Introduction
The holiday season is filled with warmth, laughter, and of course, indulgent treats. Among the most delightful and festive beverages, Starbucks Santa’s Red Velvet Frappe stands out. This vibrant drink is a perfect blend of rich, velvety chocolate, creamy sweetness, and a hint of festive red hue. Inspired by the luxurious red velvet cake, this frappuccino combines the flavors of cocoa and cream cheese frosting into a delightful icy treat.
Ideal for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or as a special treat to enjoy after holiday shopping, the Santa’s Red Velvet Frappe brings joy to every sip. Whether you’re lounging at home or hosting friends, this drink captures the essence of Christmas cheer and will surely become a festive favorite.
The Story Behind Starbucks Santa’s Red Velvet Frappe
Inspired by the beloved red velvet cake, which is a classic treat often seen during the holiday season, Starbucks created the Santa’s Red Velvet Frappe to offer a festive twist on the traditional coffeehouse frappe. With its signature red hue and creamy, decadent flavor, the Red Velvet Frappe evokes memories of holiday dinners and decadent desserts. The combination of chocolate and vanilla flavors, topped with whipped cream and a creamy drizzle, is designed to capture the spirit of the season—sweet, indulgent, and full of cheer.
This recipe brings that festive magic straight to your kitchen, allowing you to recreate the Starbucks experience at home. Perfect for Christmas parties or a quiet evening by the fireplace, the Red Velvet Frappe will infuse any occasion with seasonal joy.
Ingredients: A Rich Blend of Flavors
Main Ingredients
- Ice Cubes: 2 cups – Ice is the key to creating that perfect, slushy frappe texture.
- Whole Milk: 1 cup – Whole milk ensures the drink is creamy and rich, but feel free to substitute with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Espresso or Strong Coffee: 1/2 cup – Adds depth and balance to the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Red Velvet Cake Mix: 2 tablespoons – This is the star ingredient that gives the drink its signature flavor and color. Be sure to use a quality mix to get the best results.
- Chocolate Syrup: 2 tablespoons – Adds a smooth, deep cocoa flavor.
- Vanilla Syrup: 1 tablespoon – Provides sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Whipped Cream: 1/2 cup – A must-have topping to give the drink its indulgent, creamy finish.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: 2 tablespoons – To replicate the frosting flavor of red velvet cake and add a creamy richness to the frappe.
- Red Sprinkles or Red Velvet Crumbles: For garnish – Optional but highly recommended for added texture and visual appeal.
Optional Additions
- Chocolate Chips: A small handful – Blend in for an extra chocolatey kick.
- Cinnamon: A pinch – Adds a subtle warmth to complement the sweetness.
- Peppermint Extract: 1/2 teaspoon – For a festive minty twist.
Instructions: How to Prepare Starbucks Santa’s Red Velvet Frappe
Step 1: Preparation
Gather your ingredients and set up your blender. If you’re making your own cream cheese frosting, this is the time to prepare it by whipping together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract.
Brew your espresso or strong coffee and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 2: Blending
In a blender, combine the ice cubes, whole milk, espresso or coffee, red velvet cake mix, chocolate syrup, and vanilla syrup. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness by adding more syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
For a richer, more indulgent frappe, you can blend in the chocolate chips or a spoonful of the cream cheese frosting at this point.
Step 3: Assembly/Serving
Pour the frappe into a tall glass, leaving room at the top for whipped cream. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and drizzle the cream cheese frosting on top for that authentic red velvet cake finish. For extra flair, sprinkle red velvet cake crumbles or red sprinkles on top.
Serve immediately and enjoy the festive, creamy goodness!
Customizing Your Santa’s Red Velvet Frappe
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Mint: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the base for a minty holiday twist.
- Mocha Red Velvet: For a stronger coffee flavor, add an extra shot of espresso or a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the mixture.
- Vegan Red Velvet Frappe: Use almond milk, a dairy-free whipped cream, and substitute the cream cheese frosting with a plant-based version.
Dietary Adaptations
- Dairy-Free: Swap the whole milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk and use a dairy-free whipped cream. Use a non-dairy cream cheese frosting to complete the drink.
- Sugar-Free: Substitute the regular syrups with sugar-free versions of vanilla and chocolate syrups.
Making It a Meal
Pair this indulgent treat with a savory snack such as a cheese platter, savory pastries, or light finger foods like bruschetta or pita chips to balance out the sweetness.
Serving Tips for Holiday Gatherings
Presentation Ideas
Serve your Santa’s Red Velvet Frappe in clear glass mugs to showcase the vibrant red color. Add festive straws or rim the glass with red sprinkles for a fun and festive touch.
Thematic Decor
For a holiday gathering, set the mood with red and white decor. Think red tablecloths, sparkling fairy lights, and peppermint-themed table settings. You could even place small candy cane decorations around the drink for a whimsical touch.
Complementary Pairings
The Santa’s Red Velvet Frappe pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday desserts. Serve it alongside:
- Gingerbread Cookies – The spicy flavor of gingerbread complements the rich, creamy frappe.
- Peppermint Bark – The cool, minty taste pairs perfectly with the sweet, velvety richness of the frappe.
- Cinnamon Rolls – The soft, sweet dough and cinnamon spice make a great match with this creamy beverage.
Final Thoughts
The Starbucks Santa’s Red Velvet Frappe is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration in a glass. With its rich red hue, creamy texture, and the flavors of decadent red velvet cake, this frappe will surely become a holiday favorite in your home. It’s the perfect indulgent treat to serve at Christmas parties or to enjoy on a cold winter evening.
We hope you enjoy making this festive drink as much as you’ll enjoy sipping it. Experiment with different variations and make it your own! Whether you’re serving it to guests or treating yourself, the Santa’s Red Velvet Frappe is sure to add a special touch to any holiday occasion.
Tips for Making Starbucks Santa’s Red Velvet Frappe
Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in the flavor and texture of your frappe. Opt for fresh espresso or high-quality coffee and use real chocolate syrup for the best results.
Adjusting Flavor
Feel free to adjust the sweetness and peppermint flavor to your liking. If you like your drinks less sweet, reduce the amount of syrup or cake mix. For a richer taste, add more chocolate syrup or a dollop of extra cream cheese frosting.
Storage Tips
While it’s best to enjoy your frappe immediately for the freshest taste and texture, you can prepare the base ingredients (except the ice and whipped cream) in advance. Store them in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, blend with ice and top with whipped cream.
Make It Ahead
For added convenience, you can make the cream cheese frosting a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The drink base (minus the ice) can also be prepared ahead of time, just blend it with ice when you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately after blending to enjoy the creamy texture and vibrant red color at its peak. The frappe’s consistency is best when freshly made, so avoid storing it in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of milk for the Red Velvet Frappe?
Yes! You can substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Can I make this drink without espresso?
Yes, you can substitute espresso with a strong brewed coffee or even skip the coffee altogether for a caffeine-free version.
How do I make this drink less sweet?
Reduce the amount of chocolate syrup or vanilla syrup, or use sugar-free alternatives to control the sweetness.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best to enjoy the frappuccino fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the freezer. Re-blend with a splash of milk for the best consistency when ready to drink.
Print
Starbucks Santa’s Red Velvet Frappe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description
The holiday season is filled with warmth, laughter, and of course, indulgent treats. Among the most delightful and festive beverages, Starbucks Santa’s Red Velvet Frappe stands out.
Ingredients
1 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
1/4 cup Vanilla Bean Syrup
1 tablespoon raspberry syrup
1 tablespoon mocha sauce
1/2 cup ice
For Topping:
Whipped cream
White chocolate sauce
Red sprinkles
Instructions
② Pour the frappe into a glass or festive holiday mug.
③ Top generously with whipped cream, drizzle with white chocolate sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of red magic!
Notes
Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in the flavor and texture of your frappe.
Storage Tips
While it’s best to enjoy your frappe immediately for the freshest taste and texture, you can prepare the base ingredients (except the ice and whipped cream) in advance.
Make It Ahead
For added convenience, you can make the cream cheese frosting a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 5