Save some cash and skip the Starbucks run! A simple blended coffee drink with all the chocolate, 5 minutes to prep and budget friendly-this Homemade Mocha Frappuccino with is the perfect pick me up for any day!
This recipe was originally published June 2015 and updated January 2021.
Save some cash-make your own Starbucks at home! You will be amazed by how simple and delicious this homemade Mocha Frappuccino is and at a fraction of the cost.
Plus, you can add all the extra whipped cream you want! Definitely try it with this Chocolate Whipped Cream on top.
Recipe Ingredients:
- milk/cream: I typically use all half n’ half or a combo of whole milk and heavy cream in this Mocha Frappuccino. At least a little bit of rich cream is necessary for the best possible drink. The milk or cream you use will have a big impact on how good yours is. Skim milk will definitely not have quite the same richness by any means. If you need to make it dairy free, I suggest using coconut cream over soy milk or almond milk.
- chocolate sauce: A high quality chocolate sauce is best versus something like Hershey’s chocolate syrup for a “tastes like Starbucks” drink. I love Ghirardelli or Torani the best right now.
- coffee/espresso: The stronger the coffee, the better. The strength will be diluted by the ice and cream, so you don’t want to start off with a weak coffee. Cold brew coffee and cold brew concentrates are great as well because they are typically much stronger and already chilled. You can use shots of espresso but I suggest chilling it first for best results. While you can use regular coffee that is chilled, you won’t get a strong coffee flavor in your drink.
- Sweetener: ok, when I originally developed this recipe, I often used maple syrup to sweeten everything. Sweeten to your own taste and with your favorite sweetener. This is the biggest feedback I have gotten on this frappuccino recipe over the years-too sweet or not sweet enough. So seriously, YOU DO YOU! You know what you love.
Ways to Vary This Recipe:
You can add other ingredients to this base recipe to get all sorts of different flavors!
- add a drop of peppermint extract for a mint chocolate mocha frappe! Top it with crushed mint Oreos and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for the best minty treat!
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the blender for a chocolate caramel variation of this frozen drink
- This one may sound odd, but add a tablespoon of peanut butter before blending-you will be surprised by how delicious it is!
- Scoop in some of your favorite protein powder for a protein boost
- Chocolate chips anyone? Blend these in with the coffee and ice mixture!
Other Recipes You will Love:
- Kahlua Cream Cheese Brownies
- Easy Mocha Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream
- Peanut Butter Mocha Smoothie (one of my absolute favorites!)
- Vanilla Cold Brew Overnight Oats
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