Frappuccino (Frappe') is the name and registered trademark of a cold beverage sold by Starbucks. Made by blending one part prepared mixture to three parts ice as needed. Many variations are now available. It is currently available in three sizes: Tall (12 ounce), Grandé (16 ounce), and Ventí (24 ounce). A Frappuccino is very much a variation of a latte or smoothie too.  Starbucks derived this name from the original Greek frappe' which is a foam-covered drink derived from spray-dried instant coffee that is consumed cold.  They married that with Cappuccino and got Frappuccino.

Original Coffee Drink
The Mix is made by combining one-part soluble (instant) coffee with water, then combining that with one-part liquid proprietary flavoring (which basically contains milk, sugar,  flavorings, caramel coloring and other minor ingredients in specific amounts). This Mix is then blended with ice. The result is a drink with the consistency of almost a milkshake that should be easy to pour into a cup, but with almost a "slushie" consistency. This basic combination can be drunk, but has a strong coffee flavor.

"Light"
In 2004, Starbucks modified the proprietary flavoring mixture and created a "Light" version (a reference to 'Diet'). This version cuts approx half the Calories, half the Fat and about a third of the total carbs (which mainly come from sugar) compared to the "Original" version. This version is prepared the same way as the Original version only using the modified flavoring mix. Just as the original version, this basic preparation can be ingested normally and just will have a strong coffee flavor.

Decaf
A Decaf version IS made in some higher volume retail stores that can support the extra time and work that is needed to prepare the separate mix. This version requires a Barista to prepare double-strength of a certain Decaf coffee, and allowing it to cool (Which can take several hours), then preparing it as the Original version by adding the flavoring, then following the normal steps in preparation (ice, blending, etc). This is a decision made by a manager if deemed that most if not all of the mix will sell before spoiling (one day). If no more than one or two drinks are sold per preparation, 99% of the time a manager will decide to not offer it. Decaf is normally offered in areas that are within several miles of High Schools and younger ages that a concern has been established by the parents over caffeine consumption in their area (there are exceptions). Many managers have instead suggested a Crème (see below) for those parents concerned about Caffeine Content. (Normally if prepared, Decaf uses the "Original" flavoring, not the "Light". So as a result, the same drink types are normally available as the "Original".)

Crème
Alternatively, a caffeine-free, coffee-free "cream" base (what Starbucks calls Crème Beverage Base, or CBB) was created to make the popular blended Crèmes. This was made to create a beverage that non-coffee drinkers could enjoy and still be able to "relax" in the coffeehouse atmosphere, thus still being able to enjoy what Starbucks calls the Third Place. This version is made by combining one part skim milk to one part CBB Powdered Mix (normally contains sugar, flavorings, thickeners and other minor proprietary ingredients). The CBB mix replaced a similar mixture called UBB, or Universal Beverage Base, in 2006. The most notable change between the two is that the newer CBB mixture does not require a "settling period" in which the UBB/milk combination would need to be chilled for a period of time to settle and thicken. Unlike the Coffee version, this prepared mix is NOT drinkable after just blending with ice, the result is a very disgusting bland "drink". Flavoring of some sort (see below) MUST be added before consuming. Liquid or powdered Tea is also used in some versions prepared at Retail locations, most of the time making the "Tea Blended Crème".

Tea
Starbucks previously offered a version of the Frappuccino that predominantly featured Tea, namely Tazo Tea. It was a concentrated Tea Mixture (ingredients were a minimal amount of juice, flavorings, sugar and Tazo green tea), which was blended with Ice. In mid 2003, these versions were completely discontinued. They were known as Tazo Citrus Blended Tea (Flavor of Tangerine, Orange and Lime) and Tazo Berry Blended Tea (Flavor of Raspberries). No details were released from the company as to why this decision was made, but the same year the Strawberries & Cream (see below) was introduced. These same drinks could also be blended with the CBB (or Crème) to make a drink that had a flavor of almost a cream mixed with the said flavor. Many remarked as tasting similar to a Creamsicle. These versions were known as Tazo Citrus Blended Créme and Tazo Berry Blended Créme. The naming scheme was to try and prevent confusion between the two drinks; In short, it didn't work, many people still got confused. The Situation was not improved by the fact that some stores (and licensed franchises), didn't clarify with a customer which drink they desired and just made whichever the customer happened to "read off the menu" or try to remember from memory (or worse, what the Barista thought they heard the customer order). This may or may not have contributed to the removal of the very confusing menu item. Before Starbucks Acquired Tazo, the name of this drink was called Tiazzi (Still Featured the Berry Flavor), but the recipe was changed when Tazo was acquired. The Drink was practically the same.

Matcha
The newest and extremely popular Frappucino is made with Japanese Matcha green tea powder and Starbucks syrup...Yuuuum!  With the proper ingredients you can make these delicious beverages at home and save big money.

Sample Starbucks Matcha Frappe' Recipe:

1/2 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
2 ounces hot water (but not boiling)
2 teaspoons sugar (or artificial sweetener - adjust to taste)
4 ounces milk
8 ice cubes
1/2 - 1 ounce Starbucks vanilla or melon syrup
whip cream topping (optional)

Make a paste with the Matcha and hot water first.
Then add the paste, sugar (optional) and starbucks or other flavored syrup to the milk and mix well before adding ice. You may also put ingredients in a blender to crush the ice and froth the Frappe'.  For a thicker Frappucinno replace the ice or sweetener with vanilla or green tea ice cream.  For extra garnish top with whip cream and dust with Matcha powder.  Be creative and Enjoy!

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