Frothy, cold and refreshing, a frappe can mean different things depending on where you are. In Greece, a frappé is a foamy iced coffee. In New England, a frappe is a thick milkshake made with ice cream. And in coffee shops, frappes are blended iced coffee drinks. National Frappe Day, on October 7, celebrates all of them, making it a great day to try one.
History of National Frappe Day
The word 'frappé' comes from French, meaning 'chilled' or 'iced'. In the 1800s, it described drinks served over shaved ice.
The Greek frappé was invented in 1957 at the Thessaloniki International Fair. A company representative, Dimitris Vakondios, couldn't find hot water for his instant coffee, so he shook it with cold water and ice in a shaker, creating a foamy drink. It became hugely popular in Greece and Cyprus.
In New England, especially Massachusetts, a frappe is a thick drink made with ice cream, milk and syrup, what most Americans call a milkshake. In Rhode Island, a similar drink is called a 'cabinet'. Who created National Frappe Day is not documented.
Iced coffee drinks became popular in the United States in the 1990s and 2000s, as coffee shop chains introduced blended frozen beverages. Today, cold coffee drinks account for a large share of café sales, especially among younger customers, and many people enjoy them year-round, not just in summer.
Why National Frappe Day Matters
Frappes show how food names change across regions and cultures.
They're refreshing and customizable, with coffee and noncoffee versions.
The Greek frappé's accidental invention is a fun example of creativity and problem-solving.
Frappes can also be a fun way to explore food science. Shaking instant coffee with water creates a stable foam because of proteins and other compounds in the coffee, while blending ice cream with milk creates a thick, creamy texture. Experimenting at home shows how different methods change the result.
How to Celebrate National Frappe Day
- Make a Greek frappé: shake instant coffee, sugar, cold water and ice.
- Try a New England frappe: blend ice cream, milk and syrup.
- Visit a café: order a blended iced coffee drink.
- Make it decaf: use decaf coffee or skip coffee.
- Learn regional names: compare frappes, cabinets and milkshakes.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a frappe bar with coffee and noncoffee options is a fun afternoon pick-me-up. In classrooms, students can learn how words change meaning by region, or explore why shaking creates foam. At home, families can make New England-style frappes together, while adults try Greek frappés. Coffee contains caffeine, so choose caffeine-free versions for children.
Fun Facts About National Frappe Day
- 'Frappé' means 'chilled' in French.
- The Greek frappé was invented in 1957.
- In Rhode Island, a milkshake is called a cabinet.
National Frappe Day FAQs
When is National Frappe Day?
National Frappe Day is October 7.
What is a Greek frappé?
A foamy iced coffee made with instant coffee.
What is a frappe in New England?
A thick milkshake made with ice cream.
Who invented the Greek frappé?
Dimitris Vakondios, in 1957.