Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino (Ingredients, Taste, Variations, Sizes, Copycat Recipe, Caffeine, Calories & More information)
Spice this Christmas up with the luscious Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino. Keep reading to discover the recipe and make it at home.
Christmas has to be the most wonderful time of the year, and I have my special movie and drink to go along with it. The Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino is one of my all-time favorite drinks that I purpose to have every Christmas. Having watched and enjoyed The Elf numerous times, this beverage is super exciting.
Since I discovered it from a friend, it has been a symbol of festivity and a cozy cup of joy that I always look forward to. I decided to make it at home, and it was pleasantly delicious. Now I can make it at home as much as I want, and I’m excited to share it with you. Have some fun this Christmas with your friends and family with the Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino, but first, let’s unearth some facts about it.
Table of Contents
Brief History of the drink
With such an intriguing name, I had to find out the origin of this scrumptious beverage. What inspired the creation of the green-hued Starbucks buddy, the elf Frappuccino? Well, the recipe was invented by two Texas-based mom bloggers at Totallythebomb.com, Brittanie Pyper and Jamie Harrington. If you haven’t guessed already, it is from a movie. The Elf is an animated American Christmas comedy film from 2003 featuring the character Buddy. Buddy is a human at the North Pole brought up amongst Santa’s elves. He later discovers that he isn’t an elf, so he moves to New York to search for his biological father.
This optimistic and innocent character, with his evergreen attire and love for sugar, is emulated in the Starbucks buddy, the elf Frappuccino. His Christmas cheer and finding joy in little things best describe this beverage, so have yourself some adventure and happiness this Christmas with this delicacy.
Is Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino still available at Starbucks?
Yes, the drink is available anytime since it is a secret menu you can order with the recipe. It is particularly appreciated during Christmas, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see it regularly at any other time of the year.
Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino (Ingredients, Taste, Variations, Sizes, Caffeine, Calories)
What’s in a Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino – (ingredients?)
Ingredients
With such a riveting origin, what makes this drink so tasty? The ingredients are few and relatively simple, comprising the Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino, some peppermint syrup, and topped off with some whipped cream and red and white sprinkles to resemble Santa’s hat.
- Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino: It is the bulk of this delicacy, made up of ice, milk, crème Frappuccino syrup, and ground Japanese Green Tea. It gives the drink its signature green color. Looks like Buddy in a cup, doesn’t it?
- Peppermint Syrup: It replaces the classic syrup and makes the beverage sweet.
- Whipped cream: Top off the drink with whipped cream made up of cream and vanilla syrup.
- Red and white sprinkles: Also known as the Christmas sprinkles because they bring in the Christmas finishing effect. Ask for the sprinkles that come on toasted white mocha. If they aren’t available, some sprinkles of matcha powder will do.
Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino: Sizes, Nutrition, Caffeine & Calories
What sizes are available?
Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino is available in three sizes, a tall (12 ounces), a Grande (16 ounces), and a venti (20 ounces). My preferred size is a venti; there’s just more to enjoy. That is quite a lot, I will admit, so if you are trying it for the first time, start with a tall just to see how you like it, then increase the portion gradually.
Nutritional facts
Starbucks Frappuccinos are not the healthiest beverages; they are loaded with sugar, fat, and calories. Many dieticians have claimed this, but it is all about perspective at the end of the day. However, evaluating the nutritional value of Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino is essential, especially for those with underlying medical conditions or on a diet. Matcha is a healthy antioxidant that may boost metabolism, reduce the risk of heart disease, and lower blood pressure. But as a Frappuccino brimmed with whipped cream, it is not the healthiest option. A tall Starbucks buddy, the elf Frappuccino contains around 400 calories, 540 calories in a Grande, and 650 calories in a venti.
The calories are contributed by the carbohydrates and sugars at 22%, while the fats come from the whole milk and whipped cream at 40%. The sodium and cholesterol levels are also worth noting. For a healthier beverage, you could swap the milk for a low-fat option.
A Grande (16 oz.)
| Calorie count (per 2000 daily intake) | |
| Nutritional value (per 160z. serving) | % Daily Value |
| Total fat 26g
Saturated Fats 16g Trans Fat 0.8g | 40%
80% |
| Cholesterol 90mg | 30% |
| Sodium 250mg | 10% |
| Total Carbohydrates 71g
Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 69g | 22%
4% |
| Protein 7g | – |
| Caffeine 70mg | – |
Caffeine information
The Starbucks buddy, the elf Frappuccino, contains caffeine. With 70 mg, it is lower than most caffeinated drinks and downright safe especially given that 400mg a day is considered safe for most adults. The caffeine in matcha is a bit more than in regular green tea, giving a calm and energizing effect rather than a buzzy rush. You cannot escape caffeine in the Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino because matcha green tea is a crucial ingredient.
So, what does Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino taste like?
So yummy! I love the blend of matcha with peppermint. The Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino is a sweet and minty concoction, almost like mint candies. It is energizing and calming, just what I need to make my day delightful.
Ways to Customize a Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino at Starbucks – Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino Variations
With Starbucks, you can customize your beverage to whatever you like, and the Starbucks buddy, the elf Frappuccino, is no exception. You could swap some ingredients or add your own, like swapping the whole milk for steamed milk for a hot beverage. You could also swap the whole milk for a low-fat option.
If you are going vegan, you could swap whole milk for almond or coconut milk, though it may alter the beverage’s taste. Add in some extra peppermint or any other syrup of your choice. Depending on the customization, it may alter the beverage’s signature taste, so keep that in mind as you find your perfect cup of the Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino.
How to make Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino at home- Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino Copycat Recipe
Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- A whisk
- A sifter
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon matcha green tea
- 1½ cups of whole milk
- ½ cup of hot water
- 2 pumps of peppermint syrup
- Whipped cream
- Red and white sprinkles
Instructions
- To make the matcha green tea, start sifting it into a bowl since it clumps very easily.
- This will make it easier for it to dissolve seamlessly into the water.
- Pour in hot water and whisk. Make sure to whisk side to side to evenly spread the matcha and create some foam on top, not circular like in baking.
- Steam the milk and add to the mixture, then whisk until foamy.
- After preparing the matcha green tea, add the peppermint syrup and stir.
- Top off with whipped cream and the red and white sprinkles.
Notes
- I prefer to use whole milk, but you can use any milk, low-fat coconut, or almond milk. If you don’t like milk, you can skip it and add more hot water.
- I prefer a hot cup of the Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino when making it at home. If you prefer it cold, do not steam the milk. Add some ice cubes instead.
- I love my matcha green tea without any sweetener, but its bitterness varies depending on the brand. If you find it bitter, you can add some honey or maple syrup to satisfy you.
- You can adjust the portions of the ingredients to your liking by reducing or increasing the matcha powder and peppermint syrup.
- For the red and white sprinkles, you could easily use cake powder from a red and white cake, say red velvet and white forest cake.
Informative Section
How do you order a Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino?
The Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino is a Starbucks Secret Menu Drink; therefore, you will need to give the barista the full recipe. Start by ordering a Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino with peppermint syrup rather than classic syrup. Top off with whipped cream, then red and white sprinkles for that Christmas feel. That’s all.
Is Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino good?
Yes, the taste is heavenly. It has quite some sugar overload, though, so moderation is essential.
How much is Starbucks buddy the elf Frappuccino?
It is about $5 for a Grande. The price varies depending on the size of the beverage.
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