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Frappe vs Frappuccino Coffee: What's the difference?
A deep dive into the differences between a Frappe and a Frappucino, including what’s in them and how to make them.
Published October 17, 2022
Chandra Melo
Coffee experts@Era of We
Are you a fan of ice-cold beverages? Do you love the idea of a cappuccino but aren’t into warm drinks? There’s nothing better than a cold frosty drink to cool you off on a hot summer day, but cold beverages can also be enjoyed in any other season as well. So why not try something a little different and add it to your list of favorite drinks? Frappes and Frappuccinos are among the most popular cold beverages but what many don’t realize is that the two are different.
Here we’ll answer the question of “what is a frappe vs Frappuccino”, discussing what’s in each of them and how to make them. You’ll feel more confident ordering one at a coffee shop or restaurant, and even master them at home as you become a barista of sorts. So, let’s take a deep dive into what’s in a Frappuccino vs a frappe and help you become an expert.
What’s a Frappuccino – Defining This Popular Beverage
Let’s start by taking a look at what a Frappuccino is. You may be wondering does a Frappuccino have coffee in it, after all, its name sounds very similar to a cappuccino, which is a coffee drink that has a shot of espresso. So to answer your question of does a Frappuccino has coffee in it, the answer is it contains cappuccino, which is classified as a coffee beverage consisting of espresso and milk.
But here's what makes a Frappuccino different from a standard cappuccino, they taste more like a thick and creamy milkshake with a kick to it. Now depending on where you purchase your Frappuccino, they may not use any coffee at all. This is certainly the case when you order the Starbucks Frappuccino, which has its recipe and contains no coffee. This is ideal for those who love the taste of Frappuccinos but don't want the caffeine kick of espresso or coffee.
And it’s not just Starbucks that takes liberty with Frappuccinos, they can be tweaked in all different ways, so each coffee house and restaurant has its take on the drink. This also leaves the door open to your creative potential when making it at home. The common thread is that this is a blended iced drink so there is always a creamy base that is blended with ice. That’s how it takes on a milkshake consistency.
Now because this is a thick, creamy, and rich beverage when it comes down to frappe vs Frappuccino calories, Frappuccinos have a lot more calories. You may want to enjoy them as a special treat rather than an everyday beverage.
What’s a Frappe – Defining This Popular Beverage
So now that we’ve looked at the Frappuccino and what it contains, what about the frappe? When it comes to frappe vs Frappuccino, which one is better? It's all personal preference of course, but as pointed out above a frappe can be ideal for those looking for a cold beverage that is a little lighter, not quite so rich and thick.
A frappe is shaken, beaten, or blended to create a foamy consistency. Just like the Frappuccino, there is ice in the drink. Did you know that the translation of the word "frappe", which is French, is iced? Its name perfectly represents what the drink is all about.
This one does have coffee or espresso in it, and many people and places choose to use instant coffee so that it's quick and easy.
If you want a more in-depth look at the differences between a frappe and a Frappuccino, including the origins of each, be sure to check out more of our blog posts on the topic, to get an even better handle on these popular beverages and their similarities as well as differences.
How to Make a Frappuccino At Home
Want to save yourself a little money and be able to enjoy a Frappuccino anytime you like from your home? Making them is easier than you may have thought, and remember, with a Frappuccino you can get creative so the directions aren’t stringent.
Now if you want your drink to be elevated and feel sophisticated, experts recommend you use a chilled mug or glass. This will help keep the beverage cold and enhance the flavor profile. In terms of ingredients, you'll need two cups of ice, one cup of espresso or coffee, 2 tbsp of a sweetener and 3/4 cup of milk.
Here are step-by-step directions you can follow:
- Start by making the coffee or espresso. The key to a great Frappuccino is bold coffee or espresso, so don't pick a light roast.
- Add the coffee/espresso, ice (crushed is preferable), milk and sweetener to a blender. Blend until it is well mixed and smooth with just a bit of texture left.
- Pour into your chilled mug or cup and enjoy.
Not only can you choose which coffee/espresso to use, but you can also play around with the milk opting for low-fat or skim milk to cut down on calories if that’s something you’re concerned about.
So what happens if you want to make a Frappuccino without coffee, similar to the popular Caramel Frappuccino at Starbucks? For this version simply use milk, vanilla ice cream, caramel syrup and milk in place of coffee. Follow the same blending instructions and that's all it takes.
How to Make a Frappe At Home
After mastering the Frappuccino it’s time to move to the frappe, which is just as quick and easy. This is an easy base recipe for coffee frappes that you can then build upon and make changes as you see fit. You'll need milk, sugar, ice, and instant espresso or instant bold coffee. You'll need to make the espresso and then give it time to cool down. After that, it's time to put all ingredients in the blender on low speed and then boost the speed slowly until it is smooth and frothy looking. Pour it into glasses and enjoy.
Are There Any Special Tools/Equipment That Can Help?
In terms of special tools and equipment for making frappes and Frappuccinos, it comes down to how often you plan on making them, your budget, your available space on your kitchen counter or in the cupboards and how much time you want to shave off the preparation.
A few items that can help include:
- A powerful or professional blender that can crush and blend ice
- A professional-grade espresso maker
- A drip coffee machine if you plan on using coffee in the base
So what if you don’t want to store all those items in your kitchen? You may want to look at the multi-functional frappe machines meant for home use. These are typically single-serve machines that can make an iced frappe, or hot coffee and even blend it all for you. They are quick and easy to use, which means even on a busy morning as you try to get out the door for work you can still use the machine.
If you’re going to invest in a frappe machine, be sure to read reviews as quality isn’t always consistent across the board. Many of these machines are multi-functional in that they can make more than just frappes, so this is another factor to consider when weighing your options.
Tasty Variations You Can Try
As for tasty variations, this is an area you will want to spend time trying different things. There are no rules about what you can and can’t add, so go ahead and let your imagination run wild.
Some common toppings for each of these beverages include:
- Chocolate syrup
- Caramel sauce
- Butterscotch syrup
- Cinnamon syrup
- Maple flavoring
- Ground cinnamon
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sugar
- Cookie crumble
- Chocolate curls
- Sea salt
- Strawberry syrup
- Graham cracker crumbs
You can also mix and match the various toppings and mix-ins to create a customized flavor. Next time you’re in a coffee shop with an extensive menu, pay close attention to the toppings they offer, so you can try them at home.
Calorie Conscious Recipes Do Exist
And speaking of tweaking your drinks, there are lower-calorie options available for frappes and Frappuccinos. That’s not to say they are low-calorie, they are just lower than the standard recipe. Chances are you will still want to practice moderation when drinking iced beverages.
A few ways you can cut back on calories are to skip the syrups that add flavor and a huge amount of calories, use unsweetened vanilla almond milk in place of the milk, vanilla extract as flavoring, sugar-free sweetener and fat-free whipped topping. These few little changes will have a huge impact on the calorie count so you don’t have to feel guilty drinking it.
Become a Frappe and Frappuccino Expert
By brushing up on your knowledge of these tasty iced beverages you’ll be opening the door to all new flavor combinations and textures that could end up being instant favorites. As mentioned, don’t be afraid to step outside the box and try a variety of mix-ins and toppings.
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