A toffee nut frappe at Starbucks is a cold, blended coffee drink that contains several delicious ingredients to create a sweet and crunchy beverage. Some of the key ingredients in a Starbucks toffee nut frappe include freshly brewed espresso, milk, ice, toffee nut syrup, and whipped cream.
What is a frappe?
A frappe is a type of iced blended coffee drink that contains coffee, milk or other liquid, and ice. It is blended vigorously in a blender or commercial drink mixer to create a thick, smooth, and frothy beverage. Unlike an iced coffee which contains coffee poured over ice, a frappe is much thicker and creamy due to the blending process.
The blending aerates the drink, creating a light and foamy texture. Frappe is a term that Starbucks coined to describe their line of blended iced coffee drinks. Other coffee shops may use different names like milkshake, frosted, or blended coffee.
Ingredients in a toffee nut frappe
Espresso
A toffee nut frappe starts with freshly brewed espresso. Starbucks uses a dark, robust roast for their espresso that gives the frappe a strong coffee flavor.
Espresso is made by forcing hot water at high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. This produces a concentrated shot of coffee.
Using espresso is key to frappe’s intense coffee taste. Without it, the frappe would be lacking the bold coffee punch that Starbucks is known for.
Milk
The espresso is combined with milk, which adds creaminess and a smooth texture to the blended drink. Whole milk is usually used to make a Starbucks frappe.
Non-dairy alternatives like soy, almond, or coconut milk can also be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
The milk helps mellow out the bitterness of the coffee while lending a rich, creamy mouthfeel.
Ice
Lots of ice is added to a toffee nut frappe, which keeps the drink chilled and frozen. Shaved ice or small ice cubes blend more smoothly than large cubes.
The ice gives the frappe its thick, milkshake-like consistency by adding volume and coldness to the blended drink.
Toffee nut syrup
What sets a toffee nut frappe apart is the addition of Starbucks’ toffee nut syrup. This syrup has a sweet butter toffee flavor and aroma.
The rich, buttery toffee blends beautifully with the roasted coffee notes for an indulgent taste sensation.
Just a few pumps of syrup lend plenty of flavor without overpowering the drink.
Whipped cream
Whipped cream tops off a toffee nut frappe, adding a fluffy and creamy finishing touch.
As the whipped cream melts into the blended drink, it adds a little extra richness and sweetness.
Some people also add caramel or mocha drizzle over the whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.
How is a toffee nut frappe made?
Making a Starbucks-quality toffee nut frappe takes some special equipment and barista skills. But in general, it involves the following steps:
- Brew a fresh shot of espresso and pour it into a blender
- Add several pumps of toffee nut syrup to the blender
- Add milk to the blender, using 1/2 cup for a small or 1 cup for a large
- Fill the blender about 3/4 full with ice
- Put the lid securely on the blender
- Blend on high speed until the drink is smooth with a creamy, frozen texture
- Pour the frappe into a chilled glass
- Top with whipped cream and any other desired toppings
- Serve with a spoon and straw
It takes some practice to get the perfect proportions and blend time to achieve an ideal creamy frappe. But this basic method can produce a pretty good homemade version.
Toffee nut frappe nutrition information
Like most blended coffee drinks, a toffee nut frappe is high in calories and fat compared to black coffee.
Here is the nutritional breakdown for a grande (16 oz) Starbucks toffee nut frappe:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Total Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Sugar | 51g |
| Protein | 10g |
As you can see, the toffee nut frappe contains significant amounts of fat and sugar. The major sources are the milk, toffee syrup, and whipped cream.
Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary depending on the exact size and customizations added.
Toffee nut frappe caffeine content
The caffeine content of a Starbucks toffee nut frappe can range quite a bit based on size and customizations. But here are some rough estimates for caffeine levels:
- Tall (12 oz): 100mg
- Grande (16 oz): 130mg
- Venti (24 oz): 180mg
These are approximate numbers based on Starbucks standard espresso shots used in a frappe. A tall size gets 1 shot, grande gets 2, and venti gets 3.
Adding extra shots of espresso will increase the caffeine level. Choosing decaf espresso or a lighter coffee blend will lower it. So caffeine can vary quite a bit by individual order.
For comparison, a typical 8 oz cup of coffee has about 95mg caffeine. So a toffee nut frappe provides a significant jolt of caffeine, especially in the larger sizes.
Toffee nut frappe price
The price of a Starbucks toffee nut frappe will depend on the size ordered. Here are the typical prices:
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Tall (12 oz) | $4.45 – $4.95 |
| Grande (16 oz) | $4.95 – $5.45 |
| Venti (24 oz) | $5.45 – $5.95 |
Prices can be a bit higher in states like California or New York. There is usually an extra charge for non-dairy milk substitutes or additional espresso shots.
The toffee nut syrup itself has no additional charge when added to a frappe. However, other syrups and sauces may incur an extra fee.
Tips for customizing a toffee nut frappe
One of the best things about Starbucks is all the customization options for drinks. Here are some tips for making your toffee nut frappe unique:
Try different milk options
The milk used can entirely change the flavor and texture of the frappe. Whole milk makes it creamiest, while non-fat is lighter. Non-dairy milks like almond or coconut milk impart their own flavors.
Adjust coffee and syrup amounts
Ask for an extra shot or two of espresso if you like your coffee strong and bold. Or get less syrup if you don’t want the drink overly sweet.
Top with caramel or mocha sauce
A swirl of caramel sauce or drizzle of chocolate mocha adds another layer of flavor to complement the toffee.
Whipped cream cheese foam
For an extra decadent twist, ask for the whipped cream to be made with cream cheese for richness and tang.
Add crunch with toffee pieces
Sprinkle some crushed Skor bar or Heath bar pieces onto the whipped cream for texture.
Toffee nut frappe vs. other Starbucks drinks
How does the toffee nut frappe compare to other popular Starbucks blended and iced coffee drinks? Here’s a quick rundown:
Toffee nut frappe vs. caramel frappe
The caramel frappe contains caramel syrup instead of toffee syrup, giving it a sweeter, brighter caramel taste compared to the deeper butterscotch flavor of toffee.
Toffee nut frappe vs. Java Chip Frappuccino
The Java Chip Frappuccino combines mocha sauce and chocolate chips for chocolate lovers. It lacks the toffee nut flavor that sets the toffee nut frappe apart.
Toffee nut frappe vs. iced coffee
A Starbucks iced coffee is made by pouring freshly brewed coffee over ice. It contains no milk or syrups. The toffee nut frappe is richer, sweeter, and more dessert-like than plain iced coffee.
Toffee nut frappe vs. iced latte
An iced latte also contains espresso but is not blended. It has a smooth, creamy texture from steamed milk but lacks the frothy blended texture of the toffee nut frappe.
Storing and reheating a toffee nut frappe
Like most blended drinks, a toffee nut frappe is best enjoyed freshly made. But leftovers can be stored and reheated with decent results for up to a couple days.
To store, transfer any remaining frappe to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. It will keep chilled for 24-48 hours.
To reheat, pour the frappe into a microwave-safe cup and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until it reaches your desired temperature. You can also blend again to restore some frothiness.
Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will degrade over time, making freshly made frappes incomparable.
Making a toffee nut frappe at home
While not exactly the same, you can come pretty close to replicating a Starbucks toffee nut frappe at home with some simple ingredients and the right appliance.
The basic method involves:
- Brewing strong coffee, like espresso
- Adding milk, ice, and toffee nut syrup to a blender
- Blending until smooth and frothy
- Topping with whipped cream and other toppings as desired
A high powered blender like a Vitamix is ideal for achieving a smooth, creamy frappe texture. But a regular countertop blender will also work.
Be sure to use very cold milk, ice, and coffee so the drink stays chilled. And add enough ice to make it thick like a milkshake.
You can find Monin or Torani brand toffee nut syrups at many grocery stores to mimic the Starbucks flavor. And don’t forget the whipped cream finish!
Toffee nut frappe copycat recipe
Here is an easy at-home recipe for a Starbucks copycat toffee nut frappe:
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso, freshly brewed (or 1/3 cup very strong coffee)
- 1/4 cup toffee nut syrup
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Whipped cream
- Toffee bits or chocolate shavings for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Brew espresso shots or strong coffee and let cool slightly
- Add coffee, toffee nut syrup, milk, and ice to blender
- Blend on high until smooth and frothy, about 30-45 seconds
- Pour frappe into glass and top with whipped cream
- Sprinkle with toffee bits or chocolate shavings if desired
- Serve immediately with a spoon and straw
Adjust amounts of coffee, syrup, and milk to suit your taste preferences. Add an extra shot of espresso if you like it strong, or use half & half instead of milk for extra creaminess. Garnish with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or chopped nuts too if you wish.
Conclusion
With its sweet nutty flavor blended with coffee, a toffee nut frappe from Starbucks is a unique indulgent treat. Customizing your frappe order allows you to tailor it to your preferences. Or try recreating it at home with just a few simple ingredients and the right technique. However you choose to enjoy it, the toffee nut frappe is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.