How to Make a Frappuccino that's Just as Good as the O.G. Version
Slash your Starbucks habit once and for all.
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Tired of the long lines at your local coffeehouse, especially on a hot summer day? Homemade frappuccinos to the rescue! A play on the word “frappe” (the French nickname for an iced or frozen beverage) a Frappuccino is a coffee-based, slushy-style drink universalized by Starbucks. Now offered in 30 plus varieties, a Frappuccino is dependably sweet and refreshing no matter the flavor. How did it become so in vogue and how can you make your own at home? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is a Frappuccino?
A Frappuccino is a cold, blended beverage universalized by Starbucks in the early 2000’s. Legends say that the global coffeehouse received its recipe for the original Frappuccino from Coffee Connection, a small coffee chain they acquired in 1994. Now, Starbucks offers upwards of 30 twists on the beloved beverage. Those options are divided into two general categories: Coffee vs. Creme. No matter the base flavor, a Frappuccino is a thick, slushy-style beverage that is topped with whipped cream (unless the barista is told otherwise).
If purchased in grocery or convenience store, the term Frappuccino can also refer to a bottled beverage that is coffee based and available in assorted flavors like vanilla and mocha. These shelf-stable drinks are meant to be consumed cold, but have the viscosity of milk, not that of a blended milkshake.
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What Is In a Frappuccino?
Trademarked by Starbucks, a Frappuccino is a blended beverage made of coffee, milk, ice, flavorings and spices. The specific ingredients can vary depending on the flavor you choose, so a detailed list of ingredients in each flavor can be found on the Starbucks website. Typically, a frappuccino contains:
- Coffee or espresso is used to create the base flavor of most frappuccinos. However, some varieties use tea, ice cream or fruit juice instead.
- Milk is added to the coffee to make frappuccinos creamy. Most are made with dairy milk though alternative milks can be used.
- Ice is added to the mix to make frappuccinos cold and refreshing. Ice is essential to creating a slushy-like texture.
- Sweeteners used to flavor frappuccinos include sugar, syrups and extracts like vanilla, almond or coconut.
- Toppings are added to frappuccinos to guild the lily and include whipped cream, caramel, cookie crumbles, chocolate chips, fruit purees or baking spices.
Do Frappuccinos Have Caffeine?
Yes, all Coffee Frappuccinos contain caffeine. However, the drinks can be made decaf upon request by using decaffinated coffee/espresso. While the Creme Frappuccinos do not contain coffee, some flavors such as the Matcha or Chai may still contain caffeine thanks to tea.
How to Make a Frappuccino
A homemade Frappuccino is easier than you think. As a rule of thumb: you will need 2 parts cold coffee, 1 part ice and 1 part milk to create a slushy-like texture. For every 1 cup of coffee, add 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Here is an outline of the steps to making a basic frappuccino:
- Brew coffee or espresso. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Customize your frappuccino by adding different flavors or ingredients, such as chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, vanilla extract or a scoop of ice cream. You can also use different types of milk, such as almond, coconut, oat or soy milk, to create dairy-free options.
- Freeze the java. Pour it into ice cube trays and freeze.
- Blend. Place the coffee ice cubes into the carafe of a blender. Add in milk and any desired flavorings, syrups, extracts or spices. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Garnish. Pour the frappuccino into a glass and top with whipped cream.
Almost-Famous Mocha Frappes
Here, our step-by-step recipe.
Blended Coffee Frappe
A creamy, chilled coffee drink with a touch of caramel.
Tips to Elevate your Homemade Frappuccino
- Make coffee ice cubes: Instead of pouring leftover coffee down the drain, freeze it in ice cube trays and store in zip-top bags in your freezer. This will make it all too easy to whip up homemade Frappuccinos on the next hot day.
- Chill and decorate your glass: Don’t be afraid to get creative at home. Drizzle the inside of your glass with caramel or chocolate syrup. When the glass is cold, the syrups will stay in place more easily.
- Make homemade whipped cream: Use a piping bag and metal tip to decorate your frappuccinos. For a more indulgent touch, try our Chocolate Syrup or our Strawberry Whipped Cream.
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