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4.67 from 6 votes

Starbucks Chai Frappuccino Copycat

A recreation of the Starbucks chai frozen drink, made with a Frappuccino base syrup.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 serving (16 ounces)
Author: Jee Choe

Equipment

Ingredients

Chai Frappuccino

Vanilla Whipped Cream

Instructions

  • Whisk heavy cream and vanilla syrup to make whipped cream. Set aside.
    A handheld milk frother makes whipped cream in seconds.
  • Blend chai concentrate, milk, ice, and homemade Frappuccino base syrup until smooth.
    Start the blender on low, then turn it up high. Use a tamper tool to make sure the ice gets blended evenly.
  • Pour Frappuccino into a cup.
  • Top drink with whipped cream and add a sprinkle of cinnamon.
    Optional garnish: star anise.

Notes

  • The magic of Starbucks Frappuccinos is the Frappuccino base syrup. Make a batch of this first and store it in the refrigerator to make more Frappuccinos.
  • Frappuccino base syrup is just simple syrup with xanthan gum. The simple syrup sweetens and the xanthan gum thickens the drink. If you don't want to use the Frappuccino base syrup, just use simple syrup to sweeten. Your drink will be a bit icy with the chai separating from the ice though. 
  • Starbucks uses a chai concentrate that tastes exactly like the one from Tazo. (The concentrate they use is stronger). It's an easy shortcut since you don't have to brew any tea.
  • Don't put ice into the blender first. For an efficient blend, add ingredients into the blender in the order it's shown on the ingredient list.
  • Making whipped cream at home is so quick and easy when you use a handheld milk frother. In less than a minute, you'll get fluffy, decadent whipped cream.
  • Whole milk is what's used in Starbucks Frappuccinos but you can use any milk you like.

Nutrition

Calories: 471 | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 246mg | Sugar: 63g | Vitamin A: 1006IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 148mg | Iron: 3mg