Starbucks Cotton Candy Frappuccino (Copycat)

The Cotton Candy Frappuccino is a sweet, creamy, and whimsical drink that captures the fun flavor of pink cotton candy. Made with a base of vanilla bean crème Frappuccino and a splash of raspberry syrup, it’s a caffeine-free treat perfect for all ages.

The Cotton Candy Frappuccino is one of the most beloved "secret menu drinks" from Starbucks, a category of creative beverages customized by fans and baristas alike. It's simply a vanilla bean frappuccino with the addition of raspberry syrup.

If you really like copycat Starbucks recipes, I have another recipe you may also like: a copycat Chick-Fil-A iced coffee! I also have a whole category of copycat recipes you might enjoy. And if you're hungry for a nice snack to go along with your delicious drink, try my recipe for Pan de Mallorca, a sweet but not-to-sweet bread that offsets this sugary frap to perfection!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storage
• FAQ
• Recipe
• Food safety

Ingredients

Here’s how these simple ingredients come together to create the signature flavor of a Cotton Candy Frappuccino. These ingredients come together to achieve the creamy texture and sweet, nostalgic taste of this delightful treat.

• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy base that gives the drink its rich texture and a hint of vanilla sweetness.
• Raspberry Simple Syrup: The key to the cotton candy flavor, this syrup provides the signature fruity sweetness and subtle pink hue.
• Whole Milk: Adds smoothness and helps blend the ingredients into a perfectly drinkable consistency.
• Ice: Essential for creating the Frappuccino’s icy, slushy texture.
• Whipped Cream: A finishing touch that adds a light and airy sweetness, making the drink feel indulgent.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Creating your own Cotton Candy Frappuccino is a simple and fun process! Follow these easy steps to enjoy this delightful treat at home.

Combine 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream, ¼ cup of raspberry simple syrup, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1 cup of ice in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the ice is fully crushed.

Divide the blended drink between two cups. Top each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence.

If you don’t have raspberry simple syrup on hand, it’s easy to make at home. Heat ¾ cup of white sugar, ¾ cup of water, and 6 ounces of fresh raspberries in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the raspberries break down completely. Strain the mixture into a container to remove seeds, and store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For those who prefer convenience, you can purchase raspberry-flavored simple syrup from Amazon. It’s a quick alternative that works perfectly for this recipe!

Helpful Hint: make this drink right before you are ready to consume it. Since it's a frozen drink, it will melt if it sits for a while. Also, if you make your own simple syrup, make sure to let it cool completely before putting it into the drink.

Variations

The Cotton Candy Frappuccino is versatile and can be tailored to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some creative substitutions and variations to try:

• Non-Dairy Option: Replace the vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free alternative (like coconut or almond milk-based ice cream) and use your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or soy.
• Lower Sugar Alternative: Opt for sugar-free raspberry syrup and low-sugar vanilla ice cream to reduce the drink’s sugar content without sacrificing flavor.
• Berry Twist: Swap the raspberry syrup for strawberry or blueberry syrup to explore other fruity flavors. Each will bring its own unique twist while keeping the cotton candy vibe.
• Add a Caffeine Kick: Blend in a shot of espresso or a tablespoon of instant coffee powder for an adult-friendly version with a subtle coffee flavor.
• Colorful Fun: Add a few drops of red food coloring for an extra pop of color, or mix it up with blue food coloring for a fun, two-tone cotton candy look.
• Tropical Flair: Replace raspberry syrup with pineapple or mango syrup to create a tropical-inspired version of this classic treat.

These variations let you put your personal spin on the drink while maintaining its whimsical appeal!

Equipment

A good blender is essential for achieving the smooth, creamy consistency that makes the Cotton Candy Frappuccino so delightful. A high-powered blender ensures the ice is thoroughly crushed and the ingredients are perfectly blended without lumps. Using a quality blender also saves time and effort, making the process quick and hassle-free. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen gear, consider investing in a reliable blender for all your smoothie and Frappuccino needs.

Storage

Frozen drinks melt quickly, so it's best to make this right before you want to drink it or serve it to guests. It won't stay frozen in the refrigerator, but if you need it to sit for a few minutes, putting in there is a good idea. If you put it in the freezer, make sure to remove it before it freezes solid!

FAQ

Recipe

Food safety

While the Cotton Candy Frappuccino is a fun and indulgent treat, here are a few safety and health considerations to keep in mind:

• Allergen Awareness: Double-check the ingredients for potential allergens, such as dairy or specific fruits in the raspberry syrup. Substitute ingredients as needed for dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Moderation is Key: With its high sugar and calorie content, this drink is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence, especially for those managing blood sugar levels or calorie intake.
• Blender Safety: Always follow your blender’s manufacturer guidelines. Avoid overfilling the blender to prevent spills, and ensure the lid is securely in place before blending.
• Kid-Friendly Supervision: If children are helping to make this drink, supervise them closely, especially when handling the blender.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy this cotton candy drink safely and responsibly!