Frappuccino

File:Caramel mocha frap.jpg

a caramel frappuccino

Frappuccino is the name and registered trademark of a cold beverage sold by Starbucks. It is made by blending one-part soluble or instant coffee, one-part proprietary flavoring, and three-parts ice, by volume. Most varieties include additional ingredients, including espresso, flavoring syrups, "chocolate chip" cubes and flavoring powders. If ordered in a Starbucks retail location, whipped cream is typically added on top. It is currently available in three sizes: tall, grande, and venti. Several flavored varieties of Frappuccino are also available, including Mocha, Caramel, Coffee, Java Chip, Vanilla Bean, Strawberry Crème, and others. There are also seasonal varieties, such as Pumpkin Spice, Mint Mocha Chip and Green Tea.

Frappuccinos are also available bottled without whipped cream or ice and are sold in stores other than Starbucks. The 9.5 ounce bottled version is manufactured by PepsiCo, the maker of Pepsi. This product is not the same as the blended drink, containing different portions of ingredients.

Though Starbucks claims their Frappuccino recipe originated in 1995, an earlier Frappuccino traces its origins to Starbucks's acquisition of the Boston-based chain Coffee Connection which sold a similar frozen beverage at that time. Some Coffee Connection fans maintain that the earlier Coffee Connection-style Frappuccino was superior in taste and quality to the drink Starbucks now sells.

The name of the drink betrays its Boston origins as a portmanteau of "cappuccino" and the regional term "frappe." The name is also suggestive of the Italian word "frappé," synonymous with "frappe." However, because the name originated with a Boston chain, and a similar drink would be referred to in Italian as a "caffè frappé," the former explanation is more likely.

Many restaurants selling ice cream or coffee have developed a drink similar to the Frappuccino, by a different name, often reminiscent of Starbucks'. These include Dunkin' Donuts, Tim Hortons, Friendly's, Dairy Queen, and Ben & Jerry's.

In the movie Zoolander, several male supermodels order Orange Mocha Frappuccinos as a form of escapism. One can indeed order those at Starbucks.