Coffee Frappuccino (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)

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The simplest Frappuccino to make at home with just 4 ingredients. This recipe uses a Frappuccino base, just like Starbucks, to create the smoothest, perfectly sweet frozen drink.

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Recipe Highlights

This copycat Frappuccino recreates the Starbucks drink so it’s as close to their version as possible.
There’s no need for espresso or brewed coffee for this drink. All you need is instant coffee.
The key ingredient to making this drink just like the one at Starbucks is the homemade Frappuccino base syrup. It turns a slushy drink into a smooth, almost like melting ice cream texture that the Frappuccinos are known for.
This frozen drink is made in a blender and the recipe makes a grande (16 ounces) Coffee Frappuccino.

Ingredient Notes

Instant coffee: Starbucks uses their Frappuccino Roast coffee which is an instant coffee blend made of Italian roast and signature espresso mixed in water.
Homemade Frappuccino base syrup: The base syrup is made of sugar, water, and xanthan gum. If you don’t want to use the base syrup, you can add simple syrup instead to match the sweetness.
Milk: Starbucks uses whole milk in their Frappuccinos but you can use any kind of milk you like.
Ice: Use ice made with filtered water for a better tasting Frappuccino.

For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Coffee, milk, ice, and Frappuccino base in a blender.

Step 1: Put milk, homemade Frappuccino base syrup, instant coffee, and ice into a blender. Blend until smooth.

Make sure milk goes into the blender first and ice goes in last. Start the blender on low, then turn it up to high.

Step 2: Pour Frappuccino into a cup.

Recipe Notes

Frappuccino base syrup creates the perfect texture.

To get that smooth Frappuccino texture, you’ll need to use the Frappuccino base syrup. You can leave it out, but the texture won’t be quite the same. Make a batch or two ahead of time and use it to make Frappuccinos all week.

Blend on high speed.

It’s not a good idea to blend on low speed since it can overheat the motor. Instead, start on low speed, then quickly increase to high.

Prevent air pockets in the blender.

Air pockets in the blender can create an uneven blend. To prevent this, always add liquids in first and the heaviest ingredient in last.

Expert Tips

Starbucks makes Coffee Frappuccinos without whipped cream, but you can easily whip some up by whisking 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon sugar together until it forms peaks. It should take less than a minute using a handheld milk frother.
If you add a shot or 2 of espresso, it becomes a Starbucks Espresso Frappuccino.
It’s easy to make this drink dairy-free by using a plant-based milk. There isn’t dairy in any of the other ingredients.

Questions You May Have

Can I buy the Frappuccino base syrup instead of making it?

Starbucks won’t sell you their Frappuccino base syrup but you can find it sold by other sellers on Amazon and Ebay.

What’s in Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino?

Starbucks makes the Coffee Frappuccino with Starbucks brand Frappuccino Roast soluble coffee, whole milk, ice, and Starbucks brand Coffee Frappuccino syrup, which is the base syrup.

Can I make this drink without the Frappuccino base syrup?

You can, but it won’t have the signature Frappuccino texture. If you don’t use the Frappuccino base syrup, make sure to add simple syrup to sweeten the drink.

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