• Whipped cream

• Chocolate syrup or caramel drizzle

• Flavored syrups (hazelnut, vanilla)

How to Make a Frappe (At Home or Behind the Bar)

Classic Greek Frappe Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp instant coffee (use Bazan’s recommended substitute below)

• 100 ml cold water

• Ice cubes

• 1 tsp sugar (optional)

• 50 ml milk (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add coffee, water, and sugar to a cocktail shaker or blender.

2. Shake vigorously (or blend on high) for 30–60 seconds until thick foam forms.

3. Pour into a tall glass over ice.

4. Add cold milk if desired.

Bazan Twist: Upgrading the Frappe

To take it to the next level, substitute instant coffee with:

• Bazan Freeze-Dried Fine Robusta (available in single-serve drip or powdered form)

• Add 1–2 tbsp hot water to dissolve before shaking

This version has lower acidity, a fruitier backbone, and much better sustainability than most commercial instant brands.

Does Frappe Have Caffeine?

Yes. Frappe is made from instant coffee, which retains a significant caffeine content.

Frappe vs Frappuccino: What's the Difference?

While the frappuccino is more of a dessert, the frappe retains its coffee-forward identity.

Why Use Bazan Coffee for Frappe?

Most instant coffees are made from commodity-grade Robusta with harsh, bitter profiles. Bazan’s freeze-dried Robusta is different.

Why Bazan Freeze-Dried Robusta Works:

• Handpicked, naturally fermented beans

• Slow-roasted for flavor clarity

• Freeze-dried to preserve aroma and sweetness

• Less bitterness, more body and mouthfeel

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use brewed espresso instead of instant?

Yes! Use 1–2 shots of strong espresso or cold brew concentrate and shake it with ice. It won’t froth as much but will taste smoother.

Does frappe need milk?

No, milk is optional. You can make a frappe me gala (with milk) or sketos (without).

Is frappe always sweet?

Not necessarily. Greeks often drink medium sweet (metrios), sweet (glyko), or unsweetened (sketos).

Can I make it vegan?

Yes. Use oat milk or almond milk with barista-quality frothing properties.

Final Thoughts: A Frothy New Way to Love Your Coffee

Whether you want a quick cool-down on a summer afternoon or an energizing morning ritual, the frappe offers a fast, frothy, and delicious path to satisfaction. But don’t settle for bland instant blends. With Bazan Coffee, you’re elevating every shake, every swirl, and every sip.

Our fine Robusta and Vietnam Blend are tailored for full-bodied, low-acidity drinks that transform even the humblest recipe into a café-worthy experience.

Shake It Real. Make It Bazan.

• Freeze-dried Robusta from ethical farms

• Sustainably packaged and small-batch roasted

• Naturally fermented for deeper flavor

👉 Shop Bazan Coffee Now and create a frappe that’s creamy, clean, and authentically you.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

For years, Robusta has been overshadowed by Arabica, often dismissed as a lower-tier coffee. But Vietnam’s Fine Robusta is changing that perception worldwide.

Through careful cultivation, modern fermentation, and precise processing, Bazan Coffee’s Fine Robusta – Krong Nang represents a new generation of Robusta, bold, complex, and remarkably smooth.

Why Choose Fine Robusta – Krong Nang?

• Grown at 650m in Krong Nang, Dak Lak, Vietnam
  Volcanic soil, balanced rainfall, and ideal temperatures create beans with deep body and natural sweetness.

• 72-hour natural anaerobic fermentation
  This advanced fermentation enhances sweetness while softening bitterness, developing notes of durian, caramel, and honey.

• Thick crema and powerful energy
  With nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica, it produces bold espresso and exceptional cold brew.

• Versatile beyond brewing
  The nutrient-rich coffee grounds can also be reused for composting, skincare scrubs, or natural odor absorption.

If you want a bold, full-bodied coffee that holds its flavor even in iced drinks, Fine Robusta – Krong Nang is the perfect foundation.

Not Just Robusta, The Best of Both Worlds

For those who enjoy a smoother, more aromatic profile, Bazan Coffee also offers a signature blend that balances power and elegance.

Special Vietnam Blend: A Harmony of Arabica and Fine Robusta

This carefully crafted blend combines high-altitude Arabica with Vietnam’s Fine Robusta, creating a coffee that is both expressive and balanced.

What makes it special:

• Smooth and layered flavor
  The richness of Robusta meets the floral brightness of Arabica.

• Tasting notes: pineapple, delicate florals, and caramel sweetness

• Medium body with refined acidity
  Ideal for espresso, pour-over, French press, or cold brew

If you enjoy coffee that feels vibrant, aromatic, and well-rounded, the Special Vietnam Blend is a perfect match.

Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat: A Refined and Elegant Espresso

For those who prefer clarity, elegance, and complexity in their coffee, Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat represents one of Vietnam’s most celebrated highland coffees.

Grown in the cool mountains of Da Lat, this coffee offers a beautifully structured and clean cup.

Why Cau Dat Arabica stands out

• Grown at 1,550m in Cau Dat, Da Lat
  High altitude allows beans to mature slowly, developing intricate flavors.

• Fully washed processing
  Produces a crisp, transparent cup with excellent balance.

• Taste notes: bell pepper, warm spices, and caramel sweetness

The result is an espresso that feels elegant, layered, and refined.

If you appreciate bright, structured coffee with complexity, Cau Dat Arabica is your ideal choice.

Which Coffee Should You Choose?

Choosing the right coffee depends on the kind of experience you want in your cup:

• For intense espresso and rich crema
  → Fine Robusta – Krong Nang

• For balanced flavor with floral and pineapple notes
  → Special Vietnam Blend

• For a refined specialty coffee with bright clarity
  → Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat

No matter which you choose, starting with high-quality beans means every iced latte, cold brew, or summer coffee recipe becomes noticeably better.