Freddo: A Greek Coffee Icon that Seduces Specialty Coffee Lovers

published on November 05, 2023 — by Marc-Alexandre Emond-Boisjoly — 6 mins of reading —


Freddo, a refreshing beverage emblematic of Greece, has captivated coffee lovers the world over. Combining the richness of an espresso with the freshness of an iced beverage, Freddo, available in Espresso and Cappuccino, has now found its place in the world of specialty coffee. This article explores its fascinating history, its preparation and its role in the evolution of quality coffee. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of this iconic summer drink.

Ville en grèce pour prendre un bon café de spécialité

The Origins of Freddo: When Innovation and Tradition Meet

Freddo was born in Greece, a country with a rich and varied coffee culture. After the invention of the iced coffee in 1957, Greek baristas sought to modernize cold drinks by creating the Freddo Espresso in 1991, followed by Freddo Cappuccino in 1993. These creations met a growing demand for refreshing caffeinated beverages adapted to the Mediterranean climate.

Freddo quickly became a staple of Greek coffees, thanks to its perfect balance of intensity and freshness. The drink has transcended borders, making its way into specialty coffees the world over.

Freddo Espresso: The Art of Simplicity

Visit Freddo Espresso is a minimalist drink, but full of character. It begins with a double espresso extracted from high-quality coffee beans. This coffee is then blended with ice cubes in a blender, creating a unique frothy texture and rapidly cooling the drink.

What makes it unique:

  • The thick, airy mousse is the signature of this preparation.
  • Concentrated coffee aromas, enhanced by rapid cooling.
  • A refreshing texture that preserves all the complexity of the grains used.

Freddo Cappuccino: Smooth and creamy

For coffee lovers with a touch of sweetness, the Freddo Cappuccino is a delicious evolution of Freddo Espresso. It is prepared in the same way, with the addition of a cold, light milk foam. This foam perfectly balances the intensity of the coffee and adds a creamy dimension to every sip.

Why try it:

  • The contrast between the creamy milk foam and the richly flavoured coffee.
  • An ideal option for those who prefer a softer touch in their drink.
  • Versatility: perfect for lovers of classic cappuccinos, but in a summer version.
Cappucino freddo avec cacao

Freddo and Café de Spécialité

With the rise in popularity of specialty coffeeFreddo has found a new audience. Baristas and roasters are experimenting with a variety of coffee origins to create unique flavor profiles. Beans from Ethiopia, Kenya or Central America are often favored for their liveliness and complexity, which blend perfectly with the Freddo concept.

Why Freddo is perfect for specialty coffee:

  • Respect for flavors Cold preparation brings out the floral, fruity or chocolate notes of the beans.
  • Experiment Baristas can adapt origins, roasts and techniques to sublimate each cup.
  • Universal appeal Freddo is an accessible drink, ideal for introducing customers to specialty coffee.

Making Freddo at home

Although Freddo is a drink often served in cafés, it is entirely possible to prepare it at home, especially if you have access to specialty coffee beans.

Recipe for Freddo Espresso :

Ingredients:

  • 2 shots of freshly prepared espresso.
  • 6 to 8 ice cubes.
  • Sugar (optional).

Steps :

  1. Prepare a double espresso from freshly ground beans.
  2. Add the hot espresso and ice cubes to a blender.
  3. Blend until thick and frothy.
  4. Pour into a glass filled with ice cubes and serve immediately.

Recipe for a Freddo Cappuccino :

Additional ingredients:

  • 100 ml cold milk (or vegetable alternative).

Additional steps :

  1. Whisk the cold milk until light and frothy.
  2. Add this foam to the Freddo Espresso.
  3. Taste and enjoy!

Freddo, A Drink That Inspires

Freddo is much more than a refreshing drink: it embodies innovation in coffee culture. For lovers of specialty coffee, it offers a new way of appreciating the complex aromas of quality beans. For cafés, it represents an opportunity to diversify their menu and attract a curious and demanding clientele.

A few ideas for customizing a Freddo in a specialty coffee shop:

  • Suggest different origins each week to explore new flavor profiles.
  • Add trim like a pinch of cocoa, cinnamon or citrus zest.
  • Use alternative milks like oat milk for a vegan option.

Le Freddo, an Experience to Share

Whether cooling off on a hot summer's day or discovering a new facet of specialty coffee, Freddo is a must-have beverage. Its simplicity, combined with its potential for experimentation, makes it an ideal choice for coffee lovers and professionals alike.

At 94 Celcius, we encourage our customers and partners to explore innovative beverages like Freddo, using specialty coffee beans for a rich, unforgettable experience.

Have you ever tried a Freddo? Why not make one today, or discover it in your favorite specialty coffee shop?



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