Starbucks Santa’s Chocolate Strawberry Frappe

Introduction

The first time I tried Starbucks’ Santa’s Chocolate Strawberry Frappe, I was instantly swept away into a delightful holiday treat that combined two of my favorite flavors: chocolate and strawberries. The festive blend of the rich Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with strawberry puree, mocha sauce, whipped cream, and the finishing touches of chocolate shavings and freeze-dried strawberries was an absolute hit at home. My family couldn’t stop raving about it! Whether it was the smooth, creamy texture or the perfectly balanced flavors, everyone agreed that it was the ideal drink to sip on while cozying up by the fireplace. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season, and it definitely deserves a spot in our annual winter tradition.

Why You’ll Love Starbucks Santa’s Chocolate Strawberry Frappe

If you love a delightful, refreshing treat that embodies the flavors of the holidays, this is the perfect drink for you! Starbucks’ Santa’s Chocolate Strawberry Frappe is a festive twist on the classic frappuccino, combining the rich creaminess of vanilla bean, the sweet tang of strawberry puree, and the indulgent depth of mocha sauce, all topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate and freeze-dried strawberries. It’s the ultimate indulgence that delivers a satisfying combination of fruity and chocolatey goodness, perfect for ringing in the holiday cheer.

Not only does it taste incredible, but it also looks festive and inviting—just like something you’d want to serve to guests at a holiday gathering. With each sip, you’ll be transported into a winter wonderland filled with sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re treating yourself, sharing it with friends, or simply indulging in a holiday pick-me-up, this frappe will undoubtedly make your holidays feel a little extra special.

Ingredients

To recreate Starbucks’ Santa’s Chocolate Strawberry Frappe at home, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Frappuccino Base:

• 1 Vanilla Bean Frappuccino (order a standard Vanilla Bean Frappuccino at Starbucks or make it at home with vanilla ice cream and milk)
• 1-2 pumps of mocha sauce (adjust to your preferred level of chocolatey goodness)

For the Strawberry Layers:

• 2-3 tablespoons of strawberry puree or strawberry sauce (you can use store-bought strawberry puree or make your own by blending fresh strawberries with a little sugar)
• Crushed freeze-dried strawberries for garnish

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
• Chocolate shavings (grated chocolate or chocolate curls)

Instructions

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to make your own Santa’s Chocolate Strawberry Frappe at home:

1. Prepare the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino:
   • In a blender, blend 1 cup of ice, 1 cup of milk, and 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream (depending on how creamy you want it). You can also opt for a pre-made Vanilla Bean Frappuccino mix if you want a quicker option. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Strawberry Puree:
   • Pour 2-3 tablespoons of strawberry puree into the bottom of your glass. You can either stir it into the frappuccino for a marbled effect or leave it as a layer at the bottom for a visually striking drink.
3. Add the Mocha Sauce:
   • Drizzle 1-2 pumps of mocha sauce into the frappuccino base. This will add a rich, chocolatey depth that complements the fruity strawberry puree perfectly.
4. Blend It Together:
   • Add the frappuccino base on top of the strawberry layer, then blend the entire mixture until smooth and well-combined.
5. Top with Whipped Cream:
   • Once your frappuccino is blended, pour it into your glass and top generously with whipped cream.
6. Finish with Chocolate Shavings and Crushed Freeze-Dried Strawberries:
   • Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the whipped cream, and add a handful of crushed freeze-dried strawberries for an extra touch of holiday magic.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Add a festive straw or a cute holiday topper, and enjoy your homemade Starbucks-inspired treat!

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories Per Serving)

For each serving of Starbucks’ Santa’s Chocolate Strawberry Frappe (approximately 16 oz), here’s an estimate of the nutritional information:

• Serving Size: 1 Frappe (16 oz)
• Calories: 380-420 calories (depending on how much whipped cream and mocha sauce you use)
• Fat: 17-20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 53g
• Protein: 4g

Please note that these nutritional facts can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities you use. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, you can make adjustments such as using a lighter whipped cream or reducing the amount of mocha sauce.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Blend Time: 2-3 minutes

Total time: 12-15 minutes (depending on how fast you blend and assemble the ingredients).

How to Serve

To make your Santa’s Chocolate Strawberry Frappe extra festive and Instagram-worthy, follow these tips for serving:

• In a Tall Glass: Use a tall, clear glass to showcase the vibrant layers of strawberry puree and frappuccino.
• Add a Decorative Straw: A fun, holiday-themed straw can make the drink feel more festive.
• Top with Garnishes: Ensure a generous layer of whipped cream, and top it with chocolate shavings and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
• Serve with a Side Treat: Pair your frappe with a sweet treat like a holiday cookie or a small piece of chocolate for an indulgent snack.
• Perfect for Holiday Parties: This frappe makes a great drink for a holiday gathering or as a special treat for guests.

Additional Tips

1. Make It Dairy-Free: To make this drink dairy-free, substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free whipped cream alternative.
2. Customize the Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less strawberry puree and mocha sauce. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of strawberry sauce.
3. Use Homemade Strawberry Puree: For an even fresher flavor, make your own strawberry puree by blending fresh strawberries with a little sugar and a splash of lemon juice.
4. Chill Your Glass: For extra chill factor, pop your serving glass into the freezer for 5-10 minutes before serving the frappuccino.
5. Top with Holiday Sprinkles: To make your drink even more festive, top with a sprinkle of colorful holiday-themed sprinkles.

FAQ

1. Can I make this frappuccino without a blender?
   • Unfortunately, you’ll need a blender to achieve the smooth texture of a frappuccino. However, you can try using a milkshake machine or a handheld frother to create a similar effect.
2. How can I reduce the calories in this frappuccino?
   • To lower the calorie count, you can use a sugar-free mocha sauce, a lighter whipped cream, or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk.
3. Can I make this drink ahead of time?
   • For the best taste and texture, it’s best to make the frappuccino fresh. However, you can prepare the strawberry puree and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.
4. Can I add more toppings?
   • Yes, feel free to add crushed candy canes, caramel drizzle, or extra chocolate syrup to enhance the flavor and appearance of your frappuccino.
5. Is the mocha sauce necessary?
   • The mocha sauce adds a chocolatey richness to the frappuccino, but you can omit it if you prefer a lighter flavor or if you don’t like chocolate.
6. How can I make this drink less sweet?
   • Reduce the amount of strawberry puree or mocha sauce for a less sweet version. You can also opt for a sugar-free strawberry puree if you prefer.
7. Can I make a larger batch?
   • Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to make multiple servings for a crowd. Just multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings you need.
8. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
   • While freeze-dried strawberries give a crunchy texture, you can use fresh strawberries if that’s what you have on hand. Just chop them finely and sprinkle them on top.
9. Can I make this frappuccino without the strawberry puree?
   • Yes, you can make a simpler chocolate frappuccino by omitting the strawberry puree and just focusing on the mocha and vanilla base.
10. Can I make this frappuccino iced instead of blended?

• Yes, you can opt for an iced version by skipping the blending process. Simply mix the ingredients with ice and serve over cold milk for a refreshing twist.

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