You’re standing at the airport, passport in hand, excitement bubbling over. Your much-awaited summer holiday is about to start. But you realize something is missing. Something sweet, refreshing, and indulgent.
Then you spot the Starbucks counter and it hits you—a Frappuccino is the missing puzzle piece to kick off your summer adventure. This happened to me recently, and I heard the siren call of vacation saying, ‘Let go, indulge, have ice cream every day!’
But I also wanted to rock my summer look and feel amazing, not sluggish. That’s when it came to me: why not create my own version of a Frappuccino that’s as satisfying as it is healthy?
And so, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Mint & Chocolate Frappuccino—a summer treat that keeps you looking fabulous and feeling great!
Summer calls for those special treats that make you feel like you’re on cloud nine, and this Mint & Chocolate Frappuccino is that treat, but with a healthy twist.
I assure you, it’s nothing short of heavenly. Real cocoa, refreshing mint, and creamy banana come together in a dance of flavors that will keep your summer spirit high and your body nourished.
It’s the perfect treat after a morning run in an exotic place.
Tips
A high-speed blender is your best friend for this recipe.
Use a frozen banana for the creamy texture.
For a vegan option, whipped coconut cream makes an excellent topping.
The Ingredients
Nut Milk
This is your liquid base. It adds creaminess without overpowering the other flavors. Feel free to use any milk of your choice, like almond or oat milk. If using coconut milk, mix it 50/50 with water to mellow its strong flavor.
Frozen Banana
This adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture that’s essential for that classic Frappuccino vibe.
Cocoa Powder and Cocoa Nibs
Real cocoa adds richness and depth. Nibs bring in a crunch, providing a contrast to the smoothness.
Instant Espresso or Cold Double Shot Espresso
A bit of coffee kick amps up the flavor and gives you that gentle caffeine buzz we all love.
Mint Leaves
Fresh mint adds a burst of refreshing flavor, making this drink irresistibly good.
Soft Dates
These sweeten your Frappuccino naturally and add a depth of flavor.
How to Make Mint & Chocolate Frappuccino
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you do anything, gather all your ingredients and make sure your banana is frozen and your dates are soft. If the dates seem hard, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Blend the Base
Place your coffee, 2/3 cup of nut milk (or your milk of choice), fresh mint leaves, cocoa powder, cocoa nibs, ground vanilla, soft dates, and a pinch of salt into a high-speed blender. Blend all of these ingredients until you get a smooth and creamy base. This should take about 30 to 45 seconds.
Step 3: Add the Frozen Elements
Add your ice cubes and the pieces of frozen banana to the blender.
Step 4: Pulse and Blend
First, pulse the blender a few times to break down the ice and frozen banana. Once they’re roughly crushed, crank up your blender to high speed and let it run for another 10 seconds. This will ensure everything is well-mixed and creamy.
Step 5: Check the Texture
Take a moment to check the texture. Is it too thick? If it feels like your blender is struggling or the mixture is too dense, add a little more nut milk. Blend again briefly to incorporate the extra liquid.
Step 6: Pour and Garnish
Pour your freshly made Mint & Chocolate Frappuccino into tall glasses. The final flourish? Top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a shower of freshly grated dark chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
Top with whipped cream and freshly grated dark chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.
Substitutions
You can use whipped coconut cream instead of regular whipped cream for a vegan option.
Skip the cream entirely if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Absolutely, any milk of your choice will work just fine.
How can I make it caffeine-free?
You can skip the espresso and use decaffeinated coffee or even omit it altogether for a caffeine-free version.
Can I use dried mint leaves?
Fresh mint leaves are recommended for their vibrant flavor, but you can use dried mint leaves in a pinch. Just be sure to use less, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
