How To Easily Make Freddo Espresso (Greek Iced Coffee)

Last updated on February 18th, 2025 at 02:16 pm

I’ve always been a fan of the classic Greek Frappé. But recently, I discovered something that might just be even better.

A friend of mine, who takes his coffee obsession to another level, handed me a Freddo Espresso when I visited his place.

At first, I thought it was just another iced coffee. However, one sip in, and I was hooked. It had the same strong espresso kick I love but with a smoother and almost velvety texture. Turns out, this is Greece’s modern take on iced coffee, and I had been missing out.

Now, I’m here to make sure you don’t miss out. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what makes Freddo Espresso special, how it compares to other iced coffees, and, most importantly, how to make it at home like a pro. So let’s start brewing!

What is Freddo Espresso?

Unlike your typical iced espresso, which is simply poured over ice, a Freddo Espresso is blended with ice. This creates a smooth, frothy texture without watering down the coffee.

It’s strong, chilled, and perfect for warm days when you need a caffeine kick but don’t want to sweat through your coffee break.

How Is It Made?

The magic of a Freddo Espresso comes from how it’s made. A double shot of espresso is brewed fresh, then shaken or blended with ice to cool it down while also introducing air.

This creates a light, foamy crema on top, giving it that signature texture. As a result, you get a drink that’s rich in coffee flavor but incredibly smooth to sip.

And since there’s no extra water added (like in an iced Americano), it retains its full-bodied espresso taste without getting diluted.

Origins of This Coffee

Freddo Espresso is a modern Greek creation. However, it’s deeply tied to the country’s long coffee culture. While Greece has always been famous for its Greek coffee (Ellinikos Kafes) and Frappé. The Freddo was created to appeal to people wanting a cold and high-quality coffee option.

It gained popularity in the early 2000s, as coffee culture in Greece evolved with more specialty cafés popping up.

Unlike the Frappé, which is made with instant coffee, the Freddo uses real espresso. This makes it a favorite among anyone who prefers a richer, more authentic coffee experience.

Now, it’s not just a Greek thing; you can find Freddo Espresso in coffee shops around the world as more people discover its smooth and refreshing appeal.

Tips for the Perfect Freddo Espresso

After experimenting with this drink for a while, I’ve learned that a few small tweaks can take it from just okay to something that tastes straight out of a Greek café. So here are my best tips:

1 – Use High-Quality Espresso

The coffee you choose makes all the difference. Since Freddo Espresso is all about bold, rich flavor, you’ll want a medium to dark roast with a good crema.

Some of my favorite brands for an authentic Greek taste are Lavazza Crema e Gusto, Illy Classico, and Nektar Greek Coffee. These blends bring out the deep, slightly nutty, and chocolatey notes that work perfectly for a Freddo.

2 – Shake It Well

The more you shake, the better the foam. Whether you’re using a cocktail shaker or a blender, shake vigorously for at least 10-15 seconds.

This isn’t just about chilling the espresso. It’s about aerating it to create that signature silky, frothy layer that sets Freddo Espresso apart from regular iced coffee.

3 – Serve Immediately

Unlike a regular iced coffee, a Freddo is best enjoyed fresh. Once that foam settles, it won’t have the same texture or mouthfeel.

Always strain and serve it over fresh ice cubes. So the drink stays cold without getting watered down too quickly.

4 – Adjust Sweetness

Greek coffee culture embraces customizable sweetness. For this reason, feel free to tweak it to your liking. If you prefer no sugar, go for Sketo (unsweetened).

For a balanced sweetness, Metrio (medium sweet) is the way to go. And if you like it bold and sweet, Glyko (sweet) will do the trick. The key is to dissolve the sugar in the hot espresso before shaking; it blends much better that way!

Popular Freddo Espresso Alternatives

If you love Freddo Espresso but want to experiment a little, here are three other iced coffee drinks that I’ve tried and enjoyed.

1 – Freddo Cappuccino

If you love the boldness of Freddo Espresso but want something creamier, Freddo Cappuccino is the way to go. It follows a similar process, but instead of just shaking espresso with ice, it gets a layer of cold-frothed milk on top.

The milk balances the strong espresso, making it smoother and more velvety. I usually go with full-fat milk for extra richness. However, oat milk is a great dairy-free option.

2 – Greek Frappé

Frappé is made using instant coffee (usually Nescafé). It’s whipped with water and sugar until it forms a frothy layer, then poured over ice.

The texture is lighter, almost airy, and it has a bit more bitterness from the instant coffee. If you’re in the mood for something quick, frothy, and nostalgic, this is a great pick.

3 – Iced Americano

For those who prefer a more straightforward iced coffee without too much foam or froth, an Iced Americano is a solid alternative.

It’s espresso poured over ice and diluted with cold water, creating a smoother, less intense version of Freddo Espresso.

Some days, I just want the pure taste of espresso, and an Iced Americano keeps it simple while still refreshing. You can even add a splash of milk or a flavored syrup if you want to tweak it.

Last Thoughts

Have you tried making Freddo Espresso at home? Go below and drop a comment and let me know how it turned out!

If you have any tips, favorite coffee beans for this drink, or other iced coffee recommendations, I’d love to hear them and with that voilà!