Frappuccino Base Syrup (Starbucks Copycat)
on May 19, 2024, Updated Jun 17, 2024
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The secret to making perfect Frappuccinos at home is to use a base syrup that transforms an ice, slushy drink into a smooth, creamy one! It’s just 4 ingredients and it’s easy to make!
Secret to Homemade Frappuccinos
The secret ingredient in every Starbucks Frappuccino is the Frappuccino base syrup. It makes a HUGE difference in the texture of a frozen drink, making Frappuccinos perfectly smooth and creamy, like a melted milkshake.
Starbucks has a creme version (no caffeine) and coffee version (with caffeine) of the Frappuccino base syrup. This homemade version doesn’t contain any coffee and is caffeine-free, so you can add it to any frozen drink to make it like a Frappuccino.
Make a batch of the base syrup to create Frappuccinos all week.
RELATED: Mocha Frappuccino
Recipe Highlights
- This copycat recipe recreates the Starbucks Frappuccino base syrup using just 4 ingredients in a blender.
- Make a batch of the Frappuccino base syrup and add it with other ingredients in a blender to make frozen drinks smooth and creamy.
- Makes 1 cup of base syrup that can be used to make 4 Frappuccinos.
Ingredient Notes
- Xanthan gum powder: The secret ingredient that’s in every Starbucks Frappuccino, it’s a common food additive that’s used to thicken and prevents ingredients from separating, like ice cream and yogurt.
- Sugar: Use regular white, granulated sugar or cane sugar. You can also use brown sugar if you want a richer, caramel-like syrup.
- Water: Use filtered water if possible.
- Vanilla extract: A flavor enhancer, it’s not absolutely necessary but it adds a little something that makes drinks taste 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 sugar and water in a saucepan. Simmer on low heat and stir until sugar completely dissolves.
Turn off heat and let it cool down.
Step 2: In a blender, combine cooled down simple syrup, xanthan gum powder, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Pour Frappuccino base syrup into an airtight container. Stir well before using.
The Frappuccino base syrup is thick, so it’s best to put it in a jar instead of a bottle so you can scoop it out.
Expert Tips
- Xanthan gum powder smoothes out and thickens frozen drinks. It’s added to sugar and water (simple syrup) so it can sweeten and thicken a drink at the same time.
- Don’t add xanthan gum powder to the saucepan with the sugar and water since it just won’t mix well and will clump.
- Frappuccino base can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a month.
Questions You May Have
Yes! It’s the main and essential ingredient.
Starbucks doesn’t sell their Frappuccino base directly but you may be able to find them online like Amazon. It’s so much more cost-effective to make it at home.
The creme flavored syrup at Starbucks is made with water, sugar, salt, natural flavor, xantham gum, preservative, potassium sorbate, and citric acid. This homemade version is made with just xanthan gum powder, sugar, water, and vanilla extract.
Related
If you tried this Frappuccino Base Syrup recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below.
Frappuccino Base Syrup
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Put sugar and water in a saucepan and simmer. Simmer on low heat and stir until sugar completely dissolves. Turn off heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
- Combine cooled down simple syrup, xanthan gum powder, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend until smooth. Start on low speed then increase to high.
- Pour Frappuccino base syrup into an airtight container.Stir well before using.Frappuccino base syrup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a month.
Notes
- The Frappuccino base syrup is thick, so it’s best to put it in a jar instead of a bottle so you can scoop it out.
- Don’t add xanthan gum powder to the saucepan with the sugar and water since it just won’t mix well and will clump. Mix it in a blender.
- Use regular white, granulated sugar or cane sugar. You can also use brown sugar if you want a richer, caramel-like syrup.
- Vanilla extract is what I consider a flavor enhancer. It’s not absolutely necessary but it adds a little something that makes it taste better.
- Turn any frozen drink with ice into a Frappuccino! Instead of adding simple syrup or sugar in blended frozen drinks, use the Frappuccino base to make it smooth and creamy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
