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    StandardRecipe

    Orange Cardamom Frappé

    The BYOB Team5 min1 drink (from a batch of Orange Cardamom Syrup that makes about 12 servings)$0.68/drink145 cal/drink

    Uses Orange Cardamom Syrup — make a batch ahead of time; it keeps in the fridge for a week or two, so you won't need to make it again for every drink.

    Ingredients & steps

    Standard

    Ingredients

    • 2oz espresso, freshly pulled (or 1/3 cup strong coffee/cold brew)
    • 2 tbsp Orange Cardamom Syrup (make a batch ahead of time -- it keeps about 2 weeks in the fridge)
    • 1.5 cups ice (about 10-12 standard cubes)
    • 4oz cold milk
    • Optional: whipped cream and a strip of orange zest for topping

    Steps

    1. 1.Make a batch of Orange Cardamom Syrup ahead of time if you haven't already -- it keeps about 2 weeks in the fridge.
    2. 2.Pull a double shot of espresso (or brew strong coffee/cold brew) -- no need to cool it first.
    3. 3.Add the espresso, orange cardamom syrup, ice, and cold milk to a blender.
    4. 4.Blend on high for 30-45 seconds until smooth and slushy with no ice chunks left.
    5. 5.Pour into a 16oz glass, top with whipped cream and a strip of orange zest if using, and serve immediately with a straw.

    Swap the milk

    This recipe is written with Kirkland Signature Organic A2 Whole Milk (4oz). Pick a different milk to see the cost and calories update below.

    Milk: Kirkland Signature Organic A2 Whole Milk

    Cost per drink

    $0.68

    Calories per drink

    145

    Not medical or nutrition advice. Calorie figures on this page are estimates based on typical ingredient values, not a lab analysis of your exact batch — they'll shift with the brand of milk, syrup, or protein powder you actually use. "Ingredient-Honest" and "sugar-free" describe what's in the recipe, not a health claim. If you're managing diabetes, a caffeine sensitivity, pregnancy, or another condition, check with a doctor or dietitian before making a recipe part of your routine. Read the full disclaimer.

    Orange cardamom shows up more on independent-café menus than at the big chains — a citrus-and-spice pairing our Orange Cardamom Latte is built around. This blends the same syrup with espresso, milk, and ice into a proper frappé.

    Make the Syrup First (Just Once)

    This recipe assumes you already have a jar of Orange Cardamom Syrup in the fridge — it keeps about 2 weeks and makes roughly 12 drinks’ worth. If you haven’t made a batch yet, go do that first, then come back here.

    Building the Frappé

    1. Pull a double shot of espresso (about 2oz), or brew strong coffee/cold brew instead.
    2. Add the espresso, 2 tbsp of the orange cardamom syrup, 1.5 cups of ice, and 4oz cold milk to a blender.
    3. Blend on high for 30-45 seconds until smooth and slushy.
    4. Pour into a 16oz glass, top with whipped cream and a strip of orange zest if using, and serve immediately with a straw.
    Café Orange Cardamom Frappé vs. Home Version
    Café grande orange cardamom-style Frappuccino blended drink (specialty-café pricing)$6.45
    Home orange cardamom frappé (espresso, milk, ice, syrup)~$0.68
    Savings per drink$5.77

    The syrup batch itself is a one-time ~$1.90 and makes about 12 drinks — see the full syrup recipe for the batch method. Same batch also covers the hot/iced latte version.

    Assumptions: grande-size blended drink, specialty-café pricing for a citrus-and-spice flavor (this specific combo skews independent-shop rather than big-chain), dairy milk, $16/lb specialty beans or equivalent grocery beans. No seasonal ceiling — at 5 a week over the site’s standard 48-week year, that’s roughly $1,385/year back in your pocket versus the café version.

    Swaps & Notes

    • No espresso machine? Strong cold brew or a moka pot shot both work fine.
    • Want a floral pairing instead? See our Lavender Frappé for a different specialty-café flavor.
    • Watching sugar? This is Standard-tier only for now. Blend the Sugar-Free Orange Cardamom Latte iced with ice yourself for a lower-sugar version today.

    Recipe Card Summary

    Orange Cardamom Frappé

    • 2oz espresso + 4oz milk + 2 tbsp Orange Cardamom Syrup (made ahead) + 1.5 cups ice, blended
    • Prep time: 5 minutes (after the syrup is made) · Total: 5 minutes
    • Cost: ~$0.68/drink vs. $6.45 café equivalent

    FAQ

    Does the syrup use real orange and cardamom?

    Yes — real orange zest and ground cardamom are steeped into the syrup base, not orange/cardamom flavoring extracts. See the Orange Cardamom Syrup recipe for the full batch.

    Can I make this without a blender?

    The iced Orange Cardamom Latte uses the same ingredients poured over ice instead of blended.

    Why is the café comparison price different from some other frappés on the site?

    This flavor combination is more common on independent/specialty café menus than at big chains, so the comparison price reflects that segment rather than a mass-market Frappuccino-style price point.

    Keep exploring

    Browse by ingredient tier

    Or skip this drink and explore every recipe in the Ingredient-Honest, Standard, or Sugar-Free lineup.

    Browse more Frappé recipes →