This Starbucks Chai Frappuccino recipe is quick, simple, and tastes just like the real thing! Made with chai concentrate, milk, ice, and Frappuccino base syrup, it’s the perfect way to cool down and satisfy your chai cravings.
This copycat recipe is so easy, even the neighborhood squirrel could master it (though I wouldn’t recommend sharing – there’s only enough magic in this 16 ounce grande for one!).
Recipe Highlights
- Skip the barista and blend up a smooth, dreamy Chai Frappuccino in seconds.
- Capture the warm spice of Starbucks’ chai with store-bought concentrate.
- Homemade Frappuccino base gives you that signature texture.
- Quick and easy whipped cream puts the finishing touch on your frosty masterpiece.
Ingredient Notes
- Homemade Frappuccino base: This secret ingredient makes Frappuccinos lusciously thick. Make a batch ahead and store it for future frosty adventures.
- Tazo Chai Concentrate: Replicate Starbucks’ chai magic with this handy shortcut. No need to brew a whole pot of spicy goodness!
- Whole milk: Starbucks goes whole hog, but any milk you love will do. Almond, oat, soy – go rogue!
- Whipped cream essentials: Heavy cream, vanilla syrup, and a touch of magic (okay, just a handheld milk frother).
- Ice: Filtered water makes the tastiest ice, but any frozen cubes will do.
- Cinnamon: A sprinkle of warmth takes your Frappuccino to the next level.
- Star anise (optional): Impress your friends with a pinch of star anise on your drink.
Step-by-Step Process
- Whip it good: Heavy cream + vanilla = frothy magic in seconds with your whisk or handheld milk frother. Set aside, and let the anticipation build.
- Blend-tastic: Toss chai concentrate, milk, ice, and Frappuccino base into your blender. Start slow, then crank it up. Use this tamper to conquer any stubborn ice chunks.
- Pour, sip, savor: Fill your glass with this icy delight. Top it off with that dreamy whipped cream, and don’t forget a sprinkle of cinnamon for good measure.
- Optional star anise garnish: Because fancy. And delicious.
Expert Tips
- Skip the ice shuffle: Don’t toss ice in first! Follow the ingredient list order for a smooth and efficient blending experience.
- Base magic: The homemade Frappuccino base is the key to Starbucks-like texture. You can add simple syrup to your drink if you don’t like the stickiness since base has xanthum gum in it. If you skip it, your drink might be a bit icy, but still delicious!
- Whipped cream whiz: Use your handheld milk frother for smooth whipping cream. You’ll be whipping up fluffy clouds of delight in no time.
Questions You May Have
1. What’s in the Tazo chai concentrate?
It has water, black tea, spices like cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, star anise, cardamom, ginger. Natural flavors, ginger juice, honey, citric acid, vanilla extract and cane sugar are also added.
2. Can I make it sugar-free?
Not with the pre-sweetened Tazo chai concentrate, but you can experiment with sugar-free syrups and milk alternatives. The Frappuccino base also has sugar in it.
Homemade Starbucks Chai Frappuccino
Course: Drinks1
servings5
minutes490
kcal5
minutesA creamy, icy chai frappuccino made with a simple Frappuccino base syrup.
Ingredients
⅓ cup milk of your choice
1 cup ice
3 tablespoons homemade Frappuccino base syrup
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
Ground cinnamon (optional)
Star anise (optional)
Directions
- Make the whipped cream: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream and vanilla syrup until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a blender, combine chai concentrate, milk, ice, and Frappuccino base syrup. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the Frappuccino into a glass. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. Garnish with a star anise, if using.
Notes
- For a thicker Frappuccino, use less ice or more Frappuccino base syrup.
- If you don't have Frappuccino base syrup, you can use simple syrup to sweeten your drink, but it will be less thick.
- Starbucks uses a chai concentrate that is stronger than the Tazo Classic Chai Latte Concentrate. If you can find a stronger chai concentrate, you may want to use less of it.
- Try drizzling with caramel sauce, adding a pump of vanilla syrup, or sprinkling with chopped nuts or chocolate chips.