There are countless amazing sites to see in the ancient Greek metropolis of Athens, from the numerous epic feats of carefully preserved architecture to the sparkling azure waters of the nearby Riviera. But there was one particular image that stood out to me. It wasn't the Parthenon or the ancient Agora. It wasn't even the beautiful cobbled streets of Plaka. No, my favorite sight in Athens was that of an ice-cold cappuccino freddo, piled high with a mountainous whip of perfectly frothed milk.
In Greece, as it turns out, iced coffees are part of the culture. And it's easy to understand why, with average summer temperatures creeping up into the 40s, a frappe, or caffe freddo, is practically an essential. And while there are multiple different versions of Greek iced coffees for you to choose between, the defining characteristic of these beverages is the thick, whipped layer of foam floating atop your caffeine kick.
Essential to the creation of this unique texture is the iconic frappe coffee gadget, which can be found displayed behind practically every counter in Greece. Without it, it's impossible to achieve that signature foam. So, when I landed back home, I was determined to get my hands on one of my own. What I didn't expect, though, was to find it the Artech Retro Milkshake Maker on Amazon for less than £30, so now I can relive my Greek fantasy from my own home, every day.
I know what you're thinking. Yes, technically, this is a milkshake maker. But if you've ever seen the process behind making one of those deliciously whipped iced coffees, you'd know that this is the same as the machines they're using across the Greek islands.
This model comes in both black and red, but I particularly love the way the stainless steel cup complements the cherry red body. Plus, the retro design of the machine is only enhanced by this bright color.
The two different speed settings offer you more control over your iced beverage, allowing you to decide the level of froth you desire, though in my opinion, the more the better. And, of course, you don't have to limit yourself to frappes; this machine is perfect for making any manner of whipped beverage. It can even help elevate your daily protein shake to the next level.
Though if recreating those Greek treats is your goal, then this is an essential purchase.
As one reviewer mentions, "We love to drink Greek Freddo cappuccino, having family there, and this is perfect for frothing the milk. Brilliant purchase at a very reasonable price."
What Is a Greek Iced Coffee?
While iced coffees have only entered the British mainstream in the past decade, in Greece, these beverages have a far deeper history. And, much like many great things, they were first created by accident.
The story goes that back in 1957, a Nescafe employee named Dimitrios Vakondios found himself without any access to hot water for his instant coffee while working at the Thessaloniki International Fair. Determined to receive his caffeine hit still, Dimitrios instead decided to mix his coffee granules with cold water and ice, using a cocktail shaker to combine his ingredients. The result? A drink that would come to shape the culinary culture of his country.
The frothy, iced drink was said to be the major hit of the fair and has continued to win the hearts of many for several years to come. Nowadays, the drink is synonymous with Greek summers, and while much of the method remains unchanged, over time, the shaker has been replaced with these retro-style milkshake machines, making for a speedier, hands-free frappe-making process.
By the 1990s, the frappe began to give way to a new iced drink: the freddo espresso. An emerging specialty coffee scene in Greece popularized the use of espresso machines, rendering the once-beloved coffee granules a thing of the past. It didn't take long for frappes to be seen as an outdated, unsophisticated beverage, a lowly cousin to the more refined espresso-based drinks.
The preparation of the two is practically identical, with the only difference being the method of coffee preparation — swapping out the granules for a double shot of strong, brewed espresso. Or, for my favorite iteration of the drink, the cappuccino freddo, the coffee can then be topped with a thick layer of foamed milk.
However, no matter which style of iced coffee you choose, this machine will play a crucial role. Just imagine inviting your friends over for a refreshing espresso freddo — to me, that's the epitome of Greek chic.
The baby blue tone of this option makes it particularly appealing. That, and the under £20 price tag.
If you want a truly authentic frappe experience, it's worth seeking out a Kalko drink mixer. This is one of the most popular brands in Greece, and they come in a beautiful range of colors.
If, like me, your heart has been captured by the chrome-everything trend, this might be the right model for you.
If you want to enjoy a delicious frothy coffee but are short on space, this milk frothing wand can help you achieve a similar result.
This milk frother has both hot and cold settings, so once winter returns, you'll still find plenty of use for it.
For a perfect espresso freddo, you have to begin with a perfect shot of espresso. This mini barista machine will deliver on that front.
While the Greeks typically choose between coffee granules or an espresso machine, there's no reason you couldn't use a classic coffee pod to achieve the same taste — just make sure you're using one of the best coffee pod machines, and, of course, this frappe machine.
