This post may contain affiliate links that we collect a share of sales from. Click here for more details.
These days, it feels like there’s an endless variety of Frappuccinos you can order at Starbucks. But, back when the Frappuccino first arrived in 1995, it came in two flavors: coffee and mocha. And neither came with whip. That was until 1999 when the coffee giant debuted the now iconic Caramel Frappuccino.
Now, thanks to customer secret menu creations, there’s every possible variation you can think of, from the Twix Frappuccino below to pretty pastel versions that make it look like you’re sipping on pure sugar. Oh, you are? Carry on, then.
Despite the need for a stronger cup of coffee in the morning these days, we still find ourselves drawn to our O.G. Starbucks order when the summer heat hits just right. And if Juicy Couture can be trendy again, we can certainly drink one of these in the afternoon.
So, here’s a look at the history of the Caramel Frappuccino and a some different ways you can order it.
When Did Starbucks Launch the Caramel Frappuccino?
Starbucks debuted the Caramel Frappuccino in 1999. It was just a few years before The O.C. catapulted Death Cab For Cutie to mega stardom and people hadn’t started wearing jeans under their dresses.
The new slushy beverage was the first on the Starbucks menu to be crowned with a mountain of whipped cream, a dome-shaped lid, and the now iconic green straw. Which even though Starbucks is now thankfully phasing out in lieu of more environmentally-friendly reusable cups and tumblers.
“At the time, domed lids were radical thinking, so was the idea of adding whipped cream,” said Dina Campion, Starbucks Director of Partner & Asset Protection who then managed the Southern California stores. She is one of the managers responsible for bringing Frappuccinos to the mass market.
This isn’t a true secret menu option, but if you’re looking to shave a few calories off your Frapp, order the drink “light.” The barista will make it with sugar free syrup, nonfat milk, and without whipped cream. It’ll be 100 calories.
2. Twix Frappuccino
Order a Grande Caramel Frappuccino.
Ask for 1 pump caramel syrup.
Ask for 1 pump hazelnut syrup.
Ask for dark chocolate curls and whipped cream blended together.
Top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and mocha sauce.
Leah Mulroney is a writer and standup comedian in Austin, TX, because she loves attention. Her written works can be found on The List, in The Keene Sentinel, and Medium. And she performs her feminine humor on stages all over Texas and the US. When she's not behind the keyboard or holding a microphone in her hands, you can find Leah having deep philosophical conversations with her tiny dog, letting bags of kale go bad in her fridge while she goes out in search of happy-hour priced sushi, and watching so much true crime TV that she's pretty sure she could actually get away with murder at this point. Follow her on Twitter for the jokes and on Instagram for the "aesthetic."
Latest posts by Leah Mulroney (see all)
5 Ways to Order Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino That You Haven’t Tried Yet - August 1, 2022
Lots of people don't know that most of Starbucks' signature drinks, like Frappuccinos and lattes, have a coffee-free version. And when we say coffee-free, we really mean it — there wouldn't be any coffee inside, not even decaf. You only have to ask for the "crème" version of the drink you want!
You can also drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce into the blender for added indulgence. Serve and garnish. Pour your freshly blended Frappuccino into a tall glass. If desired, top it with whipped cream and additional toppings like chocolate shavings or sprinkles.
The Frappé we know and love is pronounced 'frap-pay' and when loosely translated from French, it literally means 'iced'. This delicious drink is generally made of water, espresso, sugar, milk, ice and is shaken, blended or beaten to combine the ingredients.
Crème. A coffee-free base was created to make a drink called a Frappuccino Blended Crème. Menu examples include the Mocha Crème, Vanilla Bean Crème, Strawberry Crème, Matcha Crème, and Chai Crème.
It consists of coffee blended with ice and various other ingredients, usually topped with whipped cream. One Starbucks (12 oz) Light Caramel Frappuccino: 152 calories, 1.3g fat, 6g protein, 30g carbs, 2g fiber, 22g sugar. Shopping Tips. New to some supermarkets is a light vanilla-flavored whipped cream.
Ask for the “light” option: The coffee, caramel, mocha, java chip, and cafe vanilla Frappuccinos are all available in a lighter version for 33 fewer calories than the original. Skip the whip: Ask your barista to hold the whipped cream. This cuts calories and won't take away from the sweetness of the drink.
Start with milk of your choice (i used whole milk) add Ice, Strawberry pureè or Strawberry Syrup, 1 to 2 pumps of Starbucks Marshmallow Syrup, 2 pumps of Starbucks Vanilla Syrup. Blend it up! and top with whipped cream and more strawberry pureé.
8. You ask for a "hot Frappuccino" in the winter. Nope, it's not a thing, though baristas said it's a common misconception they have to clear up—over and over again—every December through February. Try a hot Chai Tea Latte, Caramel Macchiato, or Caffè Mocha instead (or just plain hot chocolate.)
The Ultra Caramel Frappuccino includes five layers packed with sweet white chocolate, mocha cold brew, whipped cream, caramel sauce, blended caramel coffee, more cold brew whipped cream and a final layer of caramel sauce.
420 Cal.420 Cal. McDonald's Caramel Frappé recipe is made with rich caramel flavor and a hint of coffee, blended with ice, and topped with whipped topping and caramel drizzle. Available in Small, Medium, and Large. There are 420 calories in a small Caramel Frappé.
You only have to ask for the "crème" version of the drink you want! For example, if you're craving a Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino but don't want an ounce of caffeine within, just request a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino.
Frappuccinos can also be re-worked sans caffeine by subbing in decaffeinated shots. Cut down on sugar as well by asking for a decaf Caramel Frappuccino with sugar-free syrup (made with Splenda, FYI), no whip, and no drizzle.
Instructions. Combine creamer, cubes, ice cream or frozen yogurt, caramel syrup, and vanilla. Blend until smooth. Pour frappuccino into two glasses, top with whipping cream and caramel sauce and serve immediately.
McDonald's Caramel Frappé recipe is made with rich caramel flavor and a hint of coffee, blended with ice, and topped with whipped topping and caramel drizzle. Available in Small, Medium, and Large. There are 420 calories in a small Caramel Frappé. Order a Caramel Frappé using Mobile Order & Pay!
Introduction: My name is Lidia Grady, I am a thankful, fine, glamorous, lucky, lively, pleasant, shiny person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.