Frappe Vs Frappuccino Vs Cappuccino - The Differences

There are so many specialty coffees that unless you work in a coffee shop, it’s easy to get confused by all the similar-sounding names.

If you’ve ever wasted time looking at a menu, trying to decide the difference between a frappe, a frappuccino, and a cappucino, after reading this article you’ll have new confidence in all your future orders.

What are the main differences between frappes, frappuccinos and cappuccinos?

A frappe is a mixed drink, usually made with espresso, ice, and milk. A frappuccino is a series of Starbucks brand mixed drinks, generally considered frappes. A cappuccino is an espresso coffee topped with steamed milk and a thick layer of milk foam; It is similar to a very foamy latte.

Throughout the article, we’ll go into more detail about each drink option, carefully explaining the differences and similarities between all your favorite coffee shop treats.

A quick note: some terms may be used differently by store, or by country.

However, as always, we will use the traditional and “official” definitions of coffee - the kind your local barista would prefer - whenever possible. It’s the fairest basis we can find.

When a drink has different “official” definitions in different countries, we choose the US ones, because that’s what we know best.

What is a Frappe?

Frappe may seem like a relatively modern invention, having only been popular in North America since Starbucks came along, but it was actually invented in 1957.

Coffee frappes have been a favorite treat for warm weather and sunshine in Greece and Cyprus since shortly after World War II.

It is generally believed that “frappé” comes from the French term for a frozen or mixed drink, such as a smoothie or frozen juice. However, it is also an Italian word that means more or less the same thing.

So it’s no surprise that the term frappe typically refers to blended coffee or similar blended drinks found in coffee shops in the United States - and other countries.

The original coffee frappe was specifically invented by a Nescafé representative in Greece. This is probably why it usually refers to a coffee drink mixed with ice. However, the original version was made with instant coffee.

Original coffee frappes can be made with a shaker or a smoothie maker. Instant coffee, a little water and some sugar, stir or blend until frothy. It is then poured over ice and, if desired, topped up with a little milk.

These frappes are usually served in tall glasses with straws, because the foam can be quite bitter. Sometimes frappes are topped with whipped cream to combat this bitterness.

However, in the United States, a frappe is almost always a smooth blend of coffee, made with espresso, milk, ice, and whatever flavors are desired.

The coffee-based frappe you’re most likely to find in coffee shops is made by pouring espresso, ice, some milk, and any sweetener into a blender to get that perfectly creamy texture.

Today, more and more coffee frappes around the world are made with espresso and conform to the consistency of an American milkshake, or to a more grainy consistency, if little or no milk is added.

Depending on where you go, the term “frappe” can also refer to smoothies and other similar drinks without coffee, such as blended juices, so it’s always a good idea to check with the locals before ordering, unless you you like surprises!

iced coffee vs. Frappe

If the definition of frappe sounds a lot like an iced coffee, you’re not alone. However, there is a difference.

Iced coffee refers to almost any coffee served with ice, although it is rarely used to refer to a blended coffee or a frappe.

Iced coffee can be “regular” (drip) coffee served over ice or any espresso-based beverage served cold over ice. It is generally prepared in the same way as a hot coffee, with espresso, milk (cold, not steamed), and often with sugar or another sweetener.

A frappe, as stated above, is almost always blended to a creamy, milkshake-like texture. Although in some countries, such as Italy, a frappe can have a more icy and crunchy texture, because little or no milk is added.

Although the traditional term frappe can refer to shaken drinks, these drinks are rarely called that.

In the US they are often called simply “stirred coffees”, “stirred iced coffees” or simply “iced coffees”, without reference to their brewing. In Italy, these coffees are often called “caffe shakerato”, which, you guessed it, means shaken coffee.

Frappé vs. Smoothie

Frappes, especially if you use the French definition of a frozen or mixed drink with ice, are often confused with a smoothie or even a milkshake.

They are very similar, but the secret to a true frappe, at least traditionally, is in the frothy texture.

While a smoothie or shake is mixed just enough to create a smooth, creamy consistency, a traditional frappe is shaken or mixed for the specific purpose of creating foam.

However, unless you speak French, a frappe is almost always used to refer to a coffee-based mixed drink, as defined above. In the US, smoothies are usually made with fruit.

And shakes, meanwhile, are usually made with ice cream or frozen yogurt.

What is a Frappuccino?

Frappucinos are a beverage invented, named, and registered by Starbucks.

They define “Frappuccino” as a drink with a coffee or cream base, and mixed with ice and flavored syrups, and then topped with whipped cream and chocolate or spices.

Flavors and garnishes vary based on preferences and signature drink. Frappuccino options vary by location and season, but there is often a wide selection to choose from. There are about 30 different varieties on their online menu.

However, in most other coffee shops in the US, they are simply called frappes or mixed drinks. Most consider them the same basic type of drink.

Are Frappuccinos coffee?

If you’re still not quite sure what a Frappuccino is made of and wondering how much coffee is in a Frappuccino, it really does vary.

Although Frappuccinos with coffee are popular, they can also be without coffee.

Starbucks Coffee Frappuccinos are made with their specialty roasted Frappuccino coffee and whole milk. Added flavors and garnishes vary depending on what you order. You can also substitute the milk for a non-dairy option.

They typically have 95 mg of caffeine in a 16-ounce or large drink. Their Espresso Frappuccino has a shot of espresso in addition to the standard coffee, increasing the caffeine content to 155mg.

At the other end of the spectrum, their cream frappuccinos contain no coffee at all. They are flavored exclusively with their signature flavors and any spices or syrups that are requested.

Frappuccino vs. Latte, what’s the difference?

Both the Frappuccino and the latte are based on coffee and milk, which is why they are often confused, especially by people unfamiliar with the ins and outs of coffee making.

However, the drinks are very different.

The most obvious difference is that a Frappuccino is a cold mixed drink, while a latte is traditionally a hot coffee.

Lattes are always made with espresso, while Frappuccinos are made with regular roast coffee, no coffee, or perhaps espresso (if requested). The high proportion of milk is really the only comparative aspect.

Lattes can be made iced rather than hot, which brings them a bit closer, but they’re still fundamentally different drinks.

A traditional latte is an espresso-based drink, to which steamed milk is added with a thin layer of microfoam. The texture should be slightly foamy and creamy, but still quite milky. The foam will look like small bubbles on the surface.

You can add sugar or flavors to a latte to liven it up. A latte can also be made iced, by pouring espresso shots over ice and adding cold milk to fill the cup. Iced lattes are often served without any foam at all, because the foam is often made by steaming the milk (which defeats the purpose of an iced drink).

Iced lattes can resemble a shaken frappe, and if a shaken frappe is espresso-based, both will taste pretty much the same.

However, if you mix a latte, your blended coffee will become a basic coffee frappe. But at this point, it usually takes on a different name.

When you hear the word latte, you should assume it’s the hot version, and you should assume an iced latte isn’t mixed.

What is a cappuccino?

A cappuccino is basically a type of latte made with more foam and a smaller layer of steamed milk.

The ratio of a traditional and “proper” cappuccino is 1/3 espresso to 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 milk froth, in that order from top to bottom. Traditional cappuccinos are between 6 and 8 ounces.

Today there is often much more milk and foam in the cup, especially when ordering larger sizes like 16, 20, or even 24 ounces. Although more espresso is typically added, the ratio does not correspond to the milk added (which is a good thing, as that would be a lot of espresso).

Once this proportion is mastered, variations can be made, just like with a coffee with milk. Cream can be used instead of milk for a thicker, richer cappuccino. Flavor shots can be added. The foam can be topped with a pinch of cocoa powder or cinnamon.

Be that as it may, in the cappuccino the espresso is evident, but smooth and soft thanks to the good amount of milk it contains.

It is still light to drink, due to the high proportion of foam compared to milk. The foam itself can have a touch of bitterness, which is one reason why it is often topped with sweet or spicy sugars and powders.

Cappuccinos are very similar and different to many types of coffee, both hot and cold, so let’s take a closer look at the differences between types of coffee.

Can you have an iced cappuccino?

No, you can’t make a true iced cappuccino, even if you see it on the menu.

If you’re really desperate to make an iced cappuccino, you’d have to find a way to cold froth the milk, but few have the right tools for it.

Most just serve iced lattes and call them iced cappuccinos since the ingredients are the same!

Latte vs. cappuccino

Have you already got confused? Let’s go over the differences between a latte and a cappuccino.

Lattes are basically espresso with steamed milk. They have a very thin layer of microfoam on top, but they are definitely a dairy drink.

They often have drawings or “art” made into the foam on top (thanks to a special way of pouring the steamed milk over the espresso).

Cappuccinos are a type of coffee with milk, but with a lot of milk foam. The resulting drink is lighter and much less milky, although there is still some steamed milk.

You can think of cappuccino as a specialty latte.

The two drinks are sometimes served differently.

Cappuccinos are usually served in small, rounded cups with a wider top and a narrower base. They are easy to take by hand. Lattes are often served in short, wide cups, often to showcase the art of latte made in the foam.

Frappuccino vs. cappuccino

Frappuccinos and cappuccinos may look similar, but they are very different drinks.

To recap, Frappuccinos are a Starbucks exclusive drink, but the coffee blends are made with regular roasted coffee as a base. If requested or in specific varieties, espresso is added to regular roast coffee.

Cappuccinos are specialty espresso-based drinks with a certain proportion of steamed milk and milk foam. They are light, airy and hot drinks.

Frappuccinos can occasionally be confused with what some call “iced cappuccinos” or “iced tapas”.

As we’ve said before, if you ask a waiter, there’s no such thing as an iced cappuccino!

What people call an “iced cappuccino” is actually a cold-brewed latte with ice. Although sometimes people use the term to refer to a blended coffee drink.

But then again, this would never be said in a barista room!

Frappé vs. cappuccino

We’ve already talked extensively about frappes and cappuccinos, so we’ll keep it short.

A frappe is very similar to a Frappuccino, but it is not a trademark of Starbucks. Frappes are usually espresso based and almost always blended. It’s always cold.

A cappuccino is a specialty espresso-based drink, best known for its significant layer of milk foam. It is made with steamed and foamed milk, always hot, and is usually light.

Both are typically espresso-based and both are traditionally known for their foamy or creamy textures. Although both features may or may not be present in a frappe, depending on where you order it.

Frappes are usually sweet. Cappuccinos are traditionally sugar-free; however, you can add sugar or flavors.

Terms related to coffee

Let’s face it, if you’re not a barista, the differences between coffee types can be a bit confusing. If you don’t know the ins and outs of making each one, the differences can be hard to remember.

So here are a few more coffee terms to clarify and better understand their differences.

Bambinoccinos

In Italy, the world capital of coffee culture, bambinoccinos are occasionally served to children because coffee is diluted with a lot of milk. In most other parts of the world, parents are reluctant to give their already energetic children any form of caffeine.

Using the Italian word for child, bambino, bambinoccinos allow parents to enjoy their specialty coffees with their children in tow without complaint.

Served cappuccino style, bambinocinnos are made with frothy milk covered in chocolate powder (just like a hot chocolate), with not a hint of caffeine in sight!

coffee vs. Cappuccino

“Coffee,” without any other qualifier, is often used to refer to drip coffee, or “regular” coffee, the kind you probably make at home or get from a coffee shop.

Conventional coffee is simply hot water that is poured over loose coffee beans, contained by a filter so that the water is flavored by the beans but not consumed directly.

This process usually takes place inside your coffee maker, so you may not see it. Although there are ways to make drip coffee without a machine, but that’s for another article!

Drip coffee has the same consistency as water.

Once again, a cappuccino is espresso based, with layers of steamed milk and milk foam. They are much smoother than espresso shots because they are softened by the milk.

Espresso requires a special machine that passes hot water through tightly ground coffee beans. The pressure dissolves some of the coffee grounds into powder, creating a stronger flavor and a thicker, almost syrupy consistency.

However, when milk and froth are added for a cappuccino, the texture changes to something lighter and more airy.

Regardless of how the coffee itself is made, cappuccinos technically follow a strict 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, milk, and foam.

Drip coffee can be served however you like. Many people drink it black, without adding anything. Others add cream, milk, sugar or other sweeteners.

Summary: Frappe vs. Frappuccino vs. cappuccino

To complete this article, let’s go over the basic facts of each coffee drink. First of all, all the drinks we have talked about in this article have a traditional preparation method, but they are also easily customizable. There is no single way to prepare coffee.

To summarize, we’re comparing the most similar variations of each type of drink: coffee frappe, coffee Frappuccinos, and iced cappuccinos. We leave you with these quick facts:

• Coffee Frappe : This is usually a mixed drink with espresso, ice, and milk. Originally it was made with instant coffee shaken or mixed with ice until foamy. Varies by location.
• Coffee Frappuccino : It can be made with brewed or espresso coffee, mixed with milk and flavoring syrups, and topped with whipped cream.
• Cappuccino : Made with a ratio of 1/3 espresso, 1/3 milk and 1/3 foam.

If you like hot and latte coffee drinks, you will enjoy trying each of these drinks for yourself. The differences may seem subtle, but they add up to three very unique and always enjoyable drinks.

Frappe Vs. Frappuccino Vs. Cappuccino [Table]

Related questions

What is a Mocha Frappe?

A mocha frappe is a chocolate flavored blended coffee drink.

A traditional mocha is a coffee with milk to which chocolate syrup or chocolate powder is added. Since a coffee frappe is basically a latte but blended, a mocha frappe is simply the chocolate version.

You may notice that some mocha or other flavored frappes have more chocolate than coffee, but this varies by location.

What is an espresso coffee frappe?

An espresso frappe is a frappe made with espresso instead of instant coffee. An espresso frappe can also be any espresso drink mixed or shaken with milk and ice long enough to create a foam.

This term probably exists in areas where frappes are not already made with espresso. As we’ve said before, frappes were originally made with instant coffee and in some places it’s still the preferred method.

Keep in mind, however, that if you order a coffee frappé in the US, it will almost certainly be made with espresso, unless you’re at Starbucks, which tends to use a strong, specially brewed coffee.

Starbucks offers a kind of espresso Frappuccino made with its drip-roasted coffee and with an extra shot of espresso.

Are cappuccinos sweet?

A traditional cappuccino has no added sugar. The flavor is well balanced because the sweetness of the milk mitigates the bitterness of the espresso, but there is no added sugar.

Of course, the cappuccinos can be customized. Flavored cappuccinos are especially popular in North America.

If you order your cappuccino at your favorite local coffee shop, you’ll likely have a wide range of flavors, or sugar, to choose from, some sweeter than others.

Some brick-and-mortar shops will offer to top your cappuccino with cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa. Although they are not sweetened, they add different flavor notes to the drink.