I didn’t think I would wake up wanting a Java Chip Frappuccino today, but here we are. I’m more of a latte-drinker, but the cold, creamy mocha sounds really great right now.
The word Frappuccino is the word created by Starbucks that combines “frappe” —blended drink—with cappuccino, a coffee/milk concoction.
With the rising costs of drink prices at the ubiquitous coffee chain, I figured I should try to make one myself.
Plus, it leads me to wonder: What is a java chip? Is it like a chocolate chip? Is the chip made from coffee and chocolate? Just coffee? Just chocolate?
In the same vein that Pumpkin Pie Spice has neither Pumpkin nor Pie in it, a Java Chip Frappuccino doesn’t have “java chips”—it has a mocha syrup base (the Java, which is another word synonymous with “coffee”) and “Chip” which is the shortened form of “chocolate chips”.
The language-lover in me wants this to really be spelled Java-Chip Frappuccino, but I’m not sure it would help that much either, and may just confuse the issue.
It’s not as original (or short) to call it a Coffee Chocolate Chip Frappe Cappuccino.
Ironically, or maybe not, the chocolate chips are blended so fine that you get the hint of chocolate flavored bits. Leave them whole, and you’d have trouble getting them up the straw.
What a conundrum. Should it be called Java Shaved Chocolate Bits Blended Beverage? We’ll never know.
So here we are, doing more talking than handcrafting this beverage, so let’s get down to it.
The bottom line
You can use decaf coffee for this as long as it’s dark roast. So if you have little ones who are wanting to try the “mommy” drinks, decaf is the way to go.
This recipe doesn’t use strong espresso syrup like Starbucks so this is naturally “weaker” than what they are throwing in the blender.
You can add a shot of espresso powder or use a stronger brewed espresso if you want, but this Java Chip Frappuccino recipe made as is will give you the flavor without the hiked up caffeine and sugar content of Starbucks.
But while we’re here, what’s your favorite drink at the local coffee chain of your choice?
Java Chip Frappuccino (Starbucks Copycat)
This is our copycat version of the Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino recipe.
Ingredients
- 6 T chocolate syrup
- 2 T chocolate chips (the mini chocolate chips work well)
- 2 c dark roast brewed coffee
- 1/4 c milk
- 2 c ice
- 1/2 c whipped cream (or to taste)
- Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup (or generic)
Instructions
- Brew coffee if it is not already done.
- Allow coffee to come to room temperature or place it in the refrigerator so that it can chill.
- Drizzle the inside edges of two tall glasses with about 1 T each of chocolate syrup and set aside.
- Add ice, coffee, milk, remaining chocolate syrup and 1 1/2 T chocolate chips into a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour mixture into your glasses.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of the whipped cream.
- Drizzle the syrup on top.
- What a mess. The whipped cream and syrup have a tendency to get everywhere, make the decision to bless this mess and enjoy your new favorite blended drink.