Starbucks Horchata Frappuccino (Copycat Recipe)

If there’s anything to guarantee putting a smile on my face, it’s brown sugar and cinnamon. I mean, when you think about it it’s the base of some of the homiest scents in the world.

Apple pie.

Apple crisp.

Banana bread

Brown sugar and cinnamon ice cream.

Chocolate chip cookies.

Cinnamon donuts.

Cinnamon rolls.

I know I’m forgetting a ton of things, so forgive me.

But, after listing all of those delicious foods, my dopamine level is through the roof, and I’m feeling a bit like Proust after eating his famous Madeleine.

Memories of sledding, bike riding, and walking freely under my grandparent’s kitchen table with their puppy.

So, yes. Cinnamon and brown sugar are definitely a bridge to happy memories!

But we’re going to take some amazing cinnamon simple syrup and then we’re going to mix it in with almond milk, and top it with whipped cream.

Because, don’t we all deserve nice things?

(And let’s face it – Starbucks is expensive! I knew I had to make a copycat of this delicious drink that would be a lot easier on my budget without sacrificing any flavor.)

Starbucks horchata frappuccino recipe

First start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need…

For the cinnamon simple syrup:

• 1 packed cup light brown sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 cup water

For the horchata frappuccino itself:

• 1 cup almond milk

• 1 cup ice

• 2 ½ – 3 tablespoons cinnamon simple syrup

• 2 tablespoons whipped cream

• More ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Once you have your ingredients, it’s straightforward. Let’s start by making the cinnamon simple syrup:

1. Bring all of the ingredients to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes or reduced by half.
3. Let cool completely.

After you’ve made the cinnamon simple syrup:

1. Pour the milk, ice, and simple syrup into a high-powered blender.
2. Process until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into a large glass, and top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Starbucks horchata frappuccino tips, tricks, and substitutions

Milk substitutions: I made it with almond milk to be most like Starbucks, but you can swap out for a different milk if you prefer. Oat milk or dairy milk should be an easy substitute, since they’re a similar thickness to almond milk. Coconut milk is a little thicker and will change the flavor profile to be a little more coconutty.

Vegan version: Fortunately, this horchata frappuccino is very nearly vegan already, since it doesn’t have regular dairy milk as part of the base. You’ll need to either remove the whipped cream or replace it with vegan whipped cream (here’s a great coconut whipped cream recipe that’s vegan).

Also, fun fact: You can double the cinnamon simple syrup and use it as a sweetener in coffee, regular tea, or even in a cocktail!

Related recipes and resources:

The best coconut sugar to buy

52 Types of Milk: The Ultimate Guide

59 Different Sugars and Sugar Substitutes: The Ultimate Cook’s Guide

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