Freddo Espresso: As the summer heat arrives, you might be looking for a cooler way to enjoy your daily coffee. While iced coffee and cold brew are common favorites, the Freddo espresso offers a refreshing alternative.
This chilled Greek coffee is ideal for hot days and is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying a quiet morning, the Freddo espresso brings a touch of Greek summer to your coffee routine. Its rich flavor and invigorating chill make it the perfect companion for sunny weather. Plus, you can effortlessly prepare it in your own kitchen, adding a bit of Mediterranean flair to your daily coffee ritual.
Essentials:
– Double shot of espresso
– Sugar (optional, to taste)
– Ice cubes, plus additional for serving
– Drinks mixer or cocktail shaker
Quick Overview:
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 glass
Discovering Freddo Espresso
You might be familiar with the frappe, but in Greece, you’re more likely to see people enjoying a Freddo espresso. This drink involves shaking a double shot of hot espresso with ice until it’s cold and foamy, and it can be served sweet, medium, or plain (without sugar).
Freddo Espresso vs. Freddo Cappuccino
While traditional Greek coffee has been popular for centuries, espresso didn’t become common until the 1990s. This era saw the creation of the Freddo espresso, inspired by the frappe and incorporating specialty coffee that had become popular in cafes.
Unlike some other cold beverages (think Starbucks), the emphasis here is on the pure taste of the coffee beans rather than additional ingredients like whipped cream or syrups.
Using high-quality specialty coffee will result in an excellent drink. If you’re looking for a cold beverage with the depth and consistency of a traditional double espresso, Freddo espresso is the way to go.
For those who prefer milky drinks but still want to savor this authentic coffee flavor, try the Freddo cappuccino. To make it, simply add a layer of cold, frothed milk on top of the drink. This gives it a touch of creaminess without overshadowing the coffee’s taste.
Greek cafes typically use a drinks mixer to prepare Freddo espresso. If you don’t have one, a cocktail shaker or even a jar with a tight-fitting lid will work. Avoid using a blender, as it will crush the ice, altering the drink’s texture and diluting its flavor.
When selecting your coffee beans, opt for a full-bodied variety. The mixing process impacts the flavor, so you’ll want a coffee that can withstand it. With the drink’s growing popularity, some roasters now offer blends specifically for Freddo, but any espresso-grade coffee is a good starting point.
Crafting the Perfect Freddo Espresso
You don’t have to go to a cafe to savor this refreshing Greek summer beverage. The Freddo espresso is simple and fast to prepare at home; the key is achieving its distinctive foam.
Step 1: Prepare Your Espresso
Begin by brewing your espresso as usual. For optimal results, Greek barista champion Michalis Dimitrakopoulos recommends aiming for a 40-42 gram espresso shot from 19-20 grams of coffee. If you prefer your drink sweet, add sugar to the hot espresso and stir until it dissolves before moving on to the next step.
Pro tip: Personal taste varies, but omitting the sweetener lets you fully appreciate the true flavor of high-quality coffee beans. This is especially recommended if you’re using premium beans.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Combine your double shot of espresso and ice cubes in a mixer or cocktail shaker. Shake or mix until you achieve a light, fluffy foam. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can break up the ice cubes and dilute the coffee.
Pro tip: Use clean, high-quality water to make your ice cubes, preferably filtered, to ensure the best taste.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Fill a glass with fresh ice cubes and pour in your freshly frothed espresso, straining out the ice used during mixing. Serve immediately and enjoy your Freddo espresso within 30 minutes to prevent the foam from collapsing and the ice from diluting the drink.
Pro tip: Freddo espresso is typically served with a straw to allow you to enjoy the different layers. Opt for a reusable or paper straw to be environmentally friendly.
Looking for More Ways to Enjoy Your Coffee Cold? Explore these 21 unique iced coffee recipes for a refreshing twist on your favorite brew.
Final Thoughts
Next time you crave a refreshing coffee drink, give the Freddo espresso a try. It’s perfect for experimenting with different coffee beans and their flavors when foamed. Easy to make at home, you might find yourself enjoying a tall glass of Freddo espresso all summer long instead of your usual double shot. Sit back, relax, and picture yourself on a beach in Greece.
FAQS: