This exclusive Frappuccino is made with locally grown Aomori apples and is designed to recreate the texture and taste of biting into a fresh apple. This is a homemade interpretation meant to get close to the original, not Starbucks’ exact recipe.
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What makes Starbucks Japan’s Aomori Yadaramee Apple Almond Milk Frappuccino special
The signature element of this regional exclusive is its use of Aomori apples, blended with almond milk for a drink that’s both creamy and crisp, aiming to replicate the sensation of biting into a fresh apple. Almond milk serves as a dairy-free base, enhancing the apple’s natural sweetness and light texture, while also making the drink suitable for those avoiding dairy. To achieve the thick, smooth consistency Starbucks is known for, the copycat recipe uses a pinch of xanthan gum as a stabilizer, and blends the apple thoroughly before adding ice. This step is essential to avoid a gritty texture and maximizes the apple’s bright, refreshing flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 medium, peeled and chopped Aomori apple or sweet-tart apple
- 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened or barista blend)
- 1 1/2 cups ice
- 1/4 cup apple juice or apple puree
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons (to taste) sugar or simple syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for texture) — Buy on Amazon
- as desired whipped topping (dairy-free if desired)
Tools you’ll need
- High-powered blender (for smooth texture)
- Vegetable peeler and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Serving glass
How to make it
- Blend apple with liquids: Peel and chop 1 medium Aomori or sweet-tart apple. Combine apple, 1 cup almond milk, and 1/4 cup apple juice (or apple puree) in a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Blending before adding ice is crucial—this breaks down apple fibers for a drink that’s crisp, not gritty.
- Incorporate flavor and texture boosters: Add 2 tablespoons sugar (or simple syrup), 1/8 teaspoon almond extract, and 1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum (if using). Blend again. The xanthan gum helps thicken the drink and prevents rapid separation, mimicking Starbucks’ signature creamy mouthfeel.
- Blend with ice: Add 1 1/2 cups ice. Blend on high until the mixture is thick, frosty, and no large ice pieces remain. The key ratio is 2 parts almond milk to 3 parts ice. This ensures a refreshing, slushy consistency without being watery.
- Taste and adjust: Sample the mixture. Add more sugar if needed for sweetness or a splash more apple juice for extra apple intensity. Blending again after any adjustment ensures an even flavor throughout.
- Serve and garnish: Pour into a large glass. Top with whipped topping (dairy-free if desired). Serve immediately for best texture.
For best results, chill all ingredients before blending. This keeps the drink extra frosty and prevents premature melting—a common issue with homemade frappes.
How close is it to the original?
This version can get impressively close to the apple-almond flavor profile and icy texture of Starbucks Japan’s regional exclusive, especially when made with a sweet-tart apple and a high-powered blender. The main difference is texture—commercial blenders and Starbucks’ stabilizers yield an even creamier result. Without those, the homemade version may be slightly icier or separate more quickly, but adding xanthan gum narrows the gap. Commenters often note that almond milk frappes are lighter and less creamy than dairy versions, but this recipe balances that with the right ratio and blending method.
Troubleshooting
- Gritty texture: Caused by under-blending the apple. Always blend the apple thoroughly with liquids before adding ice.
- Watery or quickly separating drink: Skipping xanthan gum or using too much ice can cause this. Use xanthan gum for stability and stick to the 2:3 almond milk to ice ratio.
- Drink not sweet enough: Apple variety or under-ripe fruit may be the issue. Adjust sugar or syrup to taste after initial blending.
- Too icy, not creamy: Almond milk is naturally less creamy than dairy. Use a barista blend almond milk if possible, and ensure the xanthan gum is fully blended in.
Variations
- Use oat milk or soy milk: Both offer more body than standard almond milk and are also dairy-free for a creamier texture.
- Swap apple juice for pear juice: For a subtle twist that still highlights fruit sweetness.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon: This gives a warm, apple pie-like note while keeping the drink refreshing.
Ingredient substitutes
- No xanthan gum? Omit, but expect a slightly icier drink that separates faster. You can use 1/2 tablespoon instant pudding mix as a backup thickener.
- No almond extract? Use vanilla extract for a mellower, less nutty aroma.
Storage
This drink is best consumed immediately. If you must store leftovers, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours; blend again with a few fresh ice cubes before serving, as separation is likely.
FAQ
- Can Starbucks make Frappuccinos with almond milk? Yes, Starbucks offers almond milk as a dairy-free option for most Frappuccinos.
- Do Frappuccinos taste good with almond milk? Many find almond milk Frappuccinos lighter and less creamy than dairy versions, but still flavorful—especially in fruit-based drinks like this one.
- What Frappuccinos did Starbucks discontinue? Starbucks frequently rotates regional and limited-time Frappuccinos. The Aomori Yadaramee Apple Almond Milk Frappuccino is a limited-time regional exclusive as of July 2026.
- Is the Frappuccino going away forever? No, but regional and seasonal varieties like this one are only available for a limited time.
Sources
- Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos
- Almond milk Frappuccino nutrition facts
- Homemade almond milk frappe recipe
- Reddit: Almond milk Frappuccino texture discussion
Want to try more creative Starbucks-inspired drinks? Explore our other copycat drinks or discover treat-inspired beverages for your next homemade café moment.
Ingredients
1 medium, peeled and chopped Aomori apple or sweet-tart apple
1 cup almond milk (unsweetened or barista blend)
1 1/2 cups ice
1/4 cup apple juice or apple puree
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons (to taste) sugar or simple syrup
1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for texture)
as desired whipped topping (dairy-free if desired)
Instructions
Peel and chop the apple, then blend with almond milk and apple juice until completely smooth.
Add sugar (or syrup), almond extract, and xanthan gum (if using); blend again.
Add ice and blend until thick and frosty, with no large ice chunks remaining.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Pour into a glass and top with whipped topping if desired. Serve immediately.
