Chocolate and coffee comes together in this ice-cold homemade Mocha Frappuccino made the way Starbucks does with a Frappuccino base to give it a super smooth texture.
Mocha Frappuccino
Mocha Frappuccino is a Starbucks sweet frozen drink that’s made in a blender. Ice, whole milk, coffee Frappuccino base syrup, instant coffee, and mocha sauce are blended together then the drink is topped with whipped cream.
Mocha is made with chocolate and espresso, but in a Frappuccino, no espresso is used.
What makes Frappuccinos so special is the smooth texture that makes the drink like a melted milkshake. The secret to this is the Frappuccino base syrup that’s in every single Frappuccino.
This copycat version uses a homemade Frappuccino base syrup so the drink is exactly like the one at Starbucks.
RELATED: 13 Frappuccino Recipes
Recipe Highlights
- This Mocha Frappuccino recreates the Starbucks recipe (including easy homemade whipped cream) 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 recipe makes a grande (16 ounces) Mocha Frappuccino.
RELATED: Iced Mocha (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)
Ingredient Notes
- Homemade Frappuccino base syrup: You’ll need this base syrup to get that signature Frappuccino texture. Make a batch or two first and use it to make Frappuccinos all week.
- Chocolate syrup: Store-bought or homemade chocolate syrup can be used but I recommend taking the 5 minutes to make it at home since it’s easy and really delicious.
- Instant coffee: Mocha Frappuccino is made with Frappuccino roast coffee, which is an instant coffee blend of Italian Roast and Signature Espresso. Use VIA Instant Italian Roast to get the closest flavor or use whatever instant coffee you have.
- Milk: Starbucks uses whole milk for their Frappuccinos but you can use any kind of milk you like.
- Heavy cream: This is to make the whipped cream topping.
- Vanilla syrup: The whipped cream is sweetened and flavored with vanilla syrup. Store-bought or homemade vanilla syrup can be used.
- 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
Step 1: Whisk heavy cream and vanilla syrup to make whipped cream. Set aside.
A handheld milk frother whisks up whipped cream in seconds.
Step 2: Blend milk, chocolate sauce, Frappuccino base syrup, instant coffee, and ice until smooth.
Put ingredients into the blender in the order listed.
Start the blender on low, then turn it up to high. Use a tamper tool to make sure the ice gets blended evenly.
Step 3: Pour Frappuccino into a cup.
Step 4: Top drink with whipped cream.
Recipe Notes
Make the Frappuccino base syrup first.
The Frappuccino base syrup can be made ahead of time along with the homemade chocolate syrup and the homemade vanilla syrup. Once it’s made, it can be stored in the refrigerator to make more delicious Frappuccinos.
Put ingredients into the blender in the correct order.
Don’t put ice in first into the blender. Put ingredients into the blender as it’s in the recipe. You won’t get an efficient blend if you put the ice in first.
There is a correct way to put ingredients into a blender to get an efficient blend. Always start with liquids (milk) and end with the heaviest and hardest ingredient (ice). Putting things into the blender helps prevent air pockets.
No Frappuccino base syrup?
Homemade Frappuccino base syrup is 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, but the texture won’t be the same.
Expert Tips
- When blending the ingredients, don’t keep it on low speed the entire time. Start on low, then quickly increase the speed to high. This will prevent the motor from overheating.
- The longer you whisk the heavy cream, to make whipped cream, the stiffer it’ll get. It should take less than a minute, using a handheld milk frother, to get medium peaks. Spoon the whipped cream on top of your drink.
- Instead of instant coffee, you can use 1-2 shots of espresso.
RELATED: Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino
Questions You May Have
The Frappuccino base syrup isn’t sold by Starbucks but you may find it on Amazon or Ebay.
Ice, whole milk, coffee Frappuccino syrup, coffee, mocha sauce, whipped cream, and vanilla syrup makes up the Mocha Frappuccino at Starbucks.
Once you take the coffee out of this drink, it’s no longer a mocha. Take out the coffee and it’s a Chocolate Frappuccino.
Yes, there’s caffeine in the instant coffee so there’s caffeine in a Mocha Frappuccino.
Related
- Mocha (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)
- Salted Caramel Mocha
- Peppermint Mocha
- Whipped Mocha Coffee
- TikTok Iced White Mocha (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)
- Mocha Smoothie
- Mocha Protein Shake
Want to save this recipe to Pinterest for later? Pin it now to your Pinterest board!
Mocha Frappuccino (Starbucks Copycat)
INGREDIENTS
Mocha Frappuccino
- 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant coffee
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup ice
- 3 tablespoons homemade Frappuccino base syrup
Vanilla Whipped Cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
- Whisk heavy cream and vanilla syrup to make whipped cream. Set aside.A handheld milk frother whisks up whipped cream in seconds.
- Blend milk, chocolate sauce, homemade Frappuccino base syrup, instant coffee, and ice until smooth.Put ingredients into the blender as listed. Start the blender on low, then turn it up to high.
- Pour Frappuccino into a cup. Top drink with whipped cream.
EQUIPMENT
NOTES
- The homemade Frappuccino base syrup recipe is the star of this recipe since it’s what creates that smooth texture. Make this first.
- Homemade Frappuccino base syrup is simple syrup and xanthan gum. If you don’t want to use the base syrup, you can add simple syrup instead to match the sweetness, but the texture won’t be the same.
- Frappuccinos are made with whole milk but you can use any milk you like.
- Don’t put ice in first into the blender. Put ingredients into the blender as it’s in the recipe. You won’t get an efficient blend if you put the ice in first.
- The longer you whisk the heavy cream, the stiffer it’ll get. It should take less than a minute, using a handheld milk frother, to get medium peaks. Spoon the whipped cream on top of your drink.
- Instead of instant coffee, you can use 1-2 shots of espresso.
Probably a dumb question but do I dump the grounds from the Starbucks VIA Instand packets straight into the frappe and then blend OR do I make then packet according to the instructions (add to hot water) and only add 1 1/2 tsp of that to the frappe?? I am confused.
Hi Heather, just dump it straight into the blender with the other ingredients. No need to make it according to the packet instructions.
Turned out great. I never would have thought to use Xanthan gum!
These were totally amazing!! I used a Swerve blend (no sugar) and it worked perfectly. The genius is the xantham gum. Thank you so much for sharing these recipes. I am a diabetic and LOVE them. My blood sugar did, too.
This recipe is incredible and so delicious and creamy. I never thought I would be able to duplicate my favorite drinks at home. your instructions are spot on. Your recipe and comments have brought joy and happiness to my family. Thanks .
Made it for three! Your recipe is spot on and delicious!
I absolutely love it! Definitely tastes like the real deal!
I made this today. It’s so very good!!