The first time I tried a S’mores Frappuccino was about four years ago, when Starbucks first rolled out the marshmallow-infused coffee drink as part of a summertime promotion. I am a huge fan of s’mores in general – and regular readers know that I make all kinds of s’mores treats during the summer – so it should come as no surprise that I enjoyed the drink as a sweeter treat after my usual coffee!

The Starbucks drink is made with a coffee frappuccino base that is infused with a graham cracker syrup and is then layered with marshmallow-infused whipped cream and chocolate syrup in the cold cup it is served in. The drink captures the nutty flavor of the graham cracker and the fluffiness of a marshmallow in each sip and it is surprisingly delicious.

I tried to capture all those same elements in my Homemade S’mores Frappuccino, which you can make at home without running to your nearest Starbucks store on a hot day. I used a mocha base made with unsweetened cocoa powder and added whole graham crackers to the mix. Graham cracker syrup isn’t exactly a common ingredient and using whole crackers is just as effective at introducing their flavor. The graham crackers themselves blend up completely, leaving the base with a toasty graham cracker flavor and just a hint of texture in the drink, so no artificially-flavored syrup is required.

The Starbucks drink uses marshmallow-flavored whipped cream at both the bottom and top of the cup. Instead of trying to flavor the whipped cream itself, I layered my frappuccino with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, then added a generous spoonful of real marshmallow fluff to the top of the drink before adding the final layer of whipped cream. I found that marshmallow fluff becomes a bit too hard when added to the bottom of the cup (the drink is cold, after all), but it actually softens just enough to slurp through a straw as it sits out on top, ensuring you taste all those s’mores flavors in each sip.

This recipe makes enough for two, or for one jumbo-sized drink if you’re feeling indulgent. It’s a delicious way to cool down on a summer day and both kids and adults will like it. If you want to leave out the coffee for the kids, you can simply replace the coffee with milk and slightly increase both the sugar and cocoa for a stronger mocha flavor. The drink should be served right away for the best texture and flavor!

Homemade S’mores Frappuccino
6-oz strong coffee, cold
4-oz cold milk (whole or low fat)
2 tbsp cocoa powder
3 tbsp sugar
2 whole graham crackers/4 squares
1 1/2 – 2 cups ice
whipped cream, for garnish
chocolate syrup or fudge sauce, for garnish
marshmallow fluff, for garnish

In a blender, combine coffee, milk, cocoa powder, sugar, graham crackers and ice. Add slightly more ice for a thicker drink. Blend at low speed until ice is crushed, then turn up blender speed to high until drink is smooth and creamy, about 30-40 seconds.
In the glass in intend to serve your drink in, place a layer of whipped cream followed by a generous spoonful of chocolate syrup/chocolate fudge. Pour on the frappuccino mixture, then top with a spoonful of marshmallow fluff, more whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Serve immediately.

Serves 2.

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