Unicorn Frappuccino Recipe

The limited edition Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino, inspired by its mythical namesake, was only officially available for a brief window of five days in 2017. But its legacy has been lasting. As you swirl this magical drink, the beverage’s color changes from purple to pink! 

Lucky for you, you don’t need to wait for its return to the Starbucks menu. We’ve got the perfect Unicorn Frappuccino drink recipe just in time for you to make the most Instagrammable drink of summer!

How To Make Unicorn Frappuccino Starbucks-Style at Home

The addition of the unicorn drink to Starbucks frappuccino list took social media by storm. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s almost pure magic the way the flavors transform – from the first taste of its iconic sweet and fruity flavors to a super-sour, tangy and tart finish (1). Ready to see and taste a Starbucks unicorn drink for yourself?

Step 1: Prepare The Crushed Ice

Getting the ice right is key to the characteristic frappuccino base texture. Crush ½ cup of ice in a plastic bag with a spoon or blend cubes on the lowest setting in a blender. You could wait until Step 3 to do this, but I find the consistency comes from prepping the ice first.

Pro Tip: Make ice cubes out of mango juice for a healthy, fruitier flavor. For more creaminess, make ice cubes from whole milk. Or for a coffee frappuccino, make iced coffee cubes.

Step 2: Make The Blue Syrup 

Mix ½ tsp of hot water and ½ tsp of blue raspberry Kool-Aid powder as though you are making a mini serving of blue raspberry Kool-Aid. Transfer the Kool-Aid to a small saucepan and set it on medium-high heat. Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and add ¼ cup of white choco chips to the simmering saucepan. Stir occasionally until the white chocolate mixes and melts. If your syrup is too thick, add ½ tsp of water at a time until you can pour it. 

Once the syrup cools a bit, drizzle it inside a glass in any artistic pattern.

Pro Tip: Instead of using the saucepan, you could pop your ingredients into the microwave and check on the consistency every 30 seconds. Stir between rounds until everything has melted. To make your syrup more blue than what the powder contributes, add 1 tsp of blue food coloring.

Step 3: Blend The Pink Frappuccino Base 

Combine 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of vanilla ice cream, ½ cup of crushed ice, ½ cup frozen mango pieces, 1 tbsp of mango syrup, 1 tbsp of grenadine syrup, 1 tsp of pink lemonade Kool-Aid powder, and ¼ tsp of citric acid in a blender. Feel free to use a plant-based milk option instead.

Blend on high until you get a smooth consistency. Add 1 tsp of pink food coloring for a pinker unicorn frappe base. Then pour the base into your prepared glass.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have vanilla ice cream, use more ice and 1 tbsp of vanilla syrup. For a healthy, dairy-free/vegan-friendly version that spares you too much sugar, substitute vanilla ice cream with 1 cup of mango sorbet or 1 cup of frozen banana.

Step 4: Add The Toppings, Serve Immediately, And Enjoy!

Swirl on optional whipped cream and sprinkle on sour blue powder for an extra pop of color. To take it one step further, use pink, purple, or blue sanding sugar for a greater visual delight! 

Pro Tip: You can make dyed sanding sugar by shaking 1⁄2 cup of granulated white sugar and a pinch of powdered food coloring in a bag until it reaches your desired hue (2). Add generously!

Did you enjoy your homemade version of Unicorn Frappuccino blended crème purple beverage? Then you’ll probably love our equally sweet and colorful Starbucks Cotton Candy Frappuccino recipe.

Final Thoughts 

A Starbucks unicorn frappe is an unparalleled tasty delight and a surreal, fantastical sight! The sour, tart, and tangy eventual flavor evolves from the sweet and fruity beginning almost like magic. Social media was right to bring this purple beverage with its blue drizzle to our attention. 

All you need is ice, blue syrup, pink frappuccino mix, toppings, and 15 minutes to make one of these delectable dessert drinks in the comfort of your own home like a true barista.

Did you make this unicorn frappuccino? How was it? Comment to let us know!