Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino
Updated Feb 07, 2026
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This is the simplest Frappuccino to make at home since you only need 4 ingredients. This recipe uses a Frappuccino base, just like Starbucks, to create the smoothest, perfectly sweet frozen coffee drink.
Coffee Frappuccino
Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino is a caffeinated frozen drink made in a blender. The key ingredient to making this drink just like the one at Starbucks is the homemade Frappuccino base syrup. It makes the drink smooth, almost like melting ice cream, that the Frappuccinos are known for.
Note from Jee
Once I cracked the secret on how Starbucks makes their Frappuccinos so smooth and creamy, I made a homemade version of it. The secret is Frappuccino base syrup, which Starbucks adds to all their Frappuccinos.
Give this recipe a try and see how much better it is with the addition of the Frappuccino base syrup.
Recipe Summary
- This copycat Frappuccino recreates the Coffee Starbucks drink so it’s as close to their version as possible, using a homemade Frappuccino base syrup.
- There’s no need for espresso or brewed coffee for this drink. All you need is instant coffee.
- This frozen drink is made in a blender and the recipe makes a grande (16 ounces) Coffee Frappuccino.
RELATED: Espresso 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. You can use any instant coffee you like.
- 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 but it won’t have the same texture.
- 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
Step 1: Put milk, homemade Frappuccino base syrup, instant coffee, and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth. Make sure milk goes in first, and the ice 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 for a few seconds, then quickly increase to high.
Prevent air pockets in the blender.
Air pockets in the blender can create an uneven blend and unwanted ice chunks. To prevent this, always add liquids in first and the heaviest ingredient in last. A blender tamper tool also helps to move the ingredients around the blender.
Expert Tips
- Starbucks makes Coffee Frappuccinos without whipped cream, but you can easily whip some up by whisking ¼ cup heavy cream and 2 teaspoons of sugar (or vanilla syrup) 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.
Related
If you tried this Coffee Frappuccino recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below.
Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant coffee
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup ice
- 1 tablespoon homemade Frappuccino base syrup
Instructions
- Blend milk, homemade Frappuccino base syrup, instant coffee, and ice until smooth.Place ingredients into the blender in the order listed. Start the blender on low, then turn it up to high.
- Pour Frappuccino into a cup.Serve immediately.
Notes
- 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.
- Starbucks makes Coffee Frappuccinos without whipped cream, but you can easily whip some up by whisking ¼ cup heavy cream and 2 teaspoons sugar (or vanilla syrup) until it forms peaks. It should take less than a minute using a handheld milk frother.
- Starbucks uses whole milk in their Frappuccinos but you can use any kind of milk you like.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
