I love starting my day with a refreshing iced beverage, especially during the summer months when the weather is scorching hot. One of my go-to choices is a frappé. However, I recently found myself in a debate with a friend about whether frappés can be considered coffee. It got me thinking, are frappés really coffee or just a fancy milkshake? In this article, we will take a closer look at frappés and explore whether they can truly be categorized as a coffee drink.
What is a Frappé?
To begin our investigation, let’s first understand what exactly a frappé is. The term “frappé” originated from Greece and traditionally referred to a cold and frothy coffee beverage. It typically consists of instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk, all blended together to create a thick and creamy consistency. In recent years, however, the meaning of frappé has evolved to include a wider variety of cold beverages, some of which may not even contain coffee.
Components of a Frappé
To determine whether frappés can be classified as coffee, it is important to analyze their components. As mentioned earlier, the traditional Greek frappé is made with instant coffee. This means that coffee is an essential part of its recipe. However, modern variations of frappés have emerged, some of which may use different ingredients or exclude coffee altogether. These variations often include flavored syrups, whipped cream, or even fruit blends. While these alternatives may be delicious, they deviate from the traditional coffee base and blur the line between a frappé and a milkshake.
The Coffee Content
One key factor in determining whether frappés can be considered coffee is the actual coffee content. Traditional frappés are made with instant coffee, which contains caffeine and provides the iconic coffee flavor. However, certain frappé recipes may use decaffeinated instant coffee or substitute it entirely with coffee-flavored syrups. In these cases, the coffee component is significantly reduced or eliminated altogether, making it difficult to label these beverages as true coffee drinks.
Frappé vs. Milkshake
Now that we have a better understanding of frappés, let’s compare them to milkshakes, which are universally recognized as non-coffee beverages. While both frappés and milkshakes share some similarities, such as a blended and creamy texture, there are distinct differences that set them apart.
Milkshake Ingredients
Milkshakes typically consist of milk and ice cream as their base ingredients. Flavorings such as chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry are commonly added to enhance the taste. Unlike frappés, milkshakes do not contain coffee at all. The absence of coffee in milkshakes separates them from frappés, making coffee an integral defining characteristic of the latter.
Milkshake Purpose
Milkshakes are often consumed solely as a sweet treat or dessert. They are enjoyed for their rich and indulgent flavors, making them a popular choice among those with a sweet tooth. In contrast, frappés are more commonly consumed as a coffee beverage, giving individuals a caffeine boost to help jumpstart their day or keep them going throughout their afternoon.
Non-Coffee Frappé Variations
While traditional frappés are undeniably coffee-based, it is worth mentioning the rise of non-coffee frappé variations. These innovative recipes cater to individuals who enjoy the frappé experience but prefer to avoid coffee. Some examples include matcha frappés, made with powdered green tea, and fruit frappés, made with blended fruits and juices. While these non-coffee frappés deviate from the traditional definition, they have gained popularity among those seeking alternative options.
The Rise of Frappuccino
Among the non-coffee frappé variations, one brand that stands out is Starbucks, with its famous “Frappuccino.” The Frappuccino is a blended beverage made with milk, ice, flavored syrups, and topped with whipped cream. While it does contain coffee, the coffee flavor is often overpowered by sweeteners and syrups. As a result, the Frappuccino is closer to a milkshake than a classic frappé. However, it is important to note that Starbucks offers a range of Frappuccino flavors, some of which include a more prominent coffee taste.
The Conclusion
After diving into the world of frappés, it is clear that the question of whether frappés are coffee is a nuanced one. Traditional frappés, made with instant coffee, undeniably fall into the coffee category. However, the rise of non-coffee frappé variations and overly sweetened versions, such as the Frappuccino, blur the line between a coffee drink and a milkshake.
Ultimately, the classification of frappés as coffee or milkshake-like beverages may vary depending on personal preferences and the specific recipe being considered. Whether you consider frappés to be coffee or not, there is no denying their popularity and the enjoyment they bring to countless coffee enthusiasts worldwide. So, the next time you find yourself in a debate over whether frappés are coffee, remember that the answer is not as straightforward as it may seem.