I still remember my first attempt at recreating that smooth, slightly sweet coffee drink from the café down the street—this homemade Coffee Frappuccino (Starbucks copycat) checks those same boxes: cold, creamy, and easy to sip on a hot morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up. It’s a simple blender drink that replicates the essential texture and flavor without needing special equipment or a high price tag. If you want to know more about why I cook this kind of comfort food and how I test recipes, you can read about my cooking background.
Why you’ll love this drink
This chilled coffee frappé delivers bold coffee flavor without the fuss. It’s fast to make, requires just a few pantry staples, and tastes like a treat without a trip to the coffee shop. It’s perfect for hot days, weekend brunches, or when you want a café-style beverage on a budget. Kids and teens love the frothy sweetness (adult supervision for caffeine recommended), and the recipe is flexible enough to swap dairy or sweeteners to suit dietary needs.
“A café classic at home—cold, frothy, and exactly the kind of boost I need mid-afternoon.”
Step-by-step overview
Before you reach for the blender, here’s how the recipe comes together at a glance: brew strong coffee and cool it; add the coffee to the blender with milk, sugar, vanilla, and plenty of ice; blend until silky and frothy; pour and finish with whipped cream. Expect about 5–10 minutes total active time, mostly waiting for the coffee to cool if you brew fresh.
What you’ll need
- 3 tbsp Granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Coffee, strong (cooled)
- 1 cup Milk (whole, 2%, or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 cups Ice cubes
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Notes: Use strong-brewed coffee or espresso for richer flavor. For a lower-sugar version, reduce the sugar or swap with maple syrup or a liquid sweetener. Almond, oat, or soy milk works well as a dairy-free alternative.
Step-by-step instructions
- Brew a strong cup of coffee. Let it cool to room temperature or chill briefly in the fridge.
- Add the cooled coffee, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ice cubes to a blender.
- Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and frothy—about 30–45 seconds depending on your blender.
- Pour into a tall glass. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and serve right away.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve this frappuccino in a chilled tall glass with a wide straw. Pair it with a light breakfast like a fruit tart, toasted almond scone, or something savory for contrast. If you’re planning a brunch spread, it’s a crowd-pleaser alongside pancakes and eggs. For an afternoon treat, try it with a short, buttery cookie or biscotti for dunking.
Keeping leftovers fresh
This drink is best enjoyed immediately for peak froth and texture. If you have leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Expect some separation—stir or re-blend briefly before serving.
- Do not freeze the blended drink; ice melts and ruins the texture. However, you can freeze leftover brewed coffee into ice cube trays for future frappuccinos.
- Follow standard food-safety: discard if the drink sits at room temperature for more than two hours.
Pro chef tips
- Use chilled or cold-brew coffee to reduce waiting time and keep the ice from diluting flavor.
- Pulse the blender first to break down large ice chunks, then blend continuously until smooth.
- Adjust the sugar after blending—taste and add another half tablespoon if you prefer it sweeter.
- For a thicker texture, use less milk or add one extra ice cube.
- If your blender struggles, use smaller ice cubes or crushed ice for an even result. For more quick breakfast pairings like this frappuccino, check a recipe for a 5-minute cottage cheese breakfast that complements morning coffee.
Creative twists
- Mocha: Add 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a chocolate-coffee blend.
- Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass and swirl on top before serving.
- Protein boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder—blend well to avoid grit.
- Vegan: Use oat or almond milk and top with coconut whipped cream.
- Iced blended tea twist: Swap coffee for chilled strong black tea for a tea-based frappe.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does this take to make?
A: Active blending and assembly take about 5 minutes. Brewing and cooling coffee adds extra time unless you use pre-brewed or cold brew.
Q: Can I use instant coffee?
A: Yes—dissolve a strong concentrate of instant coffee in a small amount of hot water, chill, and use in place of brewed coffee.
Q: Is this safe for kids?
A: The recipe contains caffeine from coffee, so it’s not recommended for young children. Teens can enjoy it in moderation with parental guidance.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Prepare the coffee mixture (coffee + milk + vanilla + sugar) and chill it. Blend with ice just before serving to preserve froth and texture.
Q: How can I reduce calories?
A: Use skim or plant-based milk, reduce or replace sugar with a low-calorie liquid sweetener, and skip whipped cream.
Conclusion
If you love a creamy, chilled coffee beverage without the café price, this simple copycat frappuccino is an easy win—customizable, quick, and satisfying. For another copycat spin on a popular flavored frappuccino, you can compare variations with the Starbucks caramel-style version at Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Copycat Recipe – Allrecipes.
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Coffee Frappuccino (Starbucks Copycat)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A homemade Coffee Frappuccino that replicates the bold coffee flavor and creamy texture of the café classic, perfect for hot days or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Coffee, strong (cooled)
- 1 cup Milk (whole, 2%, or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 cups Ice cubes
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Brew a strong cup of coffee. Let it cool to room temperature or chill briefly in the fridge.
- Add the cooled coffee, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ice cubes to a blender.
- Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and frothy—about 30–45 seconds depending on your blender.
- Pour into a tall glass. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and serve right away.
Notes
Use strong-brewed coffee or espresso for richer flavor. For a lower-sugar version, reduce the sugar or swap with maple syrup or a liquid sweetener. Almond, oat, or soy milk works well as a dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American