Whether there is coffee in a frappe is a common question for coffee lovers. A frappe is a blended iced coffee drink made by mixing coffee, milk, ice, and flavorings in a blender. The key ingredients that define a frappe are milk, ice, and flavorings like chocolate, caramel, or vanilla. So while coffee is commonly used in a frappe, it is not a required ingredient.
What is a Frappe?
A frappe is a blended iced coffee drink made by mixing milk, ice, flavorings, and optionally coffee in a blender. The blending aerates and froths the drink, giving it a light, smooth, and creamy texture.
Some key characteristics of a frappe:
– It is blended and icy cold. The blending incorporates air for a light, foamy texture.
– It contains milk or another creamy dairy ingredient like yogurt or ice cream. The dairy provides the signature smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
– It typically contains flavorings like chocolate, caramel, vanilla, or seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice. The flavorings complement the cold, creamy base.
– It may or may not contain coffee. Coffee is a popular frappe ingredient, but not required.
The name “frappe” comes from the French word “frapper” meaning to chill or frost. Frappe refers to the icy, frothy texture resulting from blending the ingredients.
History of the Frappe
The origins of the modern frappe can be traced back to the early 20th century in New England. Two individuals are often credited for popularizing the iced coffee-based frappe:
– In 1922, Boston-area soda fountain owner T.H. Toni introduced the “Toni frappe” by blending milk, chocolate syrup, and ice. It became very popular in New England.
– In the 1930s, Massachusetts dairy bar owner Raymond Sullivan trademarked the frappe name and started selling blended milk, ice cream, and flavorings like chocolate, caramel, or fruit.
These early frappes established the blueprint for the creamy, icy blended coffee drinks we know today. The frappe gained widespread popularity with the rise of coffeehouse chains like Starbucks in the late 1900s. Adding coffee to the blend resulted in today’s coffee-based frappe.
Types of Frappes
There are many variations of frappes available today. Some of the most popular types include:
– **Coffee frappe:** The most well-known type, made with coffee, milk, ice, and often additional flavorings like chocolate, caramel, or vanilla.
– **Mocha frappe:** A chocolate-flavored coffee frappe made with chocolate syrup.
– **Vanilla frappe:** A frappe flavored with vanilla syrup or extract.
– **Caramel frappe:** Features caramel sauce or syrup.
– **Chai frappe:** Made with spiced chai tea concentrate instead of coffee.
– **Green tea frappe:** Uses matcha green tea powder.
– **Fruit frappe:** Made with fresh or frozen fruit like strawberries or mangoes.
– **Cookies and cream frappe:** Contains crushed Oreo cookies.
– **Nutella frappe:** Made with Nutella hazelnut spread.
The varieties are endless, with coffee shops and brands constantly inventing new seasonal or limited-edition frappes. The key binding thread is the creamy blended ice drink base.
Does a Frappe Contain Coffee?
Coffee is a very common ingredient in frappes, but it is not required to make an authentic frappe.
According to food historians, early frappes in the 1900s contained no coffee at all. The original recipes called for blended milk, ice, various sugars and flavorings like chocolate or maple, and sometimes ice cream. The key aspects were the creamy, icy, aerated texture rather than specific ingredients.
Coffee was eventually incorporated as an additional flavor, creating the now-classic coffee frappe. But plenty of non-coffee frappes exist like chai, green tea, fruit, or nutella frappes.
So while coffee is a prevalent frappe ingredient today, purists would argue a true frappe need only contain milk, ice, flavorings, and sweeteners. The rise of coffee’s popularity and cafe culture has associated coffee with frappes, but it is not mandatory.
Popular Coffee Frappe Recipes
Though not required, coffee remains one of the most standard frappe ingredients. Here are some popular coffee frappe recipes:
Basic Coffee Frappe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ice
- 1 cup cold brewed coffee or espresso
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp sugar or simple syrup
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew coffee and let chill completely.
- In a blender, combine coffee, milk, sugar, and ice.
- Blend until smooth and frothy.
- Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream if desired.
Mocha Frappe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ice
- 1 cup cold brewed coffee or espresso
- 1⁄2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1 tbsp sugar or simple syrup
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- Brew coffee and let chill completely.
- In a blender, combine coffee, milk, chocolate syrup, sugar, and ice.
- Blend until smooth and frothy.
- Pour into a glass, top with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle if desired.
Caramel Frappe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ice
- 1 cup cold brewed coffee or espresso
- 1⁄2 cup whole milk
- 3 tbsp caramel sauce or syrup
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- Brew coffee and let chill completely.
- In a blender, combine coffee, milk, caramel sauce, and ice.
- Blend until smooth and frothy.
- Pour into a glass, drizzle with caramel sauce, and top with whipped cream.
Pumpkin Spice Frappe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ice
- 1 cup cold brewed coffee or espresso
- 1⁄2 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tbsp sugar or syrup
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- Brew coffee and let chill completely.
- In a blender, combine coffee, milk, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, sugar, and ice.
- Blend until creamy and frothy.
- Pour into a glass, top with whipped cream and sprinkle of pie spice.
Non-Coffee Frappe Recipes
To make a frappe without coffee, simply use a non-coffee ingredient as the star flavor. Here are some ideas:
Chai Frappe
Replace brewed coffee with chai tea concentrate or spice mix.
Green Tea Frappe
Replace coffee with matcha green tea powder. Sweeten as desired.
Strawberry Banana Frappe
Use frozen strawberries and banana instead of coffee. Sweeten with honey or syrup.
Cookies and Cream Frappe
Use crumbled Oreo cookies as the main flavor. Add just a small amount of milk for creaminess.
Nutella Frappe
Swap coffee for Nutella hazelnut spread as the star ingredient. Adds plenty of richness on its own.
The possibilities are endless when you ditch the coffee! Let the seasons, holidays, or your cravings guide your choice of delicious flavors.
Frappe vs. Frappuccino
Frappuccino is a branded coffee drink trademarked by Starbucks. It is prepared similarly to a coffee-based frappe. However, there are some key differences:
| Frappe | Frappuccino |
|---|---|
| Generic term for a blended iced coffee drink | Starbucks brand name and specific product line |
| First popularized in the 1900s | Introduced by Starbucks in 1995 |
| Traditionally contains milk, ice, flavorings (coffee optional) | Always contains coffee plus dairy, syrups, and ice |
| Texture from blending milk and ice | Texture from injecting air via blender |
| Usually has subtly sweet flavor | Often sweeter than frappes |
In summary, Frappuccino is Starbucks’ commercial version of a coffee-based frappe. All Frappuccinos are frappes, but not all frappes are Frappuccinos.
Benefits of Ordering a Frappe Without Coffee
Some reasons you may prefer a coffee-free frappe include:
- Avoid caffeine – Caffeine-free for those sensitive to or avoiding stimulants.
- Healthier option – Ditching coffee allows for nutritious ingredients like fruit, green tea, or protein powder.
- Kid-friendly – Coffee-free frappes make a great treat for kids.
- New flavors – Explore fun new ingredient combinations beyond coffee-based frappes.
- Less bitter taste – Some may find coffee-free frappes more gently and sweetly flavored.
- Cool treat – Still enjoy the iconic icy blended texture without coffee’s bitterness.
The beauty of the frappe is customizing your perfect blend of flavors and ingredients. Going without coffee opens up many possibilities!
How to Order a Frappe Without Coffee
Ordering a coffee-free frappe is easy at most coffee shops. Here are some tips:
- Know the menu. Many shops have designated coffee-free options like chai or green tea frappes.
- Ask your barista for recommendations. Explain your preferences to get suggestions for coffee-free alternatives.
- Modify standard recipes. For example, order a caramel frappe without coffee, or a mocha subbed with chocolate milk instead.
- Use customization options. Some chains like Starbucks let you substitute and add mix-ins to create your own recipe.
- Seasonal selections. Look for limited-edition coffee-free frappes like pumpkin spice or gingerbread.
- Allergy-friendly. If dairy is an issue, request dairy-free milk and ice cream substitutes.
The worst they can say is the recipe isn’t possible without coffee. But more often than not, baristas are happy to whip up a custom coffee-free creation!
Making Your Own Coffee-Free Frappe at Home
It’s easy to blend coffee-free frappe creations at home with just a blender and a few ingredients. Here are some tips for DIY frappes:
- Use milk as base – Whole milk yields thick, creamy frappes. Opt for skim or non-dairy milk to reduce calories and fat.
- Flavor it – Sweeten with sugar, honey, or syrups. Add extracts, spices, or sauces for flavor like vanilla, cocoa powder, caramel, etc.
- Include mix-ins – Customize with fruits, veggies, nuts, cookies, candy, protein powder, or other stir-ins.
- Blend with ice – 2 cups ice makes a drinkable yet icy frappe texture.
- Top it off – Top with whipped cream, drizzles, or spices for the full cafe experience.
- Sip through a straw – A wide straw prevents clogging from blended ice and mix-ins.
The simplicity of a blended milkshake-like treat makes frappes easy to re-create at home. Experiment until you create your perfect customized coffee-free frappe!
Frappe vs. Other Blended Drinks
How does the frappe compare to other popular blended beverages?
| Frappe | Smoothie | Milkshake | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Milk/dairy | Fruit and/or veggies | Ice cream |
| Mix-ins | Syrups, sauces, powders, cookies | Yogurt, milk, seeds, protein powder | Cookies, candy, chocolate syrup |
| Texture | Light, foamy, icy | Thick, creamy | Dense, rich, thick |
| Coffee content | Optional | Uncommon | Uncommon |
While all blended, the different dairy, flavor, and texture profiles make each drink unique. Frappe’s frothy, foamy profile stands apart from its thicker, sweeter blended cousins.
Frappe Takeaways
To summarize key highlights:
– A frappe is a creamy frozen blended coffee drink, but coffee is not required for an authentic recipe.
– Early 20th century soda fountains popularized non-coffee frappes made with milk, ice cream, ice, and flavorings.
– Coffee was eventually added to frappes, popularizing today’s coffee-based versions.
– Frappes can be customized with endless flavor combinations and ingredients beyond just coffee.
– Ordering or making a coffee-free frappe opens up many options for caffeine-free, kid-friendly, and healthier blends.
– Frappes can be ordered without coffee at most coffee shops by substituting or omitting coffee.
– Blending milk, ice, and your choice of flavors easily creates coffee-free frappes at home.
So feel free to indulge in a frappe while avoiding coffee. The iconic frozen blended drink offers endless customization opportunities!
Conclusion
While coffee is commonly associated with and added to frappes, it is not a required ingredient. The original frappe recipes consisted of blending milk, ice cream, ice, and flavorings – no coffee needed! Coffee-free frappes open up creative flavors, provide a healthier beverage option, and allow caffeine avoidance. Both coffee shops and home blenders can easily craft delicious coffee-free frappes with the endless flavor combination possibilities. So next time a frappe craving strikes, feel free to blend up a refreshing coffee-free frozen treat!