Make an Espresso Frappuccino just like the one at Starbucks, using a Frappuccino base syrup. This copycat recipe recreates the frozen drink so you can make it just as smooth and delicious at home!
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Recipe Highlights
- Starbucks Espresso Frappuccino is a frozen drink made in a blender. A shot of espresso, coffee, whole milk, and ice are blended with a Frappuccino base syrup until smooth.
- Frappuccino base syrup is the secret ingredient that turns a frozen, slushy drink into a Frappuccino. Every Starbucks Frappuccino is made with the base syrup. It gives the drink a milkshake quality, but just not as thick. This recipe is made with a homemade Frappuccino base to give it that same texture.
- This copycat Frappuccino recreates the Starbucks recipe so it’s as close to their version as possible. This recipe makes a grande (16 ounces) Espresso Frappuccino.
- To make this drink, you’ll need espresso from an espresso machine or a Nespresso.
Make more Starbucks drinks at home: Caramel Frappuccino, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, Iced Caramel Macchiato, Iced Mocha, Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Ingredient Notes
- Homemade Frappuccino base syrup: The Frappuccino base syrup is the magic behind their Frappuccinos. If you don’t want to use the base, you can just use simple syrup but it won’t have the same Frappuccino texture.
- Espresso: Starbucks uses their signature espresso for this drink but you can use any espresso you like. Use an espresso machine or Nespresso to make the espresso shot.
- Instant coffee: Starbucks uses their Frappuccino Roast soluble coffee which is an instant coffee mixed in water. Brewed coffee isn’t used at all in their Frappuccinos. Use VIA Instant Italian Roast to get the closest flavor. You can also use whatever instant coffee you have.
- Milk: Whole milk is used at Starbucks to make this drink but you can use any milk of your choice.
- Ice: If possible, use ice made from filtered water. It just tastes better.
For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Blend espresso, instant coffee, milk, ice, and homemade Frappuccino base syrup until smooth.
Start the blender on low, then turn it up to high. Use a tamper tool to make sure the ice gets blended evenly.
Step 2: Pour Frappuccino into a cup.
Expert Tips
- Don’t add ice first into a blender since it’ll be harder to get an efficient blend. Add ingredients as instructed in the recipe.
- Homemade Frappuccino base syrup is sugar, water, and xanthan gum (the secret to creating that Frappuccino texture). If you don’t want to use the base syrup, you can use simple syrup instead to match the sweetness but you won’t get the same smooth texture.
- Use a blender tamper tool to help move the ice around the blender for a quicker and even blend.
- The Espresso Frappuccino is a Coffee Frappuccino with espresso added. Take out the shot of espresso and you’ve got yourself a Coffee Frappuccino.
Questions You May Have
Just like this copycat recipe, Starbucks uses 5 ingredients to make their Espresso Frappuccinos. Ice, whole milk, coffee Frappuccino syrup, coffee, and brewed espresso. I’m using a homemade Frappuccino Syrup that doesn’t have coffee in it though.
You can’t buy Frappuccino base syrup directly from Starbucks but you can find it sold by other sellers on Amazon and Ebay.
Starbucks uses commercial grade Vitamix blenders to make their frozen drinks.
Related
- Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Copycat
- Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Copycat
- Easy Starbucks Copycat Recipes
- 52 Popular Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks
- Simple Guide to the Best Nespresso Machines
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Starbucks Espresso Frappuccino Copycat Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant coffee
- 1 capsule Nespresso espresso (or 1 espresso shot)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup ice
- 3 tablespoons homemade Frappuccino base syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
- Blend espresso, instant coffee, milk, ice, and homemade Frappuccino base syrup until smooth.Start the blender on low, then turn it up to high. Use a tamper tool to make sure the ice gets blended evenly.
- Pour Frappuccino into a cup.
EQUIPMENT
NOTES
- Frappuccino base syrup is the secret ingredient that turns a frozen, slushy drink into a Frappuccino. This recipe is made with a homemade Frappuccino base syrup to give it that same texture.
- If you don’t want to use the base, you can just use simple syrup but it won’t have the same Frappuccino texture.
- Don’t add ice first into a blender since it’ll be harder to get an efficient blend. Add ingredients as instructed in the recipe.