Frappuccino

Frappuccino is the name and registered trademark of a Starbucks blended ice beverage and a bottled coffee beverage.

History

Some sources say that a very similar frozen coffee drink was invented by The Coffee Connection, a small Boston-based chain later acquired by Starbucks.Who|date=September 2008 The name Frappuccino was coined by The Coffee Connection. In this etymology, the term "frappuccino" is a blend of "frappé", a coffee-based milkshake, and "cappuccino", the Italian coffee drink with a milky topping (see below for alternate etymologies).

Frappuccino was trademarked by The Coffee Connection, and that trademark was acquired by Starbucks when they bought The Coffee Connection, a 22-store chain with a huge following with which Starbucks could not compete in the Boston market, around 1995. The original recipe was completely different, with a unique preparation process using simple ingredients to achieve its appeal.

Similar frozen coffee drinks were served starting in 1988 by the Seattle chain Cinnabon under the names Mochalatta and Caramelatta.

Varieties

Original

The original frappuccino is a blend of ice and a mix constituted of coffee, water, milk, and various syrups. The result is a beverage that is a little icy like a slush, but with a consistency that is similar to a thin milkshake.

"Light"

In 2004, Starbucks created a "Light" version. The Light version of the Coffee Frappuccino has 54% of the calories, 17% of the fat (0.5g vs 3g), and 52% of the carbohydrates of the original. [cite web
title = Nutrition Information for Starbucks Beverages
date= 2007-07-29
url = http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_beverages.asp] This version is prepared the same way as the original but uses a modified flavoring mix with less fat and Splenda as a sweetener.

Decaf

Starbucks also served decaffeinated versions of the coffee-based frappuccinos, which, like all decaffeinated coffees, contain small amounts of caffeine. Unlike the regular coffee-based frappuccino, the decaf coffee base was made with freshly brewed decaf coffee and tasted distinctly different from the regular coffee base, which uses powdered coffee base.

Due to extra preparation involved and low demand, decaf frappuccinos were not offered at all Starbucks locations.

As of 2008, Decaffeinated Frappuccinos are no longer offered. As a replacement of sorts, customers are encouraged to add a shot of Decaffeinated Espresso to any Créme Frappuccino.

Crème

Alternatively, coffee-free "cream" base (what Starbucks calls Crème Beverage Base or CBB) was created to make the popular blended Crèmes. This version is made by combining one part skim milk with one part CBB Powdered Mix (normally containing sugar, flavorings, thickeners and other minor proprietary ingredients). The CBB mix replaced a similar mixture called UBB, or Universal Beverage Base, in 2006. The most notable change between the two is that the newer CBB mixture does not require a "settling period" in which the CBB/milk combination would need to be chilled for a period of time to settle and thicken. Unlike the coffee version, Flavoring of some sort is almost always added before consuming. Liquid or powdered tea is also used in some versions prepared at retail locations, most of the time making the "Tea Blended Crème".

Available Versions

The following is a list of the typical versions available of each type of drink. For the sake of space, "Frappuccino" and type of drink will be removed from the drink's name; it normally comes/is stated directly after the flavor when 'calling' a drink. For example, the full name of the first drink listed below would be "Coffee Frappuccino Blended Coffee." Frappuccino Blended Coffee beverages are typically served with whipped cream, the notable exceptions being Coffee Frappuccino and Espresso Frappuccino, as well as the light versions.

Blended coffee

*Coffee (as a flavor) - Basic version of the blended ingredients with no added flavorings.
*Espresso - Coffee Frappuccino with one added shot of Espresso, which provides a stronger coffee taste (the amount of Frappuccino base is lessened to make room for the shot) as well as more caffeine. Served without whipped cream.
*Caramel - Blended coffee base, caramel syrup, and ice. With Whipped Cream + Caramel Drizzle.
*Sugar Free Caramel - Blended coffee base, sugar free caramel syrup, and ice. Without Whipped Cream + Caramel Drizzle.
*Mocha - Blended coffee base, dark chocolate (Mocha) syrup, and ice. With Whipped Cream.
*White Chocolate Mocha - Blended coffee base, white chocolate syrup, and ice. With Whipped Cream.
*Java Chip - Same as mocha, but with "chocolate chips" (dark chocolate bits) added before blending. With Whipped Cream + Dark Chocolate Drizzle.
*Mint Mocha Chip - Blended coffee base, Mocha syrup, Mint Chocolate Syrup and Chocolate Chips. With *Dark Chocolate* Whipped Cream + Dark Chocolate Drizzle.
*Café Vanilla - Blended coffee base, vanilla bean powder, and ice. With Whipped Cream.
*Frappuccinos can be made with any type of Starbucks syrup. Core flavors include Vanilla, SF Vanilla, Cinnamon Dolce, SF Cinnamon Dolce, Hazelnut, SF Hazelnut, Toffee Nut, Peppermint, Juicy Raspberry, and for a limited time, SF Mocha and Honey (currently discontinued). These are simply called as a " [Syrup] Coffee Frappuccino Blended Coffee", and are served without whipped cream unless otherwise specified.
*Seasonal Frappuccinos, such as Pumpkin Spice and Dulce De Leche are also popular, and often contain special toppings, such as Pumpkin Spice powder or toffee sprinkles (on the Dulce De Leche).

Blended crème

*Vanilla Bean - Crème base with "vanilla bean" powder added.
*Double Chocolate Chip- Crème base with mocha syrup and chocolate chips. Topped with chocolate drizzle and whipped cream.
*Mint Chocolate Chip- Creme base with mint chocolate syrup, mocha syrup, and chocolate chips. Topped with chocolate drizzle and chocolate whipped cream.
*Strawberries and Crème - Crème base and strawberry fruit sauce and ice.
*Chai Crème - Crème base and chai tea concentrate with cinnamon sprinkled on top.
*Green Tea - Crème base, [matcha] green tea powder, and melon syrup, blended with ice.
*Syrup Crème - Crème base with any kind of available syrup. Typically served with whipped cream unless otherwise specified.

Light Blended Coffee/Light Blended Crème

All Blended Frappuccinos are available with the "Light" modifier. The recipes are identical except that Light Coffee Base/Light Crème Base are used instead of the normal counterparts, and whipped cream is withheld. See "Nutrition info" below for more.

Blended Juices

In the summer of 2006, Starbucks introduced the "Frappuccino Juice Blend", which is described as being "real fruit juices combined with Tazo Tea, blended with ice." This version seems to be different from the "blended tea" versions of several years ago since it uses more "real juice" and "freshly brewed" ice teas to the drink instead of a bottled, premixed concentrate. Currently, the drinks in this category include:
*Pomegranate (raspberry & blackcurrant in UK & Ireland) - Pomegranate, peach and [http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_beverage_detail.asp?selProducts=232&x=34&y=1&strAction=GETDEFAULT|"other fruit juices"] combined with 'Zen' Iced Tea. Pomegranate Frappuccino Juice Blend has been discontinued in the US.
*Tangerine (mango passionfruit in UK & Ireland)- Tangerine and [http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_beverage_detail.asp?selProducts=231&x=33&y=10&strAction=GETDEFAULT|"other fruit juices"] . combined with Passion Iced Tea. Tangerine Frappuccino Juice Blend has been discontinued in the US.
*Blended Strawberry Lemonade - A combination of Strawberry Sauce and Lemonade.
*Lemonade Blended Beverage - Fresh lemonade flavor with real lemon zest, blended with ice. Introduced in the US in the Summer of 2008.

Vivanno Nourishing Blends

In Summer 2008, Starbucks introduced Vivanno Nourishing Blends. This drink comes in two flavors, Banana Chocolate Blend (BCB) and Orange Mango Banana Blend(OMBB). Both drinks have 2% milk as a standard, ice, whey protein/fiber powder and one whole banana. The BCB has three pumps of mocha syrup, while the OMBB is made with a Naked brand orange and mango juice concentrate. Customers are encouraged to add Matcha Powder to the Orange Mango Banana Blend or an Espresso Shot to the Banana Chocolate Blend for an extra $0.50. These drinks are marketed as a healthier alternative to the Frappuccino. Both drinks are only available in the grande size.

pecial Versions

Starbucks introduces special, Limited Time Offerings every quarter. Based on feedback from customers, these are occasionally added to the permanent menu.The following are some of the popular drinks that have been available:
*"Peppermint Mocha Blended Coffee/Peppermint Double Chocolate Chip Blended Crème" - This was originally introduced in the coffee flavor only at Christmas and was no longer available by Valentine's Day. Peppermint flavor is added to the Mocha/DCC drinks. After positive customer feedback, Starbucks replaced the Crème de Menthe syrup with the Peppermint flavor so it would be available year round to anyone who requested it.
*"Toffee Nut Blended Coffee/Toffee Nut Blended Crème" - Starbucks introduced this flavor for a fall promotion with rave reviews by many customers. It consisted of adding toffee nut syrup to the coffee mix or creme mix, with whipped cream and toffee nut sprinkles on top. It was brought back the following fall, and the flavor was added to the permanent core offerings.
*"Pumpkin Spice Blended Coffee/Pumpkin Spice Blended Crème" - This drink was introduced in the fall of 2005. This drink consisted of a pumpkin spice syrup (pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg flavors) added to the coffee mix or creme mix. Even though the demand for such a flavour seemed high, actual sales of the product was said to have been moderately low. The drink continues to be a seasonal beverage returning to some areas each year.
*Cinnamon Dolce Blended Coffee/Blended Crème - This drink was introduced in January 2006. Originally a seasonal syrup, Cinnamon Dolce has been added as a semi-permanent flavour due to high demand during the Winter 2 season. The syrup tastes like sweet cinnamon buns, with an aftertaste reminiscent of butter.
*Maple Blended Coffee/Blended Crème - This drink was introduced in the fall of 2006 and uses a syrup made with real maple syrup and topped with whipped cream and maple drizzle.
*Gingerbread Blended Coffee/Blended Crème - This drink was introduced during the holiday season of 2000 and has a strong gingerbread cookie taste.
*"Mint Mocha" (Bottled) - This was a bottled version of a Starbucks Frappuccino that had similar consistency to other bottled frappuccinos and had a peppermint flavouring to it. Before it even hit stores in mid-2005, it was announced it would be a limited edition item, but it sold very well. It lived up to the limited edition name, and Starbucks dropped it in January 2006. Starbucks began selling the bottled drink again for the 2006/2007 Holiday season. There is no other bottled frappuccino on the market with this flavour or any similarity to this flavour.
*"Dulce De Leche" - This new drink was introduced in April 2007. It has a sweet caramel flavour and is often drizzled with caramel on top of the whipped cream. It is also available in latte form.
*Maple White Chocolate Crème - A season drink that is a standard white chocolate creme based frappuccion but with added maple syrup. Serves with whipped cream and mapple topping or white chocolate sauce.

:"Note: Because of the all year-round availability of the toffee nut and peppermint syrups, these drinks can still be made at any Starbucks location on request."

Modifications

As the varieties of drinks listed above show, many drinks include additional ingredients, which can include espresso shots, flavored syrups, "chocolate chip" cubes, and flavored powders. Frappuccinos can also be double blended, or made with more or less ice. If ordered in a Starbucks retail location, whipped cream is no longer added by default on all Frappuccinos. In addition, mocha drizzle can be added to the Java Chip and Double Chocolaty Chip, and caramel drizzle is added to the Caramel. Any drink can have an additional syrup/espresso or many other flavorings added at request for a small additional charge.

Yet another modification, though less popular, is to order the Frappuccino "affogato style". The Italian word "affogato" translates to "drowned" in English. An affogato Frappuccino has a shot of espresso on top rather than blended into the rest of the drink. The most common versions of this variation are known as "caramel affogato" and "mocha affogato" style, in which the espresso shot is poured on top of a crosshatch pattern of either caramel or mocha sauce in place of whipped cream.

International Varieties

There are also different versions available only in certain countries, such as "Banana Java Chip" and "Mango", "Azuki" in the Philippines and "azuki" (red bean) in Japan. Also, the Blackberry Green Tea is currently available in the Philippines and Australia. The Coffee Jelly Frappuccino before was a seasonal offering in the Philippines but later it was included in the Philippine permanent menu for Starbucks. Frapuccino "Dulce de Leche" in Argentina.

Nutritional Information

Starbucks offers full nutrition information on [http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_beverages.asp their website] . Some additional nutrition information to note:
*The Basic drinks are actually very low in fat. The average is 3-5 grams of fat for a 16oz Grandé.
*Whipped cream added to any drink is where the source of most of the drink's fat content lies. In comparison:
**A 16oz Grandé "Caramel Frappuccino Blended Coffee" with no whipped cream has 180 calories, 3.6 grams of fat, 53 grams of carbohydrates, and 45 grams of sugar. However, with whipped cream, the nutritional values change to 210 calories, 15 grams of fat, 57 grams of carbohydrates, and 48 grams of sugar. *The Créme is "made with" skim milk as part of the base, which does reduce the fat; the addition of the "CBB" mix to the milk radically changes the nutritional values due to the high amount of sugar used in part not only to flavor the drink, but to thicken it. This is why Starbucks only refers to the Créme as containing "milk", in an attempt to avoid misrepresenting the drink by mentioning that it is made using fat-free skim milk.

Bottled Version

A modified version of the "Frappuccino" is also available bottled without whipped cream or ice and is sold in retail stores, grocery stores, convenience stores, and Starbucks retail stores. The 9.5-ounce bottled version is manufactured by PepsiCo, the maker of Pepsi. This product is not the same recipe as the blended drink and therefore contains different proportions of ingredients and different nutritional values. The nutritional values can be found on [http://www.pepsiworld.com/help/faqs/faq.php?category=pepsi_brands&page=frappuccino Pepsi's Website] .

According to Pepsi's website (as well as a [http://www.starbucks.com/grocery/frappuccino.asp special area] on the [http://www.starbucks.com Starbucks] website), the following flavors are available:
*Mocha - made with chocolate
*Mocha Lite - made with chocolate and special creme to make it less fatty
*Vanilla - a hint of vanilla flavoring
*Coffee - similar to iced coffee
*Caramel - a twist of caramel in iced coffee
*Strawberries & Crème - crème based and coffee-free
*Mint Mocha (Limited Edition) - This was put on the market in July 2005 and dropped after the end of the of 2005/2006 holiday season. The beverage was brought back for the 2006/2007 holiday season, and once again dropped after it ended.
*Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mocha (Limited Edition) - Just like mint mocha with the extra chocolate and minty flavor. New for the 2007 Holiday Season.
*Dark Chocolate Mocha (Limited Edition)- Just like Mocha with the Extra Chocolate. Released February 2008.

Pepsi is hoping to strengthen the selection to include more crème beverages besides strawberry.

In Popular Culture

*Chester Bennington of Linkin Park demanded to know where his "fucking Frappuccino" was in the beginning of the song Dirt Off Your Shoulder/Lying From You, from their collaboration album with Jay-Z entitled "Collision Course".
*In the movie "Zoolander", several male supermodels order Orange Mocha Frappuccinos as a form of escapism. This was a limited time offering that was originally discontinued after the summer of 2000 but returned in the summer of 2007. The Frappuccinos served in the movie have an orange color similar to an Orange Crème Frappuccino Blended Crème, as opposed to the brown color of an orange mocha Frappuccino.
*Tré Cool can be seen running around yelling "Orange Mocha Frappuccino" on the Green Day DVD Bullet in a Bible.
*Weird Al Yankovic, in the song "I'll Sue Ya", mentioned he sued Starbucks because he spilled a Frappuccino in his lap and it was cold.
*Frappuccino is cited by singer Nick Cave in the song "Abattoir Blues," from the double album Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus: "I woke up this morning/with a Frappuccino in my hands".
*Frappuccino is cited by the NYC-based band The Dictators in their song "Avenue A" from the album D.F.F.D.: "Taking the edge off a beautiful day/with a Frappuccino/and a crème brûlée"
*"Rhyme Scheme", a trip hop group from Miamisburg, wrote a song devoted to drinking "frappies" entitled "Frapp Rapp (Get Busy Yo)".

References

External links

* [http://www.starbucks.com Starbucks Official Website]