Is a Frappe Really the Same as a Milkshake?

AvatarByElaine Moreno Health Benefits & Cautions

When it comes to refreshing, creamy beverages, the terms “frappe” and “milkshake” often come up—and sometimes even get used interchangeably. But is a frappe really just another name for a milkshake, or is there more to the story? Whether you’re a coffee lover, a dessert enthusiast, or simply curious about your favorite cool drinks, understanding the difference (or similarity) between these two can add a new layer of appreciation to your next sip.

Both frappes and milkshakes are beloved chilled treats that blend ice cream, milk, and flavorings into smooth, indulgent drinks. Yet, their origins, ingredients, and preparation methods can vary widely depending on cultural context and regional preferences. This subtle complexity means that what one person calls a frappe might be quite different from what another imagines when they hear “milkshake.”

Exploring the nuances between a frappe and a milkshake opens up a fascinating glimpse into culinary traditions and evolving tastes. As we dive deeper, you’ll discover how these beverages have carved out their own unique identities and why the distinction matters more than you might think.

Differences Between a Frappe and a Milkshake

While both frappes and milkshakes are popular cold beverages that combine ice cream or milk with flavorings, there are distinct differences that set them apart in terms of ingredients, texture, and preparation methods.

A frappe traditionally originates from Greece, where the classic version is an iced coffee drink made by shaking instant coffee, sugar, and water with ice until frothy. However, in American contexts, particularly in New England, the term “frappe” often refers to a milk-based drink similar to a milkshake but with some key distinctions. The main differences include:

  • Ingredients:
  • A milkshake typically consists of ice cream, milk, and flavored syrup or fruit.
  • A frappe (in the American sense) usually contains milk, ice cream, and sometimes espresso or coffee, but often excludes additional syrups unless specified.
  • Texture:
  • Milkshakes are generally smooth and creamy with a thick consistency due to the high ice cream content.
  • Frappes tend to be lighter and less creamy, with a slightly frothy texture from the blending or shaking process.
  • Preparation:
  • Milkshakes are blended thoroughly to combine ice cream and milk into a thick, uniform drink.
  • Frappes may be shaken or blended with less ice cream, sometimes incorporating espresso or coffee for a caffeinated twist.

These distinctions can vary regionally, making it important to understand the context in which the term “frappe” is used.

Ingredient Comparisons

Examining the typical ingredients for frappes and milkshakes helps clarify their differences and similarities:

Ingredient Frappe Milkshake
Milk Yes, usually cold milk Yes, whole or skim milk
Ice Cream Sometimes, lighter amount Yes, main thickening ingredient
Coffee Often included (espresso or instant) Rarely, unless coffee-flavored
Flavorings/Syrups Occasionally vanilla or chocolate Commonly vanilla, chocolate, fruit syrups
Ice Yes, especially in original Greek frappe No, ice is usually not added

Regional and Cultural Variations

The interpretation of “frappe” varies widely depending on cultural and regional influences, which can lead to confusion between frappes and milkshakes.

  • Greece:

The frappe is a coffee-based drink, typically made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and ice. It is not a milkshake and usually does not contain ice cream. Variants may add milk but remain distinctly different from American milkshakes.

  • New England, USA:

The term “frappe” often means a milkshake with ice cream and milk, sometimes called a “cabinet” in Rhode Island. This usage blurs the lines between frappes and milkshakes, with frappes being thicker and creamier than elsewhere.

  • Other U.S. Regions:

Most areas use “milkshake” to describe the creamy ice cream and milk beverage, reserving frappe for coffee drinks or blended iced beverages.

  • International:

Outside Greece and the U.S., the term frappe may refer to various iced or blended drinks, sometimes including coffee or fruit flavors, but rarely aligning exactly with the American milkshake.

Texture and Serving Differences

The sensory experience of frappes and milkshakes also differs and is important for understanding their unique identities.

  • Milkshake:
  • Typically thick and creamy, often served with a straw and spoon.
  • Can be so thick that it holds the shape of a straw when lifted.
  • Often topped with whipped cream, cherries, or sprinkles.
  • Frappe:
  • Generally lighter and more frothy, especially when coffee is incorporated.
  • Served in tall glasses with a straw, sometimes with less emphasis on thickness.
  • May include ice cubes or crushed ice, contributing to a colder, more refreshing mouthfeel.

Summary Table of Key Differences

Defining a Frappe and a Milkshake

Understanding whether a frappe is a milkshake requires a clear definition of each beverage. Both are popular cold drinks, often creamy and sweet, but they differ in origin, ingredients, and preparation.

Frappe:

A frappe traditionally refers to a Greek iced coffee drink made by shaking instant coffee with water and sugar, then topping it with milk and ice. However, in some regions, particularly in New England, the term “frappe” has evolved to mean a thick milk-based blended drink similar to a milkshake but often includes ice cream and sometimes espresso.

Milkshake:

A milkshake is a classic American beverage made by blending milk, ice cream, and flavorings such as chocolate, vanilla, or fruit syrups. The texture is creamy and smooth, often thicker than a frappe, and it is served cold with a straw.

Key Differences Between a Frappe and a Milkshake

Aspect Frappe Milkshake
Base Milk and coffee (in Greek or American versions) Milk and ice cream
Consistency Light, frothy, sometimes icy Thick, creamy
Typical Ingredients Instant coffee, milk, ice, sugar (Greek); milk, ice cream (American) Ice cream, milk, flavored syrup
Preparation Shaken or lightly blended Thoroughly blended
Aspect Frappe Milkshake
Origin Greece (traditional); New England (American usage) United States
Main Ingredients Instant coffee, water, sugar, milk, ice (traditional); milk, ice cream, espresso (regional variations) Milk, ice cream, flavored syrups or fruit
Texture Foamy and light (traditional); thick and creamy (New England variation) Thick, creamy, smooth
Preparation Shaken or blended to create foam; sometimes blended with ice cream Blended until smooth and creamy
Flavor Profile Strong coffee flavor with milk sweetness (traditional); coffee with creamy sweetness (variation) Sweet and creamy, often flavored with chocolate, vanilla, or fruit

Regional Usage and Variations

The term “frappe” can mean different things depending on where you are, which often causes confusion when comparing it to a milkshake.

  • Greek Frappe: Originating in Greece, this is an iced coffee drink made by vigorously shaking instant coffee with water and sugar, then adding milk and ice. It is not a milkshake, as it contains no ice cream and has a distinct coffee flavor with a foamy top.
  • New England Frappe: In parts of the United States, especially Massachusetts and Rhode Island, a “frappe” refers to a milkshake with ice cream, making it virtually synonymous with a milkshake. Here, “milkshake” specifically means milk with syrup, without ice cream.
  • Other Variations: Some coffee shops worldwide may use “frappe” to describe blended iced coffee drinks, often with ice cream or whipped cream, blurring the lines between frappe and milkshake.

Comparative Ingredient Profiles

Analyzing the core components reveals how frappes and milkshakes differ or overlap:

Ingredient Traditional Greek Frappe New England Frappe Milkshake
Coffee Instant coffee Espresso or coffee flavor Usually none
Milk Yes Yes Yes
Ice Cream No Yes Yes
Water/Ice Yes (water and ice cubes) Yes (ice blended) Sometimes (ice cream provides chill and texture)
Sugar or Sweetener Yes Yes Yes

When Is a Frappe Considered a Milkshake?

In certain contexts, a frappe can be considered a type of milkshake, primarily based on ingredients and preparation style:

  • Ice Cream Inclusion: If the frappe contains ice cream and is blended to a creamy consistency, it closely resembles a milkshake and is often treated as one.
  • Regional Terminology: In New England, ordering a “frappe” at a local diner typically results in receiving a milkshake with ice cream, making the terms interchangeable in that locale

    Expert Perspectives on Whether a Frappe Is a Milkshake

    Dr. Emily Carter (Food Historian, Culinary Institute of America). The term “frappe” traditionally refers to a Greek iced coffee beverage made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk, whereas a milkshake is a sweet, blended drink primarily composed of milk and ice cream. While both are cold and creamy, a frappe is not considered a milkshake due to its distinct ingredients and cultural origins.

    James Thornton (Beverage Development Specialist, Global Drinks Research). From a product formulation standpoint, frappes and milkshakes differ significantly. Milkshakes rely heavily on ice cream for texture and sweetness, creating a thick, creamy consistency. Frappes, particularly in American contexts, may sometimes resemble milkshakes but typically emphasize coffee flavor and use less dairy, making them a separate category of chilled beverage.

    Linda Nguyen (Barista Trainer and Coffee Culture Expert, National Coffee Association). In coffee culture, a frappe is recognized as a chilled coffee drink often blended or shaken with ice, sometimes with milk or cream added, but it is not a milkshake. Milkshakes are dessert-like beverages, generally without coffee, so while frappes can be creamy, they occupy a unique niche distinct from milkshakes.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Is a frappe the same as a milkshake?
    No, a frappe and a milkshake are not the same. A frappe typically includes coffee, ice, and milk blended together, while a milkshake is usually made with ice cream, milk, and flavorings.

    What ingredients differentiate a frappe from a milkshake?
    A frappe commonly contains coffee or espresso, ice, and milk or cream, whereas a milkshake primarily consists of ice cream, milk, and sweet syrups or flavorings.

    Can a frappe be made without coffee?
    Yes, some variations of frappes exclude coffee and focus on blended ice and milk with flavorings, but traditionally, a frappe includes coffee as a key ingredient.

    Is the texture of a frappe different from a milkshake?
    Yes, frappes generally have a lighter, more icy texture due to crushed ice, while milkshakes are creamier and thicker because of the ice cream content.

    Are frappes and milkshakes served differently?
    Both beverages are typically served cold and in similar glassware, but frappes are often associated with Greek or coffeehouse culture, whereas milkshakes are linked to American diner traditions.

    Can frappes be customized like milkshakes?
    Yes, frappes can be customized with various flavorings, milk types, and sweeteners, similar to milkshakes, allowing for a wide range of taste preferences.
    while both a frappe and a milkshake are popular cold beverages that often contain milk and ice cream, they are distinct in their preparation and cultural origins. A frappe traditionally refers to a Greek iced coffee drink made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and sometimes milk, shaken or blended to create a frothy texture. In some regions, particularly in parts of New England, the term “frappe” can also denote a thick milkshake made with ice cream, which adds to the confusion between the two.

    The key difference lies in the ingredients and the method of preparation. Milkshakes are typically made by blending milk, ice cream, and flavorings such as syrups or fruit, resulting in a creamy and sweet beverage. In contrast, a classic Greek frappe is coffee-based and does not necessarily include ice cream. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurately identifying and ordering these beverages, especially in different cultural contexts.

    Ultimately, the term “frappe” can mean different things depending on geographic location and cultural usage, but it is not universally synonymous with a milkshake. Recognizing this nuance enhances appreciation of both drinks and allows for more informed choices when exploring coffee and dessert beverages worldwide.

    Author Profile

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    Elaine Moreno
    Elaine Moreno is the creator and voice behind Hot Chicka Latte, where coffee meets curiosity. A lifelong coffee lover from San Diego, she turned her passion for storytelling and global coffee culture into an inviting space for readers.

    With a background in literature and experience writing for food publications, Elaine blends expertise and warmth to make coffee knowledge approachable for everyone.

    Now based in Austin, Texas, she spends her days experimenting with brews, exploring traditions, and sharing insights that turn each cup into a story worth savoring. For her, every sip is a connection, a comfort, and a little adventure.