A Frappe And A Frappuccino Aren't The Same Drink

Imagine this: You're wandering through sun-soaked streets in Greece, where locals stroll by, sipping on tall, frothy drinks. You're craving something refreshing, so you pop into a café and order a Frappuccino. The barista, looking puzzled, hands you something that's definitely not what you expected — it's strong, foamy, and distinctly not the sugary, milkshake-like treat you were thinking of. So, what went wrong? The answer lies in the difference between a frappe and a Frappuccino, two drinks that may sound similar but are worlds apart.

In Massachusetts, ordering a frappe means you're getting a creamy milkshake, a tradition that dates back long before the Greek frappe came into the picture. But when Starbucks introduced its now-iconic Frappuccino, it wasn't just a clever name. In fact, the Frappuccino was inspired by the Massachusetts frappe — blending the local milkshake concept with coffee to create a drink that's now beloved worldwide. The term frappe has deep roots in New England and it refers to what most people outside of the region would call a milkshake. Understanding these regional differences is key to avoiding mix-ups, especially if you find yourself in a Greek café.

Before the world was introduced to Starbucks' Frappuccino in the 1990s, the term frappe was already synonymous with creamy milkshakes in New England. Starbucks cleverly borrowed this concept, blending it with coffee to create the Frappuccino, a drink that quickly became a sensation. It's a perfect fusion of coffee, ice, milk, and syrups; transforming it into a dessert-like beverage that's often topped with whipped cream and flavored drizzles. Eventually, Starbucks capitalized on the success of the drink by making limited time beverages like the infamous (and not very tasty) Unicorn Frappuccino.

If you've ever tried Starbucks' Frappuccino, you'll know how far removed it is from the Greek version. Starbucks has turned the Frappuccino into a brand in its own right, offering endless customizations that cater to the sweet tooth in all of us. But while it's easy to get lost in the world of caramel swirls and whipped toppings, remember that this drink's origins are rooted in the classic Massachusetts milkshake.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the Greek frappe offers a completely different experience. Believed to have been born in the 1950s in Thessaloniki, Greece, the Greek frappe is a simple yet potent coffee drink that's all about bold flavors. Made with instant coffee and water, this frothy concoction is shaken or whisked until it forms a thick foam before being poured over ice. Unlike the milkshake-like texture of a Frappuccino, the Greek frappe is strong, refreshing, and decidedly less sweet.

The beauty of the Greek frappe is its simplicity and intense coffee flavor, something that sets it apart from its sugary American cousin. If you're curious about how to make one yourself, here's a fantastic guide that breaks down the steps to creating this iconic drink at home. Whether you choose to enjoy it with or without milk, the Greek frappe's frothy, concentrated coffee flavor is an experience you won't forget. So next time you're ordering a cold coffee, remember that your location matters — because what you get in Greece is nothing like what you'll find at your local Starbucks.