Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino Recipe
There’s a reason the Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino has been on the coffee shop giant’s menu from the beginning. You just can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of coffee and chocolate.
The simplicity of the combination makes it easy to make this Starbucks’ coffee drink at home. You don’t need to track down any special syrups or toppings, and there is no fancy equipment required. In fact, there’s a good chance you already have everything you need to make a classic Mocha Frappuccino. So let’s get to it!
Ingredients
- Double shot of espresso (2 ounces)
- 1 cup ice
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup or sauce, plus more for topping
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon Xanthan gum
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Other things you’ll need: Blender and a tall glass
At a Glance
Time:
10 minutes
Yield:
1 drink (12 ounces)
What Is A Mocha Frappuccino?
The Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino was one of the two original flavors (along with Coffee) when the Starbucks Frappuccino Menu was first launched in 1995 (1). Can you believe this frozen coffee drink has been around for nearly 30 years?
The Mocha flavor features the classic pairing of chocolate and coffee, blended with milk and ice into a sweet, cool, and creamy confection. It is served topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup drizzle.
The Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino contains mysterious ingredients like “Coffee Frappuccino Syrup” and “Mocha Sauce” that lead to a sugar-and-chemical-laden concoction. But our copycat recipe uses simple ingredients – just espresso, chocolate syrup, milk, ice, and whipped cream.
The same drink at McDonald’s is called a Mocha Frappe because Starbucks has trademarked Frappuccino. So if you want to know how to make a Mocha Frappe, you’re in luck; just follow this same recipe.
Not a chocolate fan? Try this recipe for a Classic Vanilla Frappuccino instead or a sweet and spicy Chai Creme Frappuccino.
What Is Xanthan Gum?
Xanthan gum is a natural food additive made from sugar that has been fermented by bacteria (2). It is a soluble fiber used to thicken or stabilize many foods. Starbucks uses it in Frappuccinos to ensure they stay thick and creamy, and you can do the same with your drink recipes.
Xanthan gum is easy to buy on Amazon or in many grocery stores, and a tiny bit goes a long way. One bag might last you a lifetime of Mocha Frappuccinos.
How To Make A Copycat Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino at Home
It’s easy to make a copycat Starbucks mocha frappuccino right at home following this three-step recipe. We love this frozen drink for its simplicity, really letting the coffee and chocolate flavor shine. But if you want to kick it up a notch, check out one of our other Starbucks copycat recipes like the Starbucks’ Peppermint Frappuccino.
Step 1: Pull Espresso Shots
Prepare the espresso first so that it has a chance to cool before you blend it with the other ingredients. This is also a good time to put a 12-ounce glass into the freezer to chill.
Use an espresso machine to pull a double shot of espresso. Alternatively, use 2 ounces of strong brewed coffee instead, ideally made with an Aeropress, French press, or Moka pot.
If you don’t have any kind of coffee maker, it’s okay. You can still make this Frappuccino! Just add ½ teaspoon of instant coffee to 2 ounces of boiling water to dissolve. Let it cool before continuing.
Pro tip: You can use your favorite coffee, but I’d recommend a medium roast or darker as the best coffee to use for this recipe. The bold bittersweet flavors of darker roast coffee beans pair best with the sweet chocolate and rich dairy. Or use decaf coffee for an after-dinner treat.
Step 2: Blend Everything
Add the ice, milk, chocolate syrup, Xanthan gum, and chilled coffee to a blender. Blend until it has a creamy, smooth consistency. Don’t blend too much, or the ice will melt and make the drink watery.
For a healthier homemade recipe, substitute skim or partially skim milk and sugar-free chocolate sauce for fewer calories. For a more decadent treat, swap half and half for milk.
Pro tip: Substitute coffee ice cubes for a more concentrated coffee flavor that won’t get watery as you sip. Prepare them by pouring regular coffee into an ice cube tray and letting it freeze.
Step 3: Garnish And Serve
Pour the blended Frappuccino mixture into the chilled 12-ounce glass. Top it with a swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Feel free to add a sprinkle or chocolate chips, dusting of cocoa powder, or scattering of chocolate-covered espresso beans to up the ante.
Pro tip: Make sweetened whipped cream if you want to fully replicate the recipe from Starbucks’. Whip together 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tbsp of homemade or store bought vanilla syrup.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino is tastier, cheaper, and healthier than the drink from Starbucks. And it’s easy to make at home when you don’t want to run to the local coffee shop. So what are you waiting for? Follow the recipe now for a fast and easy summer treat!
Did you try this recipe? Have any feedback for us? Leave a rating or comment! And if you enjoyed it, be sure to share it with your friends.
FAQs
There are 370 calories in a Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino if you order the Grande size. That includes 15 g of fat (10 g of saturated fat), 51 g of sugar, and 5 g of protein. Our homemade version has approximately 260 calories, including 24 g sugar and 8 g of fat.
There is 100 mg of caffeine in a Grande Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino, which is approximately equivalent to a cup of hot coffee. The Tall size has 70 mg of caffeine, and the Venti size has 130 mg.
The Orange Mocha Frappuccino was a fictional Starbucks drink popularized by the movie Zoolander in 2001 (3). Starbucks briefly offered the drink to capitalize on the movie’s success, but it is no longer available. However, you can order the Terry’s Chocolate Orange Frappuccino from the secret menu by asking for this drink and adding java chips and orange slices.
References
- Starbucks Stories. (2015, March 25). Frappuccino Turns 20: The Story behind Starbucks Beloved Beverage. Retrieved from https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/frappuccino-turns-20/
- Pullen, C. (2023, February 3). Xanthan Gum – Is This Food Additive Healthy or Harmful? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/xanthan-gum
- Barone, M. (2016, February 12). Reel Drinks: Our Hard “Orange Mocha Frappuccino” Cocktail, Specially Made for ZOOLANDER 2. Retrieved from https://tribecafilm.com/news/reel-drinks-zoolander-2-ben-stiller-owen-wilson-will-ferrell-penelope-cruz
