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What is Frappuccino? Types, Tips and More!

Feb 24th 2023 - Team

What is Frappuccino? Types, Tips and More!

If you have a sweet tooth, a Frappuccino might already be your go-to iced coffee. Though this drink has gained popularity over the years, have you ever wondered what goes into the delicious and refreshing drink that is a Frappuccino?

What is Frappuccino?

A Frappuccino is an iced drink that has become one of the most popular drinks for many people in the summertime. It typically consists of a coffee or crèmebase, sweet syrups, and creamy toppings, giving it an enjoyable flavor and smooth taste.

Depending on the specific version you purchase, there may also be additional ingredients such as chocolate chips or whipped cream added for extra flavor.

Types of Frappuccinos

Frappuccinos do have different types ranging from classic coffee flavors to fruity options like strawberry or mango so there's sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. If you're looking for a special treat, you can try customizing your Frappuccino with toppings or add-ons such as chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, caramelized sugar, syrups like chocolate syrup, and whipped cream.

You can also get creative and add crushed cookies or candy pieces for a unique twist on the classic Frappuccino. No matter how you customize it, you’re sure to have a flavorful cup of perfection every time!

Frappuccino vs Greek Frappe

Both are different drinks but are similar when it comes to being made by using a blender to make a cold drink makes using cold water and ice cubes.

A Greek Frappe is essentially a frothy drink that makes use of instant coffee, cold water, and ice cubes mixed in a cocktail shaker. If you take a look at the background on Frappe, it showed a Nescafe employee created the original Frappe in 1957, years before the Frappuccino was even invented.

Frappuccino came to be when a coffee shop called "Coffee Connections" in Massachusetts, introduced a new drink by blending espresso, milk, sugar, ice, and cream. Starbucks then made the decision to purchase Coffee Connections, and following the transaction, the Frappuccino drink was registered as a trademark of Starbucks.

How To Prepare A Frappuccino

Thinking about making a Frappuccino at home? As mentioned above, the Frappuccino is a Starbucks trademark.

Since Frappuccino is now a Starbucks trademark, there is actually no legit Frappuccino recipe but worry not as there is still a way to recreate your iced coffee drink from your favorite coffee shop.

Below is a quick step-by-step instruction for a coffee Frappuccino and it is definitely beginner-proof to get as close as you can to an authentic Frappuccino.

(See more: The 24 Best Starbucks Drinks Of All Time)

Step 1: Prepare Basic Ingredients

  • Coffee Base (using the base ingredients)
    • It starts with a cup of strongly brewed espresso shots or coffee and can be customized with various sweeteners, dairy products, and toppings. Popular flavors include caramel macchiato, mocha frappuccino, and green tea frappuccino.
  • Syrups and Sauces
    • Syrups and sauces are great for adding an extra layer of sweetness and flavor to your Frappuccino. Start by choosing a syrup or sauce that suits your taste such as caramel syrups or other flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, and hazelnut.
  • Milk and Creams
    • Cold milk and creams are essential for making the perfect Frappuccino. If you are looking for a lower-calorie option for a healthy version of coffee, consider adding non-fat milk, non-dairy milk, or an alternative sweetener.
  • Toppings and Add-Ons
    • Toppings and Add-Ons are the perfect way to customize your Frappuccino. Choose from a range of delicious add-ons such as chocolate chips, java chips, nuts, sprinkles, or even caramelized sugar.
    • If you’re feeling creative, try adding some crushed cookies or candy pieces to enhance the coffee taste. No matter what toppings, coffee syrups or add-ons you choose, you’ll be sure to have a refreshing and flavorful cup of perfection.





Step 2: Time to recreate your favorite Frappuccino

Before getting started, you'll need a blender and an espresso/coffee machine. Though Starbucks makes use of professional-grade blenders and espresso machines, you don't need to spend so much on a blender but it would really be a good investment! (See more: product from Culinary).

(See more: How To Use An Espresso Machine: Proper Ways, Tips, And More!)

  • Mix 2 tablespoons of cold water with 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum which is an ingredient traditionally used as a thickening agent, to enhance the creaminess of the drink.
  • Add your favorite coffee type or espresso base to a blender filled with ice cubes (Note that Caffeine content can be controlled when you are making it at home.)
  • Simply top off your coffee Frappuccino with one or two pumps of the desired sauce. Make sure to stir it in well so all the flavors mix together perfectly! With so many options available, you can easily customize your Frappuccino to suit your own tastes and preferences.
  • Finish off the Frappuccino with your choice of dairy product such as milk, cream, yogurt, or nonfat milk for the desired consistency.
  • Add some chocolate chips, syrups (such as caramel syrup or chocolate syrup), or chopped nuts for extra flavor if desired. This refreshing summer treat is perfect for cooling down on hot days!

Always remember that there is no wrong way to make this blended drink! No one can stop you if you want to add coconut milk, use strong coffee, or add only a bit of coffee.

Fun facts about Frappuccinos

Frappuccinos can also be healthy.

  • Not part of the coffee drinkers club? You can still enjoy a cup of this popular coffee drink. Included in the top list of popular non-coffee Frappuccino menu items include:
    • Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
    • Strawberry Frappuccino
    • Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino
    • Green Tea Frappuccino (though this one does contain caffeine).
    • Plus other limited edition drinks that you may find in Starbucks.

The secret menu at Starbucks offers coffee beverages “unofficially”.

The secret menu at Starbucks is not actually official but these are Frappuccino customizations that you can ask your barista to make the next time you get your Frappuccino fix. See all the best Starbucks secret menu drinks here:

  • Cookies and Creme/Oreo FrappuccinoBase drink: White Chocolate Creme FrappuccinoSubstitutions: NoneAdditions: Java chips
  • French Vanilla FrappuccinoBase drink: Vanilla Bean Creme FrappuccinoSubstitutions: NoneAdditions: 2 pumps of hazelnut syrup
  • Thin Mint FrappuccinoBase drink: Matcha Green Tea Creme FrappuccinoSubstitutions: Remove classic syrup, replace with 1 pump mocha sauce and 1 pump peppermint syrupAdditions: Java chips, mocha drizzle
  • Cocoa Puffs FrappuccinoBase drink: Mocha FrappuccinoSubstitutions: NoneAdditions: 2 pumps of chestnut praline syrup

Benefits of Frappuccino roast

  • This blend is ideal for shots of espresso-based drinks, as the flavor and smooth texture of the frappuccino becomes better with milk-based drinks such as mochas and cappuccinos.
  • This roast has also been linked to other health benefits such as improved cognitive function and lowered risk of certain diseases.

Frappuccino and espresso have the same caffeine amount.

  • That means that a traditional tall Frappuccino, which has 2 pumps of frap roast, contains the same amount of caffeine as a single shot of espresso.
    • Depending on how much Frapp roast you use, you could get a nice little energy kick from sipping on a cold Frappuccino.
    • To put things into perspective, 2 pumps of Frappuccino roast is equivalent to 1 shot of espresso.

Don’t wait any longer and satisfy your cravings by treating yourself to a Frappucino of your choice!