Innovation often springs from necessity, and the frappé is a perfect example.
The story begins in France, where the word frappé means “iced” or “chilled.” It comes from the French verb frapper, meaning “to beat” or “to chill,” a nod to both how it’s made and the refreshing experience it delivers.
Fast forward to 1957: at the Thessaloniki International Fair in Greece, Nestlé representative Dimitris Vakondios found himself without hot water for his Nescafé instant coffee. In need of a caffeine fix, he improvised by mixing instant coffee, cold water, and ice in a shaker originally designed for Nestlé’s new instant chocolate drink.
The result? A foamy, refreshing cold coffee beverage that became the first Greek frappé. Not only is the frappé still the most popular coffee drink in Greece and Cyprus, but it’s also recognized as the official national coffee of Greece.
The Science Behind the Frappé
There’s more to a frappé than meets the eye — or the taste buds! That signature frothy head and creamy texture aren’t accidental — they’re the result of chemistry and craft. Spray-dried instant coffee is the key: its lower oil content compared to freeze-dried versions allows for superior emulsification, producing a foam that’s stable, rich, and long-lasting.
The process is just as important as the ingredients. Mixing instant coffee, cold water, and ice — never hot water, which can alter flavor and texture — creates thousands of microbubbles that give the drink its creamy consistency. Add sugar for sweetness, or incorporate milk, cream, or whipped cream for indulgence. The outcome is a perfectly balanced blend of refreshment and comfort — ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying solo on a warm afternoon.
From Greek Classic to Modern Variations
While the authentic Greek frappé remains true to Vakondios’s original creation — instant coffee, water, and crushed ice shaken until it forms a rich foam — today’s versions have taken on different styles around the world.
- In the United States, frappés often include milk, cream, flavored syrups, or even ice cream for a sweeter, more indulgent treat.
- In other regions, variations highlight local coffee cultures, but the core appeal remains the same: a cold, energizing coffee drink that feels refreshing anytime of day.
Authentic Greek Frappé Recipe
Want to try it the original way? Here’s a quick recipe you can make at home.
- 2 tsp instant coffee
- 2 tsp sugar (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp cold water
- Ice cubes
- Cold water or milk to top
Directions: Shake vigorously (or blend) until foamy, pour over ice and enjoy.
Your frappé will be covered with a thick, creamy foam, which is a signature characteristic of this drink.
Drinking a Greek frappé is a unique experience. It’s bestsipped slowly and enjoyed for its refreshing and energizing qualities.
Modern Frappé Innovations
The frappé has come a long way since its accidental invention. Today, cafés and home baristas are getting creative with new flavors and styles:
- Tea & Non-Coffee Frappé: Matcha, chai or even fruit-based frappés offer refreshing options without coffee.
- Vegan-Friendly Versions: Almond, oat, soy and coconut milks make frappés more inclusive and, often, creamier.
- Dessert-Inspired Flavors: Think cookies & cream, Nutella, salted caramel or even pumpkin spice frappés in the fall.
- Coffee-Blend Hybrids: Many cafés now use cold brew or espresso instead of instant coffee for a bolder flavor.
- Fast-Food Favorites: Chains like McDonald’s have launched indulgent twists such as the Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Frappé, topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips.
- Frappuccinos: Starbucks made the blended coffee drink a household name in the 1990s. Their Frappuccino line — with flavors ranging from Caramel to Java Chip — pushed the frappé into mainstream culture and inspired countless copycats.
Why We Celebrate National Frappé Day
Observed on October 7, National Frappé Day is a chance to spotlight this inventive coffee drink while giving communities and coffee lovers a reason to enjoy it together. Beyond honoring its Greek roots, it’s also a way to celebrate how coffee connects people — whether at home, at work or in multifamily communities.
Unique Ways to Celebrate National Frappé Day
Ready to celebrate? Try these fun ideas:
- Sip the Original: Try making the authentic Greek recipe above.
- Spice Things Up: Experiment with caramel, mocha or seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice.
- DIY Frappé Bar: Set out syrups, whipped cream and toppings so family and friends can create their own versions.
How to Celebrate National Frappé Day in Multifamily Communities
National Frappé Day isn’t just for coffee shops — it’s also a creative opportunity for property managers to engage residents and showcase the value of on-site coffee amenities. Here are a few ideas tailored for multifamily communities:
- Host a Pop-Up Frappé Social: Set up a casual gathering in your lobby or clubhouse where residents can grab a frappé on their way to work or while meeting neighbors. Even a simple setup with instant coffee, milk, syrups and ice goes a long way in sparking connections.
- DIY Frappé Bar: Transform your clubhouse or community space into a self-serve coffee station for the day. Provide cups, ice, flavored syrups, whipped cream and signage with a quick Greek frappé recipe. Residents will enjoy customizing their drinks, and it’s a memorable touch for prospects touring your property.
- Resident Contest or Giveaway: Encourage residents to share their favorite frappé recipe or flavor on your community’s social media page. Reward a winner with a gift card to a local café or a fun coffee-themed prize.
- Highlight Your Coffee Amenity in Tours: Use the holiday as a chance to highlight how easy it is for residents to enjoy coffee at home. Mention how amenities like SipWithMe keep fresh, café-quality coffee within steps of their apartment — a convenience that matters to today’s renters.
- Partner with Local Coffee Vendors: Partner with a local coffee shop to bring in a barista for a one-day frappé demonstration. It’s a unique amenity activation that supports local businesses while offering residents a fun experience.
By tying a nationally recognized holiday to your resident programming, you’re not just celebrating coffee — you’re creating a sense of community and showing prospects that resident satisfaction is a top priority.
A Coffee Innovation That Endures
From its accidental invention in Greece to its modern variations, the frappé proves that sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected challenges. On National Frappé Day, take a moment to enjoy a refreshing cold coffee — whether you stick with the classic Greek version or savor in a more indulgent twist.
Celebrate National Frappé Day with SipWithMe
At SipWithMe, we believe great coffee turns ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. With premium amenities designed to deliver barista-quality espresso shots, indulgent lattes and more at the touch of a button, we make luxury coffee service effortless and accessible.
Whether it’s National Frappé Day, National Cappuccino Day, National Cold Brew Day National Espresso Martini Day, National Café au Lait Day, National Irish Coffee Day, National Gingerbread Latte Day, National Peppermint Latte Day, National Espresso Day, National Coffee Day or simply an ordinary morning, SipWithMe helps you create moments worth savoring.
Want to be sure you never miss one? 📩 Download WithMe’s coffee calendar for a complete list of holidays.
And if you’re ready to turn those celebrations into connection, check out our free e-book, Brew Better Communities, packed with event ideas and expert tips to make every cup count.
This National Frappé Day, celebrate the joy of coffee with an amenity upgrade that delights and simplifies. Contact us today to schedule a demo or request pricing details.
