Hot summer days call for an ice-cold, creamy, refreshing green pistachio frappe. Delivering a caffeine boost along with blended ice and nutty pistachio syrup, this drink is a proper energizer. Whether you came across it while hunting for an easy recipe or found it on the menu of your local cafe, Pistachio Frappe is certainly something worth giving a try.
But what exactly is it, and what goes inside a cup? Where does it stand when it comes to nutrition? Let’s explore it to the core. From caffeine content to nutritional facts, and even a DIY recipe by our barista, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about the Pistachio Frappe.
What Is A Pistachio Frappe?
A pistachio Frappe is a seasonal favorite blended beverage among those who love a coffee-cum-milkshake refresher. It is a combination of espresso, pistachio syrup, sugar, milk, water and ice, blended together and topped mostly with whipped cream, sweet and salty brown butter, and crushed pistachio nuts. A Pistachio frappe has two popular variations; It can be made either with a creme base or with a coffee base.
What does a Pistachio Frappe Taste Like?
At the very first sip, this blended beverage delivers a nutty, mildly sweet taste with some earthy, yet sweet tones. The buttery feel is a treat in itself, and it just melts in your mouth with a subtle tinge of refreshing pistachio.
The brown butter topping (or a sprinkle of sea salt) provides an interesting, slightly salty twist, adding to the flavor nuances, making it more complex. The whipped cream gives a velvety texture and balances out the sweetness.
However, the taste largely depends on whether you choose the caffeinated version or the one with a creme base. If you are someone like me who isn’t looking for an overwhelming sweetness, our barista suggests going for a shot of espresso or coffee base. It balances the nutty flavor with a bit of bitter undertones.
However, some days call for a sweet and refreshing dessert-like treat. Moreover, if you are trying to avoid caffeine, you can have its creme version instead and go caffeine-free.
Does Pistachio Frappe Have Caffeine?
If you are making it at home with a coffee base, it does have caffeine, but you can skip it and go for the creme version instead. If you are ordering your drink at Starbucks, they make it with a coffee base. Their grande serving of Pistachio Frappuccino has around 85 mg of caffeine.
However, you can skip the coffee and instead go for a crème version if you’re looking to limit your caffeine intake. This version is also good for kids and those who are sensitive to caffeine but love the taste and freshness of pistachio.
Pistachio Frappe Calorie Count
The best thing I like about the homemade pistachio frappe is that you are free to adjust the calorie count by using alternatives and balancing the quantities. For a general idea however, here is a breakdown of a 16-oz grande at Starbucks, keeping in view how people usually order different versions;
| Variations | Calorie Count |
|
With whipped cream and brown butter |
400 to 420 |
|
Without whipped cream |
350 to 370 |
|
Non-dairy milk e.g., almond milk |
300 to 390 |
If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count without compromising the signature taste, feel free to modify our barista’s recipe at the end of this article according to your preferences. E.g., we suggest using lower-calorie alternatives like a plant-based milk, sugar-free pistachio syrup, and skipping the whipped cream.
Pistachio Frappe Nutrition Facts
If you’re ordering a frappe, I assume, you’re either on a cheat day or not looking for a low-calorie or nutritious treat. To be honest, pistachio frappe doesn’t have a very high nutritional value and should be enjoyed in moderation. However, when making it at home, you have the liberty to adjust the sugar content and calorie count.
Below is a breakdown of the nutritional value of this drink for a grande size at Starbucks:
Pistachio Frappuccino Nutrition Facts (Approx. for Grande Size)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 400–420 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18–20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 55–60 g |
| Sugar | 50 g |
| Protein | 5–6 g |
| Caffeine | 85 mg (coffee version only) |
Homemade Pistachio Frappe Recipe
Want to enjoy the deliciousness of a pistachio frappe without heading to the coffee shop? Here’s a simple homemade Pistachio Frappe recipe you can try in your own kitchen.
Ingredients (1 large serving)
- Milk of your choice, 1 cup
- Ice
- Pistachio syrup 2 tablespoons
- 1 shot espresso or 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee (If you want the caffeinated version)
- Whipped cream for topping 2 tbsp (skip this if you are on a calorie budget)
- 1 tsp brown butter sauce (alternatively, use a pinch of sea salt)
Instructions
- Add the base ingredients: milk, pistachio syrup, ice, and coffee in a blender and blend until it is smooth and frothy
- Pour the blended beverage into a glass
- Top with a drizzle of brown butter sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt
You can customize this recipe in innumerable ways. Just for inspiration, I like making it with pistachio pudding mix sometimes, in place of syrup, for a thicker texture, and I add crushed pistachios for a heavenly crunch.
Final Sip: Is It Worth Trying?
Absolutely! Especially, if you’re someone like me who loves savoring pistachios. Whether you’re ordering it from Starbucks or a local café or whipping one up at home, this drink is a refreshing twist on the classic Frappuccino. However, just a word of caution! Being high in calories and sugar, it is not something to have regularly. Treat it as an indulgent treat that you can have in moderation or enjoy on your cheat days.
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