Save money and skip the coffee shop—this simple blended mocha delivers rich chocolate and coffee in about 5 minutes. Easy to customize and budget-friendly, this Homemade Mocha Frappuccino is a perfect pick-me-up any time of day.
This recipe was originally published June 2015 and updated January 2021.
Making your own mocha frappuccino at home is faster and much cheaper than buying one. With a few pantry staples and a blender you’ll get a creamy, frosty drink that tastes indulgent without the coffee-shop price tag.
Top with plenty of whipped cream if you like. For an extra chocolate boost try it with chocolate whipped cream.
Why You Will Love This Homemade Mocha Frappuccino:
- A sweet, chocolatey boost any time of day. Whether midday, morning, or while relaxing in the evening, this mocha frappuccino satisfies chocolate and coffee cravings.
- Cost effective. Homemade frappuccinos are far less expensive than coffee-shop versions and still taste great.
- Highly customizable. Make it decaf, stronger or milder, swap chocolate types, or adjust sweetness—this recipe adapts easily to your preferences.
Grab your blender and let’s make a frosty, chocolatey coffee treat.
Recipe Ingredients
- Milk/cream: I usually use half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and heavy cream. A bit of rich cream gives the best texture and flavor. For dairy-free, coconut cream works best over thinner plant milks.
- Chocolate sauce: Use a higher-quality chocolate sauce for the best results—something richer than basic chocolate syrup for that classic coffee-shop flavor.
- Coffee/espresso: Strong coffee is important because ice and milk dilute the flavor. Cold brew or a chilled espresso shot works well; if using brewed coffee, chill it first.
- Sweetener: Sweeten to taste. Maple syrup, sugar, honey, or any sweetener you prefer will work—adjust the amount based on how sweet you like it.
How To Make This Recipe
Step 1: Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender.
Step 2: Blend until smooth. If the drink is too thin, add more ice; if it’s not sweet enough, add more sweetener. Serve immediately with whipped cream and an extra chocolate drizzle if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Choose a quality chocolate sauce for a richer, more authentic flavor.
- Makes one large or two small servings—adjust quantities as needed.
- Sweeten to your taste. Everyone’s preference is different, so start conservatively and add more if needed.
- For extra coffee flavor, freeze brewed coffee into ice cubes and use those when blending.
Ways to Vary This Recipe:
Use the base recipe as a canvas to create different flavors:
- Add a drop of peppermint extract for a mint-chocolate frappuccino; top with crushed mint cookies and chocolate drizzle.
- Blend in a little caramel sauce for a chocolate-caramel variation.
- Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter before blending for a rich nutty twist.
- Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder for a protein boost.
- Mix in chocolate chips for extra texture and chocolate flavor.
Other Recipes You Will Love:
- Kahlua Cream Cheese Brownies
- Easy Mocha Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream
- Peanut Butter Mocha Smoothie
- Vanilla Cold Brew Overnight Oats
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Homemade Mocha Frappuccino with Sea Salt
Ingredients
- ¾ cup strong brewed coffee, chilled or room temp.
- ½ cup milk or cream (or a combo of the two)
- 2 cups ice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 – 2 T maple syrup or favorite sweetener, depending on desired sweetness
- 2 – 3 T chocolate sauce (more for drizzle!)
- 2 cranks sea salt (optional)
Instructions
-
Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender.
-
Blend until smooth. Add more ice if you prefer a thicker texture and adjust sweetener to taste.
-
Serve immediately with whipped cream and an extra drizzle of chocolate if desired.
Notes
- Use some cream. Half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and heavy cream gives the most satisfying texture and flavor—skim will be noticeably thinner.
- Pick a good chocolate sauce. A richer sauce will get you closer to a coffee-shop mocha flavor.
- Start with strong coffee. Because ice and milk dilute flavor, begin with a bold brew or cold brew concentrate.
- Adjust the sweetener to your preference. Maple syrup, sugar, honey, or another sweetener all work—tailor it to how sweet you like your drinks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question?Leave a comment below!
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