Two chilled favorites, one big question: Frappe or Milkshake for cold and creamy cravings?

Picture this: it’s a blazing summer afternoon, and you step into the best cafe to cater to your sweet and cold drink cravings. You open the menu card, and you come across confusion — whether you should pick a frappe or a milkshake?

When it comes to creamy, cold indulgence, both frappes and milkshakes top the list. Both have won hearts across the generations. Each features its own charm, mood, and moment. And which one you’ll order depends a lot on your mood and personal preference.

Whether you crave a caffeine kick or a sweet dessert drink, understanding the difference can help you sip smarter. In this ultimate comparison, we’ll explore how these two indulging beverages differ in flavor, preparation, and experience — so you can pick your perfect chill. 

Frappe vs Milkshake: Basic Comparison

Let’s start with a basic understanding of the two chilly drinks. 

Milkshake: Simple and Classic 

A milkshake is a traditional classic loved by all, especially kids. It’s a thick, creamy blend of ice cream, milk, and different flavorings (chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla syrup).

The result? A smooth, sweet beverage you can sip with a straw or sometimes eat with a spoon if it’s thick enough. Because of the ice cream and syrup, milkshakes tend to be on the richer side, more dessert than simple refreshments. 

Basic Recipe

The following is a basic recipe for a vanilla milkshake. The flavoring can differ as per personal preference.

Frappe: The Cool Coffee Variation 

Frappe is a simple coffee-based chilled beverage. The word “frappe” comes from the French verb ‘frapper,’ meaning “to strike” or “to hit,” hinting at the drink’s history of being shaken or blended with ice.

But the modern meaning varies by place. In some parts of the U.S., especially New England, “frappe” means practically the same as a milkshake (milk, syrup, and ice cream) rather than the generic “milkshake” elsewhere.

Note: Here, it’s important to discuss the term “Frappuccino.” This is also basically a frappe, but the name is a term given specially by Starbucks. 

Basic Recipe 

The following is a basic recipe for a cold coffee frappe. The flavoring can differ as per personal preference.

Milkshake vs Frappe: Detailed Comparison

1. Origin and History

Milkshake: In 1885, in the U.S., the term milkshake was originally featured in print as a whiskey-based (alcohol-based) drink. By the early 1900s, it evolved into a frothy blend of milk and syrup. Later, with the advent of electric blenders, milkshakes included a blend of ice cream as well. 
 

Frappe: The iced coffee version was invented in Greece in 1957 by a Nescafé representative. He mixed instant coffee, cold water, and ice because hot water wasn’t available – resulting in a cold coffee version. In New England, the word “frappe” evolved in the soda-fountain era to mean “ice-cream-plus-milk blends.” 

2. Texture and Consistency 

Milkshake: The ice cream in the milkshake is the reason behind its creamy and silky texture. It’s also why a milkshake has a thick and creamy feel in your mouth. During preparation, the drink is blended until you get a foamy and creamy texture throughout.

Frappe: Unlike a milkshake, a frappe is lighter and frothier. It has a bubbly texture, which is why it is airy and less dense than a milkshake. In terms of consistency of a frappe, it all depends on the way a frappe is made. 

• When ice cream is added to the ingredients, the drink has a creamy and dense consistency. 
• When coffee is the central ingredient, a frappe features its characteristic density: airy and light. 

3. Calories and Sweetness  

If you’re ordering a milkshake or a cold beverage like a smoothie or a frappe, it’s worth being aware of how they can differ nutritionally:

Milkshake: Since it’s dairy-based and high in sugar, milkshakes are often considered a dessert beverage rather than a casual drink. A typical milkshake is known for its rich sweetness because of the ice cream and flavored syrups used.

A medium 16-ounce serving usually contains around 300–800 calories, depending on toppings like whipped cream or chocolate sauce.

Frappe: A frappe can vary widely in calorie content depending on its type.

The Greek-style coffee frappe, made with instant coffee, water, and a little sugar, usually contains only 150–250 calories, making it a lighter option.

However, the New England–style ice-cream frappe can reach similar calorie levels as milkshakes—sometimes over 400 calories per glass.

Overall, frappes are less sweet if coffee-based, offering a refreshing, slightly bitter balance, while ice-cream frappes lean more toward dessert territory. 

Taking the Final Sip

Whether you prefer the creamy richness of a milkshake or the bold refreshment of a frappe, both drinks bring their own charm to the table. A milkshake feels comfortable in a glass, while a frappe delivers that cool, coffee-powered energy boost.

The best choice depends on your mood — sweet and indulgent or chilled and energizing. Either way, both make the perfect treat to sip, relax, and enjoy every refreshing moment.

Frequently Asked Questions