Starbucks Espresso Frappuccino
Updated Jun 17, 2024
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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!
Espresso Frappuccino
Espresso Frappuccino is a Starbucks 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, icy drink into a Frappuccino. Every Starbucks Frappuccino is made with the base syrup. It gives the drink a milkshake quality, but not as thick.
The Espresso Frappuccino is a Coffee Frappuccino with espresso added. Take out the shot of espresso and you’ve got yourself a Coffee Frappuccino.
Note from Jee
If you have a blender, Nespresso, and a dream (haha), you can make an Espresso Frappuccino as good as the ones at Starbucks.
This drink is super easy to customize since you can add as much or as little espresso to the drink, depending on how caffeinated you want to get.
Recipe Summary
- This copycat Espresso Frappuccino recreates the Starbucks recipe so it’s as close to their version as possible. It’s made with a homemade Frappuccino base to give it that same texture.
- An espresso machine or a Nespresso is needed to make espresso for this drink.
- The recipe makes a grande (16 ounces) Espresso Frappuccino.
RELATED: Caramel Frappuccino
Ingredient Notes
- Homemade Frappuccino base syrup: This base syrup is the magic behind Starbucks Frappuccinos. If you don’t want to use the base, you can use simple syrup but it won’t have the same Frappuccino texture.
- Espresso: Starbucks uses their dark roast 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 a Frappuccino Roast soluble coffee which is instant coffee mixed in water. You can use any instant coffee you like.
- Milk: Whole milk is used to make Frappuccinos 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: Put milk, espresso, instant coffee, homemade Frappuccino base syrup, and ice into a blender.
Start the blender on low for a few seconds, then turn it up to high.
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.
- There’s no whipped cream on the Starbucks Espresso Frappuccino so there’s none in this drink but if you want to make it, use a handheld milk frother to whisk together ¼ cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup.
Related
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Starbucks Espresso Frappuccino
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant coffee
- 1 capsule Nespresso espresso, (or 1 espresso shot)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup ice
- 1 tablespoon homemade Frappuccino base syrup
Instructions
- Blend milk, espresso, instant coffee, homemade Frappuccino base syrup, and ice until smooth.Put ingredients into the blender in the order listed. Start the blender on low for 10 seconds, then turn it up to high. Use a tamper tool to make sure the ice gets blended evenly.
- Pour Frappuccino into a cup.Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make a batch of the homemade Frappuccino base syrup first. This is the secret ingredient that turns a frozen, icy drink into a Frappuccino.
- If you don’t want to use the base, you can just use simple syrup but it won’t have the same Frappuccino texture.
- Frappuccinos are made with whole milk but you can use any milk you like.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
