Refreshing Chocolate Frappe (With and Without Ice Cream)

Name: Refreshing Chocolate Frappe (With and Without Ice Cream)
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: Chocolate ice cream, 100 grams; milk, 200 ml; Ice, 4 cubes; milk, 400 ml; Bitter cocoa powder, 40 grams; Granulated sugar, 20 grams; Ice, 4 cubes; Dark chocolate chips, to taste

Total time: 5 mins.

Difficulty: Low

Serves: 2 people

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By Ilaria Canevara

Chocolate Frappe is an easy and delicious recipe, perfect for a sweet treat as a snack or at the end of a summer dinner with friends. It is a very quick preparation that can be made either starting from a good chocolate ice cream or with bitter cocoa powder, often already present in the pantry.

Here we offer it to you in both versions: in the first, you just need to collect the ice cream in the jug of a mixer with the milk and a few ice cubes, and then blend everything until you obtain a dense and homogeneous texture. In the variant without ice cream, it will be enough to replace the latter with cocoa, added with the preferred quantity of sugar, and then proceed as per our instructions. Once ready, we suggest you pour the milkshake into a very cold glass from the fridge and sip it immediately with a straw, to enjoy it in all its creaminess.

What is a Chocolate Frappe?

Originating in New England, particularly Massachusetts, a "frappe" (pronounced frap) traditionally refers to a milkshake made with ice cream—distinct from the rest of the country, where "milkshake" often means just milk and syrup. This creamy, indulgent version became popular in the early 20th century alongside the rise of soda fountains and ice cream parlors. Meanwhile, in other parts of the U.S., the term “frappe” has also come to describe iced, blended coffee or chocolate drinks without ice cream, thanks in part to commercial chains like McDonald's and Starbucks. These modern versions, often made with crushed ice, milk, and chocolate syrup, emphasize a lighter, more refreshing texture.

Pro Tips for The Best Chocolate Frappe

Pop your glass in the freezer beforehand to keep your frappe cold and frothy longer.
Blend until smooth and creamy—over-blending can make it too runny and melt the ice cream.
Always start with very cold milk and ice cubes to get that frothy, chilled texture.
Mix instant coffee or high-quality cocoa powder directly into the milk before blending.
Use the highest blender setting for 30–45 seconds to create a light, airy foam on top.

What's The Difference Between a Milkshake and a Frappe?

In most of the U.S., a milkshake is made with milk and flavored syrup, and may or may not include ice cream. In contrast, especially in New England, a frappe always includes ice cream, making it thicker, creamier, and more dessert-like. So, in short: all frappes are milkshakes, but not all milkshakes are frappes!

Is Frappe a Type of Coffee?

Not always—“frappe” isn’t strictly a type of coffee, though it often is in certain contexts. The term "frappe" simply refers to a chilled, blended drink, and its meaning varies by region:

In Greece, a frappé is a famous coffee drink made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk, all shaken or blended into a foamy, refreshing beverage.
In New England (USA), a frappe is a milkshake made with ice cream, and usually contains no coffee at all.
In modern coffee shops worldwide (like Starbucks), “frappes” or “frappuccinos” are often coffee-based blended drinks, but can also be non-caffeinated, like chocolate or vanilla flavors.

So, while some frappes are coffee-based, the term itself doesn’t always mean it contains coffee.

Are Frappe and Frappuccino The Same Thing?

No, frappe and Frappuccino are not the same thing, though they're often confused.

Frappe is a general term for a blended, chilled drink. Depending on where you are, it can mean a milkshake with ice cream (like in New England), a coffee drink made with instant coffee (like in Greece), or even a blended iced beverage of various flavors.
Frappuccino, on the other hand, is a trademarked brand name owned by Starbucks. It refers specifically to their line of blended iced drinks, which can be coffee-based or crème-based (without coffee), often topped with whipped cream and flavored syrups.

Can I Make A Dairy-Free Frappe?

Yes, you can easily make a delicious dairy-free frappe by using plant-based milk like oat, almond, or coconut, which blend well and offer a creamy texture. For frappes with ice cream, swap in a non-dairy version made from coconut, cashew, or almond bases. Sweeten naturally with maple syrup, agave, or dates, and for iced versions, blend your milk with ice, cocoa or coffee, and a bit of nut butter or frozen banana for extra richness. Top it off with dairy-free whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa for the perfect finish.

What if I Don't Have a Food Processor?

A regular blender works perfectly for creamy frappes with ice cream, blending everything into a smooth, frothy drink. For lighter, iced versions without ice cream, a blender or even a handheld immersion blender can crush ice and mix ingredients thoroughly—just pulse in short bursts to control the texture. If you don’t have any blender at all, a mason jar with a tight lid or a cocktail shaker can do the job: simply add all ingredients (except the ice), shake vigorously until well mixed and frothy, then pour over crushed ice. So, no food processor? No problem!

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, but there are some caveats! For best results, prepare the base (milk, chocolate, sweetener, and any flavorings) and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, give it a fresh blend with ice (and ice cream if using) to restore its frothy, smooth texture. Avoid blending with ice too early, as it will melt and water down the drink. So, while you can prep most of it in advance, blending just before serving gives you that perfect frappe consistency.

Does It Freeze Well?

Chocolate frappe doesn’t freeze particularly well, especially if it contains ice cream or blended ice. Freezing can cause the texture to separate or become icy, and once thawed, it loses that smooth, frothy consistency that makes a frappe so enjoyable.

How to Store Chocolate Frappe

To store leftover chocolate frappe, first let it cool to room temperature if it was just made. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 days.

When you're ready to enjoy it again, you may need to stir or blend it again to restore the texture, as it can separate or become thicker in the fridge. If the frappe contains ice, it may have lost its original frothy texture, so adding a bit of milk or ice and blending again can help refresh it.