Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino Copycat

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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.

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Recipe Highlights

Mocha Frappuccino is a Starbucks 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 a chocolate flavored coffee drink. A Mocha Frappuccino takes the same chocolate and coffee flavors and blends it with ice to create a sweet frozen drink.
What makes Frappuccinos so special is the smooth texture that makes the drink like a melted milkshake. All Starbucks Frappuccinos are made with a Frappuccino base syrup and my version uses a homemade Frappuccino base syrup to give it that same texture.
This copycat Frappuccino recreates the Starbucks recipe (including the quick and easy homemade whipped cream) so it’s as close to their version as possible. This recipe makes a grande (16 ounces) Mocha Frappuccino.
There’s no need for espresso or brewed coffee for this drink. All you need is instant coffee.

RELATED: 10+ Frappuccino Recipes

Ingredient Notes

Homemade Frappuccino base syrup
You’ll need this base syrup to get that signature Frappuccino texture. Make a batch or two 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, from scratch 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.

RELATED: Whipped Mocha

Step-by-Step Instructions

Four photo collage with steps to make Mocha Frappuccino.

For full ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe.

Whisk heavy cream and vanilla syrup to make whipped cream. Set aside.
A handheld milk frother whisks up whipped cream in seconds.
Blend chocolate sauce, 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.
Top drink with whipped cream.

My Blender Pick

Vitamix blenders will last YEARS. I’ve had mine for at least 10 years and it still works as well as the first time. It’s perfect for making Frappuccinos.

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Expert Tips

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.
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.
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.
The Frappuccino base syrup can be made ahead of time along with the homemade chocolate syrup and the homemade vanilla syrup.

Questions You May Have

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

The Frappuccino base syrup isn’t sold by Starbucks but you can find it on Amazon and Ebay.

What’s in Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino?

Ice, whole milk, coffee Frappuccino syrup, coffee, mocha sauce, whipped cream, and vanilla syrup makes up the Mocha Frappuccino.

Can I make this drink without coffee?

Once you take the coffee out of this drink, it’s no longer a mocha since mocha is the combination of both coffee and chocolate. Take out the coffee and it’s a Chocolate Frappuccino.

Homemade Mocha Frappuccino drink in a cup with whipped cream.

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