Starbucks Horchata Frappuccino Recipe: A Refreshing, Dairy-Free Treat

By Stephanie Manley Updated 12/3/25

If you’re a fan of Starbucks’ new Horchata Frappuccino but want to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home, you’re in luck! This copycat recipe is not only easy to make but also dairy-free, thanks to the use of almond milk instead of the traditional rice-based horchata

Add this site as a preferred Google source!

homemade Starbucks horchata frappuccino in a glass

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why this recipe works:

  • The recipe is easy to customize and can be made in just a few minutes with simple ingredients
  • The almond milk creates a creamy base with a subtle, rice-like flavor, making it a perfect dairy-free alternative
  • The homemade cinnamon dolce syrup adds a rich, sweet, and spicy flavor that mimics the Starbucks version
  • Using vanilla ice cream or ice creates a thick, frosty texture that’s perfect for a frappuccino
top of a horchata frappuccino

Horchata without Rice

Although this frappuccino is named after the rice drink, Starbucks says it is “inspired” by horchata and not a copycat drink recipe. They do not use rice in their version and instead of milk, they use almond milk in the mix. The almond milk creates an almost rice-like flavor and makes this frappuccino dairy-free!

Since the Starbucks Horchata Frappuccino drink recipe does not use rice, it is easy to make at home whenever you want! You may even have most of the ingredients in your home. Almond milk may be the only thing that you may have to buy since it’s the most unique ingredient in the recipe.

Cinnamon Dolce Syrup

This frappuccino is great for anyone who enjoys the cinnamon dolce latte drink that Starbucks offers. It uses the same syrup to create the horchata-inspired flavor.

You can make the syrup at home and always have it on hand. The recipe makes more than you will need for the frappuccino, so be sure to save it for later!

Recipe Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Dolce Syrup:

  • Light brown sugar – Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon
  • Ground cinnamon – Infuses the syrup with a warm, spicy flavor that’s essential to the horchata taste
  • Water – Helps dissolve the sugar and create a syrup consistency

For the Horchata Frappuccino:

  • Almond milk – Creates a creamy, dairy-free base with a subtle, nutty flavor
  • Vanilla ice cream or ice – Adds thickness and a frosty texture to the frappuccino
  • Cinnamon dolce syrup – Provides the signature sweet and spicy flavor inspired by horchata
  • Whipped cream for topping – Adds a light, airy texture and a touch of indulgence (optional)
  • Ground cinnamon for garnish – Enhances the visual appeal and adds an extra layer of cinnamon flavor (optional)

How to Make Starbucks Horchata Frappuccino

  1. Simmer brown sugar, cinnamon, and water in a small saucepan for 5 minutes, or until the syrup is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  2. Remove it from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely.
  3. Place almond milk, ice cream (or ice), and cinnamon dolce syrup in a blender.
  4. Blend until smooth.
  5. Pour the frappuccino into a glass and top it with whipped cream and cinnamon if desired.
horchata frappuccino topped with whipped cream and cinnamon

Love Starbucks? Try these copycat recipes!

Favorite Fast Food Drinks

Check out more of my easy drink recipes and the best Starbucks recipes here on CopyKat!

Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox.
Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

Copycat Starbucks Horchata Frappuccino

Beat the heat with this easy copycat Starbucks Horchata Frappuccino recipe. Inspired by the traditional Mexican rice drink, this dairy-free version uses almond milk and a homemade cinnamon dolce syrup to create a creamy, refreshing treat you can enjoy any time of the year.
PRINT PIN SAVE RECIPE
5 from 4 votes
Servings : 1
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes

Ingredients
 

To make the cinnamon dolce syrup

  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup water

To make the frappuccino drink

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup vanilla ice cream you can use just ice
  • 3-4 tablespoons cinnamon dolce syrup
  • 2 tablespoons whipped cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Syrup Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
  2. Add the water and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Remove syrup from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
  5. Store the syrup in an airtight container.

Frappuccino Directions

  1. Place almond milk, ice cream (or ice), and cinnamon dolce syrup in a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour the frappuccino in a glass.
  4. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 494kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 466mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 72g | Vitamin A: 615IU | Calcium: 469mg | Iron: 2.2mg
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment and rating to let people know how you liked it! Tag me on Instagram @copykatrecipes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

More Ideas

REVEALED Olive Garden Copycat Recipes

yes, you CAN make it at home! I’ll show you how.

5 from 4 votes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




8 Comments

  1. Never mind; I got it ! Didn’t know the syrups name. Sorry! And thank you!DELICIOUS!!