Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino Recipe

This Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino is a drink that balances the comforting richness of mocha, the sweetness of caramel, and just the right hint of salt—an irresistible trifecta for coffee lovers everywhere. But here’s the thing: sometimes you don’t want to drive to your nearest Starbucks for a fix, and let’s face it, those indulgent cups can add up quickly over time.

How to make Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino

The Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino is part of Starbucks’ new “Strato” lineup—launched to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original Frappuccino.

Ingredients

For the Base Frappuccino:

• 1 cup brewed coffee (cold or room temperature, or espresso for a stronger flavor)
• 1 cup milk (use whole milk for creaminess, or substitute with almond, oat, or soy milk depending on preference)
• 2 tbsp mocha syrup (store-bought or homemade using cocoa powder, sugar, water, and vanilla extract)
• 1 tbsp caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade for authenticity)
• 2 cups ice cubes
• 2-3 tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness to taste or use a low-calorie alternative such as stevia)

For the Salted Caramel Foam:

• 1/3 cup heavy cream or milk-based foam alternative (froth well for foam consistency)
• 1 tsp caramel sauce
• A pinch of sea salt

For Topping:

• Caramel drizzle
• Whipped cream (optional but recommended for extra decadence)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. In a blender, combine cold coffee, milk, mocha syrup, caramel sauce, sugar, and ice cubes.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be rich and slightly thick, like a classic Frappuccino. Taste and adjust sweetness, adding more sugar or syrup if needed.

Step 2: Create the Salted Caramel Foam

1. In a separate bowl, whisk heavy cream with caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt until soft peaks form. This will serve as the signature foam layer.
2. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can froth warmed milk using a handheld frother or shaking it vigorously in a jar to create light foam. Once frothy, mix with the caramel sauce and salt.

Step 3: Layer Your Drink

1. Pour your blended mocha Frappuccino into a tall glass, filling about 2/3 of the glass.
2. Carefully spoon the salted caramel foam on top, ensuring it creates a thick, luscious layer.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

1. Top the drink with whipped cream (optional but encouraged for authenticity).
2. Drizzle caramel sauce over the foam and whipped cream in a zigzag pattern for the iconic Starbucks look.
3. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the caramel for the final flair.

Tips for the Perfect Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino

1. Cold Coffee is Key: Use chilled coffee to prevent melting your ice too quickly and altering the drink’s texture. If you’re short on time, refrigerate your coffee or espresso for at least 15-20 minutes before combining.

2. Customize Your Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sweetness to your taste. Use less sugar if you prefer a strong coffee profile or go wild with caramel syrup if you’re a fan of desserts.

3. Get the Foam Right: The foam layer is what sets this recipe apart from a basic mocha Frappuccino. If you have a milk frother, it’s a game-changer for getting barista-quality foam. For a vegan option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

4. Presentation is Everything: To replicate Starbucks’ aesthetic, pour and layer carefully. Clear glasses or cups work best so everyone can admire the beautiful layers of mocha and foam.

5. Experiment with Toppings: While the caramel drizzle and sea salt are standard, you can go beyond! Try sprinkling cocoa powder or crushed toffee bits for an extra playful twist.

What to serve with

The Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino is a decadent drink that combines bold coffee flavors, mocha, caramel sweetness, and a salted caramel foam. When serving this luxurious beverage, pairing it with complementary treats can elevate the experience and satisfy a variety of taste buds.

1. Chocolate Desserts

Since the mocha flavor in the Frappuccino is rich and chocolatey, pairing it with chocolate-based desserts is a no-brainer.

• Brownies: Fudgy brownies, especially ones with caramel swirls or sprinkled sea salt on top, match perfectly with the drink’s sweet and salty profile.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies: Serve warm, gooey cookies for a comforting treat alongside the cold Frappuccino.
• Chocolate Layer Cake: A slice of moist chocolate cake with caramel frosting will echo the flavors in the drink and add to the indulgence.

2. Caramel-Inspired Pastries

Enhance the caramel notes in the Frappuccino by offering pastries with caramel fillings or accents.

• Caramel Croissant: A flaky buttery croissant filled or drizzled with caramel adds a French-inspired elegance.
• Caramel Apple Tart: The tart brings fruity freshness alongside the salted caramel drink for a balanced pairing.
• Caramel-Drizzled Cheesecake: The creamy texture of the cheesecake complements the frothy foam on the drink beautifully.

3. Cookies and Biscuits

Simple cookies and biscuits are great for dipping into the Frappuccino or snacking alongside it.

• Shortbread Cookies: Their buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the salted caramel goodness of the drink.
• Sugar Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle: A light, crisp cookie with mocha or caramel accents ties in nicely with the Frappuccino’s flavors.
• Ginger Biscuits: If you’re in a festive mood, the warmth of spices in ginger biscuits brings further depth to the pairing.

4. Ice Cream or Frozen Desserts

The chilled drink pairs deliciously with cold desserts, especially if you’re enjoying it as a summer treat.

• Salted Caramel Ice Cream: This classic flavor mirrors the drink, amplifying the caramel sweetness.
• Mocha Gelato: A scoop of rich mocha gelato underscores the drink’s coffee and chocolate elements.
• Affogato: Pair the drink with a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with an espresso shot for a layered coffee-based dessert experience.

Ingredients Substitutes

Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino, along with substitutes you can use for each element. This will empower you to customize the beverage using ingredients you have or meet dietary preferences.

1. Coffee Base

Original: Espresso or strong brewed coffee.

Substitutes:

• Decaffeinated Coffee: Great for those avoiding caffeine.
• Cold Brew or Iced Coffee: If you prefer a smoother, less acidic coffee flavor.
• Coffee Alternative: Use chicory coffee, dandelion tea, or roasted grain coffee for a caffeine-free option.

2. Milk

Original: Dairy milk (Whole milk preferred for creaminess).

Substitutes:

• Non-Dairy Milk: Almond, soy, oat, coconut, or cashew milk work well. Oat milk is especially creamy.
• Lactose-Free Milk: For individuals with lactose intolerance.
• Half & Half or Heavy Cream: For a richer texture.

3. Caramel Sauce

Original: Store-bought caramel sauce or syrup.

Substitutes:

• Homemade Caramel: Combine sugar, butter, and heavy cream to make caramel from scratch.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetener alternative.
• Date Syrup: A less processed sweet substitute.
• Butterscotch or Dulce de Leche: Similar flavor profiles to caramel.

4. Mocha Syrup

Original: Chocolate syrup or sauce.

Substitutes:

• Cocoa Powder: Mix unsweetened cocoa powder with sugar and water to create a syrup.
• Dark Chocolate Shavings: Melt and mix with a bit of cream for a richer chocolate sauce.
• Vegan Chocolate Syrup: Use a plant-based chocolate syrup for a vegan option.

5. Salted Topping

Original: A sprinkle of coarse sea salt over the whipped cream for contrast.

Substitutes:

• Himalayan Pink Salt: A healthier alternative.
• Fleur de Sel: Gourmet finishing salt for added luxury.
• Smoked Salt: For a unique twist.

6. Whipped Cream

Original: Whipped cream is made from heavy cream and sugar.

Substitutes:

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Use chilled coconut cream and whip until fluffy.
• Aquafaba Whipped Cream: Made from chickpea water as an excellent vegan substitute.
• Greek Yogurt Whip: Mix Greek yogurt with a bit of sugar for a tangy creaminess.

7. Ice

Original: Regular ice cubes for blending.

Substitutes:

• Coffee Ice Cubes: Freeze leftover coffee for a stronger coffee flavor.
• Milk Ice Cubes: Blend frozen milk for extra creaminess.
• Crushed Ice: If you prefer thinner textures.

Final Thoughts

By carefully pairing the Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino with these delicious options, you can curate a memorable and indulgent experience for yourself or your guests.

More Frappe Recipes:

• Copycat Mcdonald’s Hershey Frappe Recipe
• Copycat Hershey Chocolate Frappe Recipe
• Copycat Mcdonald’s Chocolate Chip Frappe Recipe