Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was seen enjoying a Greek frappe at a coffee shop in Ankara recently, an incident that drew significant attention from Turkish media and commentators.
Many pointed out the cultural significance, noting that Erdogan, often seen as a champion of Turkish traditions, had opted to indulge in Greek-style coffee.
The cafe visit was an informal stop amid Erdogan’s busy schedule. Erdogan interacted with cafe employees, who were excited by the encounter.
Erdogan congratules staff for the frappe
Erdogan complimented the employee who had made his frappe after she proudly confirmed they had made the drink.
“You? So you know the frappe!” Erdogan said with a smile. The employee responded confidently, “Yes.” Erdogan continued, “Congratulations, you made it great!” The employee, smiling widely, replied, “Enjoy it!”
The exchange, which has since been broadcast widely, is being interpreted by many in Turkey as a gesture of goodwill and possibly a signal of easing tensions between Greece and Turkey.
What is frappe
Frothy, cold, and full of caffeine, nearly everyone—Greeks and non-Greeks alike—loves the classic Greek coffee drink frappe.
Frappe coffee, or Greek frape, is a foam-covered, iced coffee drink made from instant coffee, sugar, ice cubes, and water. Occasionally, people add milk to the drink.
It is very popular in Greece and Cyprus, especially during the hot summer months, but has spread to other countries around the world, and especially wherever Greeks are present.
Greek frappe became a symbol of the post-war, outdoor Greek coffee culture. Although the freddo espresso, another Greek invention, has become very popular, the frappe, to this date, remains the most popular coffee beverage among the Greeks.
Although the word frappe originates from the French word meaning “shaken” or “stirred,” the Greek invention has nothing in common with the French chilled beverage produced in a shaker, which contains milk or fruit juice instead of coffee.
The mastermind behind frappe
Christos Lentzos, the mastermind behind frappe, died at the age of ninety-three in 2023.
In the heart of Athens, Greece in the bustling neighborhood of Pagrati, there once stood a cafe that was more than just a coffee shop. This was “Lentzos,” a place synonymous with the best and most beloved frappe in all of Greece.
His death marked the end of an era in Greek coffee culture. However, this Greek Frappe innovator’s legacy left a mark on Athens’ culinary identity.
The Greek frappe innovator’s recipe was a closely guarded secret, a mystery that sparked numerous urban legends and speculations. Rumors swirled about the ingredients. some said it included cream, egg, baking powder, or even meringue! However, the truth was kept a secret.
Despite rampant speculation, Lentzos consistently denied the existence of any secret ingredients in his frappe. The secret to its charm was a generous blend of coffee and sugar, mixed with precision and care in a large glass blender but never plastic.
