Blended Coffee Drinks?

daffodilsoup

I love those Starbucks-esque girly blended Frappachino things, but they're super expensive at the store so I do my best to make them at home. But no matter what recipe or technique I try, I always wind up with drinks that separate, kind of like a snow-cone would. The coffee sinks to the bottom, and there's a big tasteless ball of ice chips floating on top.

I have a Magic Bullet blender and a Cuisinart food processor, if that helps.

Anyone have any secrets or tried-and-true recipes to getting that smooth, creamy consistency?

RoboLikes

Homemade version of Starbucks Frapp

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups crushed iced (pulse your ice a few times first, makes it a lot smoother at the end)
2-1 ounce shots of espresso OR use 3/4 cup strong coffee mixed with 1/2 cup of milk and increase crushed iced by 1/4 cup. (ROOM TEMP OR CHILLED FOR EITHER OPTION)
3/4 cup your choice of milk
3 tablespoons sugar or sweetener (more or less depending on preference)

Instructions
Blend all the ingredients except the whipped cream in a blender for 30-45 seconds.

Enjoy!

potluck965

I love them, too, but because of cost and calories they were always a rare treat. My favorite was a Dunkin' Donuts Coolatta with a couple of extra turbo shots.

Last year I bought a Mr. Coffee Cafe Frappe Maker and found my bliss. I was able to figure out recipes that gave me just the flavors I was looking for. It takes a little experimentation and avoidance of the recipe book that comes with it (way too weak). I found that I ended up doubling the coffee and limiting the ice cubes to a very specific number. You can also use Stevia and low fat creamers or skim milk or whatever your heart desires.

I was able to take what was usually a calorie dense extravagance and make it into a delightful, low calorie daily treat.

bubblicious84

Big Train has some really good sugar free mixes. They're the brand that a lot of coffee places use in their drinks. If you don't mind spending a little money, they are totally worth it!

http://bigtrain.com/low-carb-mocha-frappe-blended-ice-coffee-mix-retail-can-p-2598.aspx

elis_mama

also, to avoid watering down, make sure you freeze coffee so you have coffee cubes instead of regular ice cubes.

Cathyvil

My favorite summer drink (makes 2 VERY large glasses):

4 servings espresso (1 liquid cup)
2 cups unsweetened chocolate almond milk
2 truvia packets
7-8 ice cubes

Put it all in the blender until ice is completely crushed and mixed in.

I've found that if I used pre-chilled espresso the ice doesn't mix in quite so well and it's not as smooth as I like so I always use fresh brewed.

I make this almost every morning in the summer. It's so refreshing.

StrongGwen

also, to avoid watering down, make sure you freeze coffee so you have coffee cubes instead of regular ice cubes.

what a clever idea!

todaystuesday

My favorite summer drink (makes 2 VERY large glasses):

4 servings espresso (1 liquid cup)
2 cups unsweetened chocolate almond milk
2 truvia packets
7-8 ice cubes

Put it all in the blender until ice is completely crushed and mixed in.

I've found that if I used pre-chilled espresso the ice doesn't mix in quite so well and it's not as smooth as I like so I always use fresh brewed.

I make this almost every morning in the summer. It's so refreshing.

what is the total cal count on this?

anna_b1

bump

Cathyvil

My favorite summer drink (makes 2 VERY large glasses):

4 servings espresso (1 liquid cup)
2 cups unsweetened chocolate almond milk
2 truvia packets
7-8 ice cubes

Put it all in the blender until ice is completely crushed and mixed in.

I've found that if I used pre-chilled espresso the ice doesn't mix in quite so well and it's not as smooth as I like so I always use fresh brewed.

I make this almost every morning in the summer. It's so refreshing.

what is the total cal count on this?

I use almond breeze almond milk myself so it comes out to 95 calories for the whole recipe

potluck965

Also, if you like mochas you can brew Choffy mixed with the ground coffee of your choice. I use NE Coffee Chocolate Cappucino mixed with Choffy.

BeautifulRedButterfly

bump

Embell0830

1 Scoop Designer Whey Protein Chocolate or Double Chocolate
0.5 c. espresso
0.5 Silk Pure Almond Vanilla Unsweetened Milk
5 Ice Cubes
Blend

Makes a great breakfast smoothie and full of great protein. If you want a stronger coffee flavor you could do all coffee.
I'm a Starbucks girl too, so I get where you are coming from.

MalDunc2012

OBSESSED with this recipe from Hungry Girl. SOOOO delicious. The pudding helps it blend up better and not have the separation issue expressed by the OP.

http://www.hungry-girl.com/chew/show/1890

MABEL733

bump

PinkEarthMama

I just thought I'd mention that adding arrowroot powder to the drinks will help them not to seperate.