The moment you take your first sip of the Starbucks Santa Claus Frappe, you’re instantly transported to a winter wonderland. Imagine the crisp chill of December air mingling with the creamy sweetness of peppermint and vanilla, topped with a festive swirl of red-and-white whipped cream. This isn’t just a drink, it’s a merry celebration in a cup, brimming with holiday spirit and joy.
Behind the Recipe
The Santa Claus Frappe was born from the simple joy of festive flavors meeting the magic of Starbucks’ creativity. Its playful layers of color and texture evoke the cozy nostalgia of childhood holidays — candy canes in stockings, mugs of cocoa by the fire, and that first peek of snow on Christmas morning. Every sip feels like a small indulgence, a moment to pause and savor the season.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
This holiday drink takes inspiration from the peppermint mochas and frappuccinos Starbucks has been serving for decades during winter. The name “Santa Claus” isn’t just for show, it mirrors the drink’s red-and-white whipped cream topping that resembles Santa’s iconic outfit. While not a staple on every menu, it often appears in secret menus and festive promotions, making it a sought-after seasonal treat among fans.
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Starbucks Santa Claus Frappe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and creamy holiday drink inspired by Starbucks, the Santa Claus Frappe combines vanilla, peppermint, and coffee into a frosty treat topped with red-and-white whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 2 tablespoons peppermint syrup
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Few drops red food coloring
- 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Chill your blender jug and serving glasses in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
- In the blender, add milk, vanilla ice cream, brewed coffee, peppermint syrup, sugar, and ice. Blend until smooth.
- Divide whipped cream into two bowls. Tint one half with red food coloring and leave the other plain.
- Pour the blended frappe into chilled glasses.
- Top each glass with alternating dollops of red and white whipped cream.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Serve immediately with a festive straw.
Notes
- Blend in short bursts to keep ice from melting too quickly.
- Use high-quality vanilla ice cream for richer flavor.
- Add chocolate drizzle for extra holiday flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Why You’ll Love Starbucks Santa Claus Frappe
Versatile: Whether you serve it as an afternoon pick-me-up or a dessert drink, it fits right into any holiday moment.
Budget-Friendly: You can easily recreate it at home without the premium coffee shop price.
Quick and Easy: Blend, top, and enjoy in under 10 minutes.
Customizable: Adjust sweetness, add more peppermint, or swap milk types to fit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Its bright colors and sweet flavor make it an instant hit at gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the base and refrigerate for up to a day before blending with ice.
Great for Leftovers: If you have extra, freeze it into popsicles for a frosty treat.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
For the creamiest texture, always use crushed ice rather than large cubes.
Chill your serving glasses in advance for a frosty presentation.
Blend the frappe just long enough to keep its icy body without melting it down.
Use fresh whipped cream for the best taste and a fluffier topping.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Blender: For creating that smooth, icy texture.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision ensures the perfect flavor balance.
Tall serving glasses: To showcase the beautiful layered presentation.
Icing spatula or spoon: For swirling the whipped cream.
Straw: Wide enough for thicker sips.
Ingredients in Starbucks Santa Claus Frappe
This recipe is a festive symphony of creamy, minty, and sweet flavors, each ingredient playing its role in making the drink magical.
- Whole milk: 1 cup, forms the creamy base.
- Vanilla ice cream: 2 scoops, adds sweetness and richness.
- Strong brewed coffee (cooled): 1/2 cup, gives depth and balance.
- Peppermint syrup: 2 tablespoons, infuses that signature holiday flavor.
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon, to enhance sweetness.
- Ice: 1 cup, for the frappe’s frosty texture.
- Whipped cream: 1 cup, for the iconic swirl topping.
- Red food coloring: A few drops, to tint half the whipped cream for the Santa look.
- Crushed candy canes: 2 tablespoons, for garnish and crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
Whole milk: Almond milk or oat milk.
Vanilla ice cream: Dairy-free coconut ice cream.
Peppermint syrup: Peppermint extract plus extra sugar.
Sugar: Honey or maple syrup.
Crushed candy canes: Holiday sprinkles.
Ingredient Spotlight
Peppermint syrup: This sweet and minty liquid instantly transforms a plain coffee drink into a holiday celebration.
Crushed candy canes: More than just garnish, they add texture, color, and a burst of peppermint crunch.
Instructions for Making Starbucks Santa Claus Frappe
Making this frappe is as fun as it is delicious. Here’s how to bring the magic to your kitchen:
- Preheat Your Equipment: Chill your blender jug and serving glasses in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In the blender, add milk, vanilla ice cream, brewed coffee, peppermint syrup, sugar, and ice. Blend until smooth.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Divide whipped cream into two bowls. Tint one half with red food coloring and leave the other plain.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the blended frappe into chilled glasses.
- Cook to Perfection: Not applicable for this no-cook drink, but ensure blending is complete without melting the ice.
- Finishing Touches: Top each glass with alternating dollops of red and white whipped cream to mimic Santa’s suit.
- Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and serve immediately with a festive straw.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
The magic lies in contrast — icy yet creamy, with peppermint’s cool bite balanced by vanilla’s warmth. The crushed candy canes add a satisfying crunch to each sip, while the whipped cream offers a velvety cloud on top.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Blend in short bursts to keep ice from over-melting.
- Use high-quality vanilla ice cream for richer flavor.
- For extra holiday cheer, drizzle chocolate syrup before adding whipped cream.
What to Avoid
- Over-blending, which can turn your frappe watery.
- Skipping the peppermint, it’s the star of the flavor profile.
- Using warm coffee, which will melt the ice too quickly.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 320
Note: These are approximate values.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prepare the liquid base a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Blend with ice right before serving. Leftover frappe can be frozen into ice cube trays and blended again for a quick refresh.
How to Serve Starbucks Santa Claus Frappe
Serve in tall, chilled glasses with red-and-white striped straws. Pair it with gingerbread cookies or a slice of fruitcake for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Turn leftover frappe into frozen popsicles.
Blend with extra ice for a granita-style treat.
Pour over warm brownies for a holiday affogato twist.
Additional Tips
Keep your candy cane garnish fresh by adding it just before serving. For a richer taste, swap some milk with half-and-half.
Make It a Showstopper
Serve on a holiday tray lined with mini ornaments and fresh pine sprigs. Dust the whipped cream with edible glitter for a magical touch.
Variations to Try
Peppermint Mocha Frappe: Add cocoa powder to the blend.
White Chocolate Santa Frappe: Blend in white chocolate syrup instead of coffee.
Berry Santa Frappe: Add a spoonful of strawberry puree for fruity sweetness.
Iced Santa Latte: Skip the ice cream and serve over ice for a lighter drink.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make it without coffee?
Yes, simply replace the coffee with extra milk for a caffeine-free treat.
2. Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Absolutely, just tint half with red food coloring.
3. How can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the sugar or use unsweetened milk.
4. Can I prepare it vegan?
Yes, use plant-based milk and dairy-free ice cream.
5. Is peppermint extract the same as peppermint syrup?
No, extract is stronger, so use less and add more sugar.
6. Can I make it in advance?
You can prep the base but blend with ice just before serving.
7. How do I get the whipped cream swirl effect?
Use two piping bags, one with red and one with white whipped cream, and pipe them side by side.
8. Can I use frozen yogurt instead of ice cream?
Yes, it will be slightly tangier but still delicious.
9. What can I use instead of candy canes?
Holiday sprinkles or crushed mints work well.
10. Can I serve it warm?
Not this one, the magic is in its frosty texture.
Conclusion
The Starbucks Santa Claus Frappe is pure holiday joy in a glass, blending creamy sweetness with peppermint freshness and a burst of festive color. Trust me, you’re going to love this — it’s a drink that doesn’t just taste like Christmas, it feels like it too.