Frappe Vs. Frappuccino (Explained)

Last Updated on November 7, 2021 by John Moretti

There is much confusion surrounding the Frappe and Frappuccino, and many are unsure what the differences are between these two drinks. While these drinks are very different from each other, they are often wrongly thought of as the same thing. Let’s clear u the confusion.

The Frappe is a simple coffee-based drink that is either made with foamed instant coffee or espresso and poured over ice. The Frappuccino is a Starbucks brand drink that is made with blended ice, coffee syrup, flavored syrups, and topped with whipped cream.

The Frappe and the Frappuccino are very different drinks. The Frappe is more based on coffee, while the Frappuccino is more of a decadent specialty drink. To better understand these two drinks and to identify what sets them apart from one another, let’s take a look at exactly what goes into these popular drinks.

What Is a Frappe?

what is a frappe

The Frappe can be a challenge to define. There are several different recipes from all over the world, and there are multiple origin stories citing the beginning of the Frappe, all from different regions internationally.

The exact recipe of the Frappe is not set in stone, and rather the Frappe is a product of the barista that prepares it and the influence of the region where the drink is prepared.

The Frappe is a coffee drink that is made with ice, milk, sugar, and sometimes ice cream. Many recipes also call for various syrups or additives, such as chocolate powder. The Frappe can be prepared with espresso or with instant coffee, depending on the region and style of the drink. 

A Frappe can be made in various ways and prepared with various flavors depending on which ingredients are used to prepare the drink.

Many believe that the Frappe originates from Greece, but it is difficult to specify the exact origin of this coffee drink. The basic ingredients of the Frappe are coffee, milk, ice, and sugar. From there, the recipe can be changed or added to depending on taste.

The Frappe is sweeter than regular coffee, but it is still a drink heavily based on coffee without the frills and flash of other drinks such as the Frappuccino. 

What Is A Frappuccino?

what is a frappuccino

A Frappuccino is more straightforward to define than a Frappe. A Frappuccino is a trademark of the Starbucks Corporation. The Frappuccino was invented by Starbucks and bears the brand name from this international coffee powerhouse.

The Frappuccino is derived from a combination of two drinks. The Boston-based milkshake is known as a Frappe (pronounced” frap”), and the traditional Cappuccino which we all know well.

This means that the Frappuccino is not based on the Frappe, which many may have surmised. The Boston Frappe is simply a milkshake with ice cream, and the Cappuccino is an espresso-based coffee drink with foamed milk.

The Frappuccino is a combination of both these drinks, combining a milkshake and a Cappuccino into many various delicious varieties.

There are several types of Frappuccino made by Starbucks, and the drink has been replicated by many various coffee brands, coffee shops, and baristas since its invention.

The Frappuccino can be made with various flavors depending on taste. Some of the more common flavors include Mocha, Caramel, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Chocolate.

The Frappuccino is usually made from ice, coffee syrup, sugar, flavoring syrups, whipped cream, and flavorings. These drinks are very sweet tasting and incredibly rich and decadent. 

How Is A Frappe Prepared?

frappe in a coffee shop

The preparation of the Frappe is much looser and more varied compared to the fixed recipe for the Frappuccino.

Many believe that the Frappe originates in Greece. The Greek recipe for a Frappe is quite simple, but it is unique compared to other types of Frappe.

The Greek Frappe is prepared with instant coffee grounds, not ground coffee beans. The instant coffee is added to a tall glass and mixed with sugar to taste. Coldwater is then added to the mixture, just enough to cover the top of the coffee and sugar.

The next step is to thoroughly mix the coffee with an electric Frappe mixer to produce a substantial head of foam. This foam is key to the Frappe.

After this, ice is added to the drink, and more water or whole milk is added to fill the glass.

Outside of Greece, the Frappe is often made with espresso rather than instant coffee. This means that it is not prepared with the foamed instant coffee. 

The espresso method usually entails combining a single or double shot of espresso with around 100ml (3.3oz) of milk and thoroughly mixing with an electric Frappe mixer. The resultant mixture is typically poured over a generous amount of ice and drunk with a straw.

The espresso method of making Frappe is significantly stronger than the method using instant coffee.

How Is A Frappuccino Prepared?

starbucks frappuccino

The Frappuccino is prepared in the same way internationally, regardless of where you live, as this drink is prepared by the coffee shop chain Starbucks. 

This means that a standard recipe is followed for the Frappuccino internationally.

The Frappuccino is prepared by combining various syrups and flavorings to milk, coffee, and ice. This is then blended into a smooth, thick drink. Various toppings are then added to complete the drink.

The Starbucks barista begins making this drink by pumping Starbucks Frappuccino Roast coffee syrup into the cup. The next step is to add an appropriate amount of whole milk for the size of the drink. After this, the flavoring syrups are added. This can be any of the Starbucks syrup flavors, including Caramel, Chocolate, Vanilla, Mocha, and Strawberry.

After the syrups and milk have been combined, the barista will add another syrup known as a base. The type of base syrup used is independent of the type of Frappuccino that is being prepared. The base adds body to the drink.

After all this, ice is added to the drink, and the entire mixture is blended into a smooth yet thick drink in a Frappuccino blender. 

To complete the drink, the barista will add a large portion of whipped cream to the top of the drink and drizzle the chosen flavor of syrup over the whipped cream.

The Bottom Line

The Frappe is a much stronger drink, and it is far more coffee-forward than the Frappuccino. The Frappuccino is a drink intended to be more like a desert or a specialty milkshake than a strictly coffee drink.

If you love coffee and prefer strong coffee drinks, the Frappe is the better option for you. If you are into milkshakes and sweet drinks with intense flavor, the Starbucks Frappuccino is more well suited for you.

Both drinks are unique in their own right, but they are intended for and enjoyed by very different types of people.