While frappe isn't the typical coffee drink that many of us remember from our childhoods it has become quite a staple in the coffee drinking repertoire. While it wasn't all that popular in America until the last couple of decades, frappe dates back to 1957 in Greece. The first frappe was actually an invention born of necessity, or rather desperation, as most great inventions are. It all came about as a result of no hot water for an instant coffee drink and the creative use of a chocolate milk shaking cup. Who knew at the time that an international treat was being created?

Today's frappes are a bit more creative, if you can believe that than the original. The original frappe was instant coffee, water, water, sugar, and milk. Today's frappes sometimes use chocolate milk, flavored syrups, or artificial sweeteners. The really creative or the after 5:00 crowd have also been known to add a shot of Kahlua or Bailey's the mix for a little variety and warmth. It can either be made the traditional way with a shaker or with a blender for the technologically advanced. It's also a great drink if you opt for ice cream to replace the milk (chocolate or caramel flavors in the ice cream provide an added dose of yum).

The truly great thing about frappe is there really isn't a wrong way to make it. Around the world you will find that this Greek creation has been reclaimed by many societies with a few small changes along the way. And then there is America, a country that borrows ideas from all around the world and serves them all with style. We have a little bit of every kind of frappe you can imagine. Starbuck's even has s version of frappe that is bottled and sold in convenience stores across the country.

Yet, frappe still remains a Greek drink. Some might even call it the national drink of Greece. Many citizens of this great country will spend as much as an hour each and every day over a cup of Greek Frappe. People in Greece don't go out for drinks they meet over a cup of coffee and if things are looking really good a glass of frappe.

Don't let this fool you as to the potent nature of this great and greatly loved drink. This is not a little girl's coffee drink and many students will rely on frappe to carry them through countless late night study sessions. In other words, the wonderful flavor of this drink should not be thought to diminish its coffee nature.

No matter where you are in the world, it is quite likely that a cup of frappe is just around the corner. Take care when ordering though as frappe means different things in different cultures. Some only use ice cream in frappe, others use coca cola instead of water, and yet others will use cold milk rather than water. If you are exploring the world at large it's a great idea to try the flavors of frappe as a sign of the culture.