I have gotten quite addicted to Starbucks caramel frappuccinos, but I noticed I was spending way too much money each week on these delicious beverages. So, I decided it was time to make them at home. The recipe is really simple to make and it can easily be customized to your tastes (you can even just make it without coffee, I do that when I want one, but it's too late in the day for caffeine).

When I first decided to make these, I invested in a 6 pack of Torani that I got from Amazon and it was a good deal, but you can also make this without Torani (or Starbucks) syrups too.

Find more Frappuccinos, and other Starbucks copycat recipes, in this collection: Starbucks Copycat Recipes

Step 1: Supplies

This recipe is a single serving and makes about the a 16oz Grande from Starbucks.

Replace the coffee with more milk for a child-friendly, caffeine-free version :)

Ingredients*:

2c ice
1/4c coffee
1/2c milk - I recommend whole milk, but use whatever you prefer
3 pumps/tbsp caramel syrup** / or 3 tbsp caramel sauce - recipe from jessyratfink
3 tbsp simple syrup (or 3 tbsp of sugar, but simple syrup blends in better)
Whipped topping
Caramel sauce for topping
Pinch of Xantham Gum (optional)

Utensils:

Blender - I use a Magic Bullet at home, it's great for making individual drinks
Ice cube trays - small ice cubes make for even easier blending
Measuring cups and spoons
Cups for serving
Straws - I'm a fan of reusable ones because it just feels like a waste otherwise. Beware, I have used metal reusable straws and found mixing metal with frozen drinks isn't always a pleasant experience, but they are sturdy.

*The amounts are just a suggestion. Change it up to suit your tastes; for example, I don't use a lot of coffee, but when I make one for my husband I usually put in more coffee and then decrease the amount of milk.

**I know that people don't usually have syrups sitting around, but they can be a great investment if you use them often and find them for a good price. I've found them as low as $4.59 and use them multiple times a week. I actually have like 30 bottles of Torani syrup at home :)

Step 2: Mix and Blend

It really is pretty simple. You just mix everything together and blend it until smooth. Since I actually don't measure my ingredients anymore this is how I assemble it.

Add your ice to blender
Pour in coffee (putting it in first is good because of most of the ingredients, this is the one you probably want to control the amount of whether you love more or less)
Add in syrups (caramel and simple syrup)
Top it off with milk (you can put in your measured amount, but since I have a magic bullet at home, at this point I usually just top it off with whatever milk will fit in)
Blend!