I never realized how easy it is to make your own version of Starbucks matcha green tea Frappuccino. To the point where I’m not sure if it’s worth stopping by Starbucks anymore. 

Not to toot my own horn, but this copycat version is so similar to the real deal, I don’t think I’d be able to tell the difference between the OG drink and my homemade version.

Ready to start?  You can jump straight to the recipe here.

Let me show you how simple it is to whip this tasty drink in just a matter of minutes. But first, here are a few tips that can help you make the best matcha green tea Frappuccino at home.

This post may contain affiliate links. My full disclosure policy is sort of boring, but you can find it here.

Tips for Making the Best Starbucks Green Tea Frappuccino

• The original matcha green tea Frappuccino from Starbucks is made by blending matcha green tea powder, milk, and ice, topped with a generous layer of whipped cream.
  
• The original version also includes 3 pumps of their classic Frappuccino syrup, which is made specifically for Starbucks. I’ve seen this for sale on Amazon, but the reviews usually comment that it was an expired product. Seemed sort of sketchy to me so I prefer to stay away from that unknown and make my own.
  
• This DIY recipe uses a homemade Frappuccino syrup you can easily make and store in your fridge. You can skip this homemade Frappuccino syrup, but it really makes the drink super creamy.
  
• Make sure to use culinary grade matcha!  You definitely want high quality matcha, but there’s no reason to spring for the more expensive ceremonial grade matcha for this recipe.   I use this matcha in all my recipes.  It’s not super expensive, but it’s a great quality.

Ingredients for Starbucks Green Tea Frappuccino

This make at home recipe is simple to whip up and only contains a few ingredients:

• Culinary Grade Matcha Powder
• Whole Milk
• Ice
• Vanilla Syrup
• Homemade Frappuccino syrup (jump to the recipe below – necessary if you want a super creamy drink)

This copycat recipe tastes just like the real thing, but you can customize it anyway you want it. Want a more decadent treat? You can add a scoop of vanilla or matcha ice cream instead of ice. 

Want to get fancy? Add some caramel drizzle on top of the whipped cream and sprinkle a little bit of sea salt on top

For those who want a frothier drink, try whisking the heavy cream together with the vanilla syrup with a milk frother. The consistency will be rich, creamy, and super smooth. 

How to Make a Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino 

Ingredients: 

• 2 teaspoons of Matcha powder
• 1 1/2 cups of ice
• 2/3 cup of whole milk 
• 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup 
• 3 tablespoons of homemade Frappuccino syrup
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions

Step 1:

Add all ingredients to the pitcher of a bender. Blend on low speed until ice starts to break up. Then, turn the blender up to high to make sure all the ingredients are fully combined. 

Step 2:

Pour the mix into glasses and top off your delicious matcha green tea Frappuccino with a thick layer of whipped cream, and voila. Just grab a straw and dig in! 

Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino Recipe

How to make Homemade Frappuccino Syrup 

Starbucks smoothies are so creamy, they almost taste like a milkshake. But what makes them so perfectly smooth and delicious? The secret ingredient is in their syrups! 

The big coffee powerhouse uses a secret Frappuccino syrup base that adds texture and creaminess to their drinks. But you don’t need to run to the store to get it. 

You can easily recreate it at home if you know the secret ingredient:  Xanthan gum powder. 

Ingredients for the Frappuccino homemade syrup: 

• 1 teaspoon of Xanthan gum powder
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Add the sugar and water to a saucepan and simmer on low heat. Stir for a few seconds until the sugar is free of any lumps and is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool at room temperature. 
2. Next, in a jar with a lid, add the syrup, vanilla extract and xanthan gum powder.   Shake until combined.  The syrup is really thick, so scooping it out of a jar is a lot easier than a long neck bottle.
3. You can keep the syrup in the fridge for up to a month. 
4. This syrup works for any frappuccino drink, from coffee to tea and anything in between. 

Homemade Frappuccino Syrup Recipe

More Questions About Green Tea Frappuccinos

Does a Green Tea Frappuccino have Caffeine?

Yes, because it’s made with matcha which has caffeine, this frappuccino also has caffeine . 

What does a Starbucks Green Tea Frappuccino taste like?

If you like the sweet, vegetal, slightly bitter taste of matcha, you’ll love this sweet and creamy drink.

Is a Green Tea Frappuccino Healthy?

Hmmmm…matcha is super healthy, but mix it up with cream, milk and sweeteners, and it’s not what I’d classify as healthy.  This drink is more of a treat than a daily drink if you’re watching your fat and sugar intake. 

What are the health benefits of matcha? 

• Matcha is a seriously incredible powerhouse of antioxidants. Made with green tea leaves, just one cup of matcha is loaded with more antioxidants than a regular cup of green tea.
  
• Matcha is loaded with L-theanine, a rare amino acid that is known for helping your body manage the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Most teas are rich in L-theanine, but matcha contains around 5 times more than your regular cup of English Breakfast tea.
  
• Matcha is known to boost brain function, fight inflammation, and slow down the aging process. Along with its many health benefits, matcha is also packed with polyphenols, a family of micronutrients that is naturally found in plants that are known for promoting brain function, improving digestion, reducing sugar levels in blood, and might even lower your risk of heart disease.
  
• Green tea extract is also high in a catechin called EGCG, which is known for its cancer-fighting properties according to a few studies.
  
• Matcha has long been praised for its ability to help lower blood pressure according to this 2014 study and even though more research is needed, a 2011 study found that people who drink green tea seemed to report decreased levels of “bad” cholesterol.
  
• A cup of coffee might give you a nice energy boost at first. But eventually you’ll be dealing with a massive post-caffeine crash… and it’s not pretty! But unlike coffee, matcha provides a clean energy hit that’s more energizing and lasts longer. And instead of getting all jittery, you’ll feel more stable and calm throughout the day thanks to the L-Theanine found in matcha.
  
• Matcha is not just for smoothies, either. You can eat it too, so don’t be afraid to incorporate it in matcha smoothie bowls, blend it with your frozen yogurt, cakes, muffins, and even puddings. 

Want to Save this Starbucks Copycat Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino Recipe to make later? Save it to your favorite Pinterest Board and pass it on!