A double caramel frappuccino is a blended coffee drink made by Starbucks. It contains double the amount of caramel flavoring compared to a regular caramel frappuccino, giving it an extra sweet and buttery taste.
What are the ingredients in a double caramel frappuccino?
The main ingredients in a double caramel frappuccino are:
- Coffee – The frappuccino starts with Starbucks’ Frappuccino roast coffee. This is a darker, richer roast coffee specially made for blended coffee drinks.
- Milk – The frappuccino contains milk for creaminess and sweetness. Whole milk is usually used but nonfat or low-fat milk can be requested.
- Ice – Crushed ice makes the frappuccino thick and icy cold.
- Sugar – Simple syrup is added to sweeten the drink.
- Caramel syrup – Double the amount of the caramel flavored syrup is pumped into the cup. This gives it an extra sweet and buttery caramel taste.
- Whipped cream – The top of the drink is decorated with a topping of fluffy whipped cream.
That covers the basic ingredients. Customizations can also be made like using non-dairy milk, adding coffee or caramel drizzle on top, blending in banana or other fruit, adding espresso shots, etc.
What size options are available?
The double caramel frappuccino can be ordered in the following sizes:
| Size | Fluid Ounces |
|---|---|
| Tall | 12 oz |
| Grande | 16 oz |
| Venti | 24 oz |
The tall size is 12 oz, the grande is 16 oz, and the venti is 24 oz. The double caramel frappuccino follows the same size options as other Starbucks drinks.
How many calories are in a double caramel frappuccino?
The double caramel frappuccino is a high calorie drink due to the large amounts of sugar and fat from the milk, whipped cream, and extra caramel sauce. Here are the calorie counts for each size:
| Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| Tall (12 oz) | 410 calories |
| Grande (16 oz) | 550 calories |
| Venti (24 oz) | 690 calories |
As you can see, the drink contains 410 calories in a tall, 550 calories in a grande, and 690 calories in a venti. The amount of calories scales up significantly with the larger sizes.
What is the caffeine content?
The caffeine amount depends on the size ordered:
| Size | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|
| Tall | 100 mg |
| Grande | 130 mg |
| Venti | 175 mg |
A tall double caramel frappuccino contains 100 mg of caffeine, while a grande has 130 mg, and a venti has 175 mg. This amount comes from the Frappuccino roast coffee. Those who want a caffeine boost can also customize the drink with extra espresso shots.
What are the key features of a double caramel frappuccino?
Here are the key features that define a double caramel frappuccino:
- Rich, sweet caramel flavor – The drink contains double the amount of caramel syrup, making it extra sweet and buttery.
- Coffee roasted specially for frappuccinos – It uses a darker, richer Starbucks Frappuccino roast coffee.
- Blended with ice – Crushed ice makes it thick and icy cold.
- Creamy from milk – Whole milk is used to give it a smooth, creamy texture.
- Topped with whipped cream – Fluffy whipped cream tops off the drink.
The combination of strong coffee, extra caramel sauce, milk, ice, and whipped cream is what distinguishes the double caramel frappuccino from other blended coffee drinks.
How much does a double caramel frappuccino cost?
A double caramel frappuccino costs slightly more than a regular caramel frappuccino due to the extra caramel syrup. Here are the typical prices in the United States:
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Tall | $4.75 – $5.25 |
| Grande | $5.25 – $5.75 |
| Venti | $5.75 – $6.25 |
Prices vary a bit by location but generally range from $4.75 – $6.25 based on size. The double caramel frappuccino costs about $0.50 to $1 more than a regular caramel frappuccino.
How long do the ingredients last?
The ingredients in a double caramel frappuccino don’t last very long since it is made fresh to order. Here are some timelines:
- Coffee: Best when freshly brewed but stays good for up to 30 minutes
- Milk: Lasts 4-7 days refrigerated
- Caramel syrup: lasts for months when refrigerated and unopened
- Ice: Crushed ice melts quickly, best when freshly made
- Whipped cream: lasts 1-2 days refrigerated
Baristas make each double caramel frappuccino individually to order. The caramel syrup and milk can be stored but the coffee, ice, and whipped cream need to be freshly prepared for each drink.
How long does a double caramel frappuccino take to make?
It takes 1-2 minutes for a trained barista to make a double caramel frappuccino. The steps include:
- Add appropriate scoops of ice to blender
- Brew fresh coffee and pour into blender
- Add milk, caramel syrup, and other customizations
- Blend ingredients together until smooth and icy
- Pour blended frappuccino into cup
- Top with whipped cream and drizzle
The blending process is very quick when the ingredients are ready to go. But extra time is needed if the coffee needs to be freshly brewed or if there is a long line of orders ahead. Customizations like extra toppings can also add more time.
How is a double caramel frappuccino made hot?
To make a hot version of a double caramel frappuccino, baristas make the following modifications:
- Use steamed milk instead of cold milk
- Omit the ice and blending step
- Brew coffee fresh and pour hot
- Use hot caramel sauce instead of cold syrup
- Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle
This transforms the icy blended drink into a hot latte-like beverage. The sweet caramel flavor remains but with the cozy warmth of steamed milk and hot coffee.
Does the double caramel frappuccino contain coffee?
Yes, the double caramel frappuccino contains coffee. It is made with Starbucks’ special Frappuccino roast coffee, which is a darker, bolder roast designed specifically for the flavors of blended coffee drinks.
Some customers make the assumption that frappuccinos contain no coffee since they are sweet and icy. But coffee is the key ingredient that balances out the sweetness. Without it, the double caramel frappuccino would lose the “frappuccino” part of its name and just be a caramel milkshake.
Is there an option without coffee?
Yes, customers can request a double caramel frappuccino without the coffee. The barista can make a creme-based version using just milk, ice, caramel syrup and whipped cream. However, without the coffee, the flavor profile changes significantly to a very sweet, caramel milkshake-like drink.
What different customizations and additions can be made?
There are many ways to customize a double caramel frappuccino to your preferences:
- Add extra caramel drizzle on top
- Use different types of milk – nonfat, soy, almond, etc.
- Add espresso shots for more caffeine
- Top with caramel sprinkles
- Blend in banana, strawberries, or other fruit
- Use sugar-free caramel syrup instead of regular
- Add chocolate chips or fudge sauce
- Top with pecan pieces
- Use less or no whipped cream
Getting creative with customizations makes each double caramel frappuccino unique. Baristas are able to accommodate many different add-ins and ingredient swaps.
Does the double caramel frappuccino ever go on sale?
Starbucks occasionally runs promotions that discount certain drinks, including the double caramel frappuccino. Here are some examples of past sales:
- Happy hour – Half priced frappuccinos from 2-5pm
- $3 happy hour frappuccinos during summer months
- BOGO (buy one get one free) frappuccino deals
- Free extra caramel drizzle or whip with purchase
- Seasonal frappuccinos blends with discounts
Following Starbucks on social media is a good way to find out about upcoming happy hours, seasonal deals, and limited-time offers.
Is the frappuccino vegan or vegetarian?
The standard recipe for a double caramel frappuccino is not vegan or vegetarian due to containing milk and whipped cream. However, customers can customize it to be vegan by requesting the following modifications:
- Use non-dairy milk such as soy, almond or coconut
- Hold the whipped cream
- Use vegan caramel sauce instead of regular if available
With these simple tweaks, both vegans and vegetarians can enjoy a cruelty-free take on the double caramel frappuccino.
Does it contain any allergens?
The double caramel frappuccino contains the following major allergens:
- Dairy – from the milk and whipped cream
- Tree nuts – many Starbucks locations use almond milk and nut-based syrups
- Wheat – from trace amounts in syrups
It’s important for customers with food allergies to inform their barista so special precautions can be taken in the preparation of their drink. Allergy-friendly alternatives can be made by avoiding specific ingredient.
What are some secret menu hacks?
Some “secret” ways to hack the double caramel frappuccino include:
- Add banana or strawberries for a fruit-flavored twist
- Blend in chocolate or mocha sauce
- Top with crushed peanut butter cups or cookie crumbles
- Use cold brew instead of Frappuccino roast for stronger coffee flavor
- Ask for extra extra caramel drizzle on the walls of the cup
- Substitute white mocha sauce or hazelnut syrup for part of the caramel
Being creative with customizations can lead to some delicious flavor innovations. Baristas are often willing to go off menu to make unique drink combinations.
What are some similar drinks if someone doesn’t want coffee?
For those who want a sweet chilled drink without coffee, some alternatives are:
- Caramel cream frappuccino – no coffee, just milk, ice, caramel and whip
- Caramel milkshake – caramel syrup blended with milk and ice
- Iced caramel macchiato – layers of milk, vanilla and caramel without coffee
- Caramel iced latte – iced latte made with a milk and caramel, no coffee
- Caramel apple spice – steamed apple juice with caramel sauce and whip
The caramel flavors translate well into many non-coffee drinks. Baristas can recommend other options based on your preferences.
Conclusion
The double caramel frappuccino packs a punch of sweet caramel flavor. It contains double the amount of buttery caramel syrup blended with rich coffee, milk, ice, and topped with whipped cream for an indulgent treat. Customers can choose from different sizes and customize it to their liking with add-ins and substitutions. It’s perfect for those with a major sweet tooth!