Feel Good Frappes
The sweltering heat of summer is taking its toll on all of us. The roads glisten in the heat and the humidity lies like an oppressive shroud on all of us, making matters worse. As hot dust billows up behind the passing cars and buses, we fall into the hands of overwhelming thirst.
In times like these, the perfect thirst quencher is the frappe.
The frappe was invented in 1957 in Greece. Nestle was exhibiting a new chocolate beverage for children that was produced instantly in a shaker at the International Trade Fair. During the course of the Fair, Nestle employee Dimitris Vakondios, needing a pick-me-up, decided to make some instant coffee.
Hot water was nowhere to be found, so Dimitris mixed the coffee mix with cold water and ice, and borrowed the shaker. An instant hit was born!
Today, the Café Frappe is the national drink of Greece, but Dhaka is not far behind.
For the past couple of years the frappe has been raging through Dhaka city winning the hearts of its dwellers. Deliciously light and frothy, blended with ice and topped off with fluffy whipped cream. In this scorching summer heat, frappe is the perfect alternative to the hot traditional coffee as a boost of energy for the day.
It is the perfect supplement to both sweet and savoury meals. Quite filling in itself, the frappe is a perfect thing to order when you're not too hungry. Frappes are widely available and can be found on the menus of most cafés nowadays. Some of the popular stores offering these delicious drinks are: Coffee World, Gloria Jean's Coffees, Bittersweet Café, George's Café, and the newcomer Columbus Coffee.
On an average the price of frappes ranges between Tk150–300 depending on the size. This makes them perfect for casual hangouts with friends, dates with your loved one or family dinners.
Unsure about which frappe to try out? Allow me to introduce to you some of the crowd favourites.
The dark side Though these marvellous drinks taste delicious and can give you that boost of energy that you need, most of these can be rather unhealthy. The calories in frappes range from 200 to a whopping 800 calories, based on the size of the drink. The range of recommended calories is from 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day for adult women and 2,000 to 3,000 calories per day for adult men, depending on age and physical activity level. Thus, one frappe itself could eat up a huge portion of your daily calorie intake! So, if you are watching your silhouette, beware! I would recommend you reach for a healthy smoothie instead and leave the frappe as a reward for shedding a few pounds… |
OREO LOVE
The Oreo Shake definitely holds the first place in everyone's hearts. It's the safe drink to choose because it is almost always absolutely delicious. It usually does not contain coffee, so is perfect for non coffee-lovers. I am partial to the Oreo Love drink at Cilantro. It is mouth-wateringly rich and chocolaty and you can feel the crunchy chunks of the Oreo cookies as you sip. The only problem with this drink is that it will keep you wanting more.
BITTERSWEET CAFÉ'S COFFEE MILKSHAKE MADE WITH A SHOT OF ESPRESSO
The espresso can definitely be tasted in this one, in the most delectable way. This creamy drink strikes the perfect balance in sweetness and is light and refreshing. The aftertaste of espresso it leaves in your mouth will keep you thinking about it all the way back home.
GLORIA JEAN'S COFFEES' HAZELNUT MOCHA CHILLER
According to Raiyan, who was seen enjoying a frappe at Gloria Jean's said that this was her "favourite drink from Gloria Jean's Coffees and is her 'usual'". According to her this drink has the perfect blend of hazelnut and just the right amount of coffee. Topped off with whipped cream, it's a heavenly formula.
COFFEE WORLD'S CHOCOLATE CHIP FRAPPE
You can never go wrong with this classic chocolaty potion. Nabeela, who frequents Coffee World, admits it's her favourite and that she enjoys the wonderful creaminess of the milk. The chocolate is delicious and far from overbearing. If you're feeling particularly indulgent, give yourself a treat by topping off this drink with fluffy whipped cream.
COLUMBUS COFFEE'S FROZEN CRIMSON CUP MOCHA
The strong coffee flavour in this drink is in perfect harmony with the delicious creaminess of it. It is light and frothy and leaves a lovely bitter aftertaste of coffee. Wonderfully cold and refreshing, this frappe is guaranteed to keep your spirits up throughout the day.
Make your own!
If you're feeling too lazy to go out of the house, whip up your own delicious iced coffee frappe with this simple recipe!
Ingredients:
1¼ cups ice cubes
¾ cup extra-strong brewed coffee
½ cup milk
1 tbsp sugar
Whipped cream and chocolate shavings to garnish (optional)
Method:
Combine the ice, strong coffee, milk and sugar in a blender and pulse until frothy and the ice is completely crushed. Taste and adjust sweetener if desired. Pour into a tall glass or jar and serve with a straw.
Optional: Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.
By Maisha Rumelia Rahman
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Frappes: Columbus Cafe
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