Frappe Mocha Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Total Time
Prep: 5 min. + freezing
A copycat mocha frappe recipe saves you time and money at the drive-thru. Here's how to make it at home with a few simple ingredients.

Updated: Jul. 06, 2024

Wondering how to make a frappe so you don’t have to constantly do coffee shop runs? You’ve come to the right place. This copycat McDonald’s mocha frappe recipe is easy, quick and absolutely delicious. You can also opt to make a batch of the coffee mixture (without blending the ice) ahead of time so you can sip on frappes throughout the week. Save money, time and energy by making your very own mocha frappe, and you’ll never want to go back to the drive-thru again.

Mocha Frappe Recipe Ingredients

  • Instant coffee granules: Feel free to use chilled brewed coffee (the higher-quality the coffee, the higher-quality the drink will be).
  • Boiling water: Boiling water is used for dissolving the instant coffee granules.
  • Fat-free milk: If you want a richer-tasting coffee drink, add cream or half-and-half (or a combination of the two) in place of fat-free milk. Whatever dairy product you use, this is what gives a frappe its smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Chocolate syrup: Chocolate syrup infuses this drink with a delightfully chocolatey flavor, but you could also experiment with adding cocoa powder for a less sweet taste.
  • Crushed ice: You can’t have a frappe without shaved or crushed ice. Cubed ice will work, but not as well.
  • Whipped topping and additional chocolate syrup (optional): While optional, a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup turn this drink into a truly sweet treat.

Directions

Step 1: Dissolve coffee granules

In a small bowl, dissolve the coffee granules in water. Pour into an ice cube tray; freeze.

Editor’s Tip: Your coffee should be completely chilled so it doesn’t melt the ice.

Step 2: Combine the ingredients in a blender

In a blender, combine the milk, chocolate syrup and coffee ice cubes. Cover and process until smooth.

Step 3: Add crushed ice

Add the crushed ice and blend well.

Step 4: Serve

Pour into chilled glasses; garnish with whipped topping and additional chocolate syrup if desired and serve immediately.

Mocha Frappe Recipe Variations

  • Add vanilla extract: Adding a splash of vanilla extract helps round out the chocolate flavor.
  • Use caramel sauce: If you prefer a more caramel-y flavor, use caramel sauce in place of chocolate sauce, like in this copycat caramel frappuccino.

How to Store Mocha Frappe

Keep your coffee mixture in the fridge or freezer in a shatter-resistant container, without blending the ice into it.

Can I make this mocha frappe recipe ahead of time?

Yes, complete Steps 1 and 2 and then freeze the coffee mixture. Don’t blend the ice into it, as this will make the mixture watery.

Mocha Frappe Recipe Tips

How do I make my mocha frappe stronger?

Aside from using strong coffee, you could also add a shot of espresso.

How do I make my mocha frappe sweeter?

Add a dash of sugar or simple syrup to the mixture if you prefer your frappe to be on the sweet side.

Can I make a vegan version of this mocha frappe recipe?

Yes! Easily make a vegan frappe by substituting for whatever dairy-free milk and chocolate syrup you like.

Frappe Mocha

Prep Time 5 min
Yield 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup fat-free milk
  • 4-1/2 teaspoons chocolate syrup
  • 1/2 cup crushed ice
  • Whipped topping and additional chocolate syrup, optional

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve coffee granules in water. Pour into an ice cube tray; freeze.
  2. In a blender, combine the milk, chocolate syrup and coffee ice cubes. Cover and process until smooth. Add crushed ice; blend. Pour into chilled glasses; serve immediately. Garnish with whipped topping and additional chocolate syrup if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 80 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.

Coffee ice cubes power up this refreshing drink. Have it morning, noon or—if you dare—night! —Beverly Coyde, Gasport, New York
Recipe Creator