Starbucks Red Velvet Frappuccino Recipe (Copycat)

Last Updated on November 20, 2025 by Niks

Red velvet is one of those flavors that’s hard to explain: it’s not quite chocolate, not quite vanilla, and definitely not just “sweet.”

It has that little hint of cocoa and a soft tang that makes it feel like a bakery treat. When I heard people were ordering a Red Velvet Frappuccino from the Starbucks secret menu, I had to try it.

The funny part? Half the time I asked for it, the barista had no idea what I was talking about.

After a couple of awkward attempts and custom add-ons, I finally gave up and started making it at home instead… and honestly, I like this version way more.

It’s cold, creamy, chocolatey, fruity, and actually tastes like red velvet cake—not just a chocolate milkshake with coffee.

What Makes This Starbucks Red Velvet Frappuccino Drink Different

This isn’t just “add chocolate + add raspberry.” The balance matters. Raspberry gives just enough brightness to mimic that red velvet tang, while chocolate brings the depth.

The espresso keeps it from tasting like a dessert shake, and vanilla softens everything into that cake like flavor.

It’s the kind of drink you make when you want something fun and a little dramatic, like coffee that shows up wearing lipstick.

When I Usually Make This

I don’t always crave a full dessert, but I do crave that red velvet flavor every now and then, especially in the afternoon when I’m sitting at my desk and want something sweet that doesn’t feel like I’m eating cake at 3 PM.

This frappuccino is the middle ground: it tastes indulgent but still has coffee, so it doesn’t feel like a sugar bomb.

I also make this a lot when friends come over because it looks like a cafe drink even though it takes barely any effort.

It’s one of those drinks that makes people go, “Wait… you made this?”

A Few Tips Before Blending

• Chill the espresso so it doesn’t melt the ice right away.
• Raspberry syrup is stronger than you think—start small, taste, adjust.
• If you want a more cake-like flavor, a pinch of cocoa powder works better than adding more syrup.
• Whole milk gives the classic creamy texture, but oat milk works surprisingly well too.
• If you want a richer, dessert-style drink, you can use coconut milk – its healthy fats naturally create a thicker texture.

The color doesn’t change the taste, but a drop of red coloring does make the drink look more like what you’re imagining.

Fun Variations to Try

• No-coffee version → swap espresso for chocolate milk
• Chocolate-heavy version → use dark chocolate sauce + extra cocoa
• Creamier version → blend in a spoon of vanilla ice cream
• Less sweet version → skip syrup, use unsweetened cocoa
• Pink Velvet → heavier raspberry, lighter chocolate

This drink behaves kind of like frosting & tiny tweaks change everything.

More Drinks To Try in This Category

Here are a few recipes that have the same fun, dessert-like feel:

Starbucks Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato

Starbucks Kiwi Refresher

Starbucks Double Shot Recipe on Ice

Sonic Java Chiller Recipe

McDonald’s Hot Chocolate

Serving Ideas

• Add chocolate shavings on top (way better than syrup alone).
• Serve in a clear glass so the color shows through.
• Add a swirl of raspberry syrup on top for extra contrast.
• Top with a bit of crushed ice after blending to keep it cold longer.
• If you want it to feel really “coffee-shop,” dust a pinch of cocoa powder over the whipped cream right before serving.

Storing or Making Ahead

This drink doesn’t store well fully blended (the ice melts and the color dulls), but the flavored base does stay good:

• Blend everything except ice
• Store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours
• Add ice + blend fresh when ready

It tastes almost identical to making it on the spot and makes mornings easier.

Final Thoughts

I don’t make this drink every day, but it’s one of those “feel good” drinks I like on afternoons when I want something sweet without actually baking.

It tastes familiar, like a slice of cake blended with coffee, and somehow feels like a treat even when you make it at home in 5 minutes.

Simple, slightly fancy, and surprisingly fun.

FAQ

Can I make it without coffee?

Yes—swap the espresso with chocolate milk or skip it entirely.

What milk blends best?

Whole milk gives the most “frappuccino-style” texture, but oat milk blends well and doesn’t separate as quickly.

How do I get thicker texture?

Add more ice, a scoop of ice cream, freeze your milk cubes, or use a richer base. Coconut milk also adds creaminess (thanks to natural fats).

Does this count as a macchiato?

No, macchiatos are espresso poured over milk to create a “stained milk” effect.

Red Velvet Frappuccino Starbucks Recipe (Copycat)

Finally, the tastes of red velvet cake are available in a drink form. Make our red velvet frappuccino starbucks recipe at home for a fast and economical replica of the Starbucks secret menu beverage.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 minutes mins

Total Time 8 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine International

Servings 2 people

Calories 335 kcal

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients

  

• A quarter cup of espresso coffee
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Raspberry syrup: 2 tbsp
• Chocolate syrup, 2 tbsp (dark)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla essence
• 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
• 1 cup crushed ice cubes
• 1 tablespoon of whipped cream

Instructions

 

• Pour the espresso coffee, milk, raspberry syrup, one spoonful of dark chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and ice cubes into a blender and process until smooth.
• 1 minute or until the mixture is entirely smooth.
• Mix on high speed for 1 minute or until the mixture is totally smooth.
• Pour the red velvet Frappuccino into a large glass and serve immediately.
• Using a whipped cream topping, sprinkle the leftover dark chocolate syrup over the top of the drink.

Keyword red velvet frappuccino starbucks recipe