Hot or iced coffee? Your choice depends on the season and personal taste. Traditional Greek coffee is made in a briki (a small pot) and served hot in a thick cup alongside a glass of cold water. For a truly flavorful experience, try the Greek coffee brewed in a pot placed on chovoli (charcoal ash covered with sand to maintain heat). In the afternoon or evening, a sweet treat pairs wonderfully with your coffee—ask for a spoon sweet or ypovrychio (a spoonful of a delicious gum-like paste served in cold water).
The iced coffee that Greeks enjoy year-round is known as frappé. Despite its name, it’s not French; this frothy iced coffee is made by shaking cold water with coffee (and sugar and milk to taste) and served with ice cubes. Other popular variations include freddo espresso and freddo cappuccino, which are made with espresso blended with ice (with a thick layer of chilled milk added for the cappuccino) and served in tall glasses. Don’t be misled by their Italian names—these are distinctly Greek creations!