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Greek Drink Recipes

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Choose your Greek Coffee Recipe

From the GetGreece Podcast

In this episode we sit down with reknown chef Diane Kochilas to discuss her new cookbook, her career, and all things Greece. 

About Greek Coffees

In Greece, coffee is less about a quick caffeine fix and more about time spent together. A single cup can last an hour at a kafeneio table, and it almost always comes with a glass of cold water on the side. The classic is Greek coffee (ellinikos), finely ground and brewed slowly in a small pot called a briki until a thick layer of foam, the kaimaki, rises to the top. It's ordered by sweetness: sketos (no sugar), metrios (medium), or glykos (sweet), and served unfiltered, so the grounds settle in the cup. In 1957, Thessaloniki gave the world the frappé, instant coffee shaken into a frothy, iced drink that defined Greek summers for decades. Today, cafés are dominated by the freddo espresso, shaken over ice until velvety, and the freddo cappuccino, crowned with a thick layer of cold milk foam called afrogala. Hot or iced, sweet or plain, coffee in Greece is an everyday ritual meant to be enjoyed slowly.


Frequently Asked Questions


What are the most popular coffees in Greece?

The most popular coffees in Greece include freddo espresso, freddo cappuccino, frappé, and traditional Greek coffee. Espresso and cappuccino are also widely consumed throughout the country.


What is a freddo espresso?

A freddo espresso is a popular Greek iced coffee made by chilling freshly brewed espresso with ice. It is typically served over ice and can be ordered plain or with sugar.


What is a freddo cappuccino?

A freddo cappuccino is made with chilled espresso served over ice and topped with a layer of cold frothed milk. It is one of the most popular coffee drinks in Greece.


What is a Greek frappé?

A Greek frappé is a cold, foamy coffee made with instant coffee, water, sugar if desired, and ice. It became popular in Greece after its creation in Thessaloniki in 1957.


What is traditional Greek coffee?

Greek coffee is made from finely ground coffee brewed in a small pot called a briki. It is served unfiltered in a small cup, with the coffee grounds settling at the bottom.


What is the difference between a frappé and a freddo espresso?

A frappé is made with instant coffee and is known for its thick foam, while a freddo espresso is made with freshly brewed espresso that is chilled and served over ice.


How do I make Greek coffee drinks at home?

Greek coffee, frappé, freddo espresso, and freddo cappuccino can all be prepared at home with the right ingredients and equipment. Browse our Greek coffee recipes for traditional recipes and step-by-step instructions.

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