Yes, a caramel frappe is typically considered a coffee drink because it includes coffee as a key ingredient.
Understanding the Caramel Frappe
A caramel frappe is a popular blended beverage known for its sweet, creamy texture and distinct caramel flavor. While it might seem like a dessert because of its sweetness and toppings, its base often includes coffee.
According to the provided reference, the composition of a caramel frappe involves several core components:
- Buttery caramel syrup
- Coffee
- Milk
- Ice
These ingredients are blended together, and then the drink is often topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce, adding extra richness and flavor.
Key Components
Let's break down the essential elements mentioned in the reference:
- Coffee: This is the fundamental component that classifies it as a coffee beverage. While the strength or type of coffee can vary, its presence means caffeine is usually included.
- Caramel Syrup/Sauce: These provide the signature caramel taste and sweetness.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and body to the drink.
- Ice: Crucial for creating the slushy, frozen texture characteristic of a frappe.
- Toppings (Whipped Cream, Caramel Sauce): Enhance flavor and presentation.
Why it's Classified as Coffee
The inclusion of coffee in the base mixture, as stated in the reference ("Buttery caramel syrup meets coffee, milk and ice for a rendezvous in the blender"), confirms its classification within the coffee drink category. Although the flavor profile is heavily influenced by caramel and sweetness, the presence of coffee means it's not just a flavored milkshake or a coffee-free blend.
Different cafes or recipes might vary slightly in their exact proportions or the type of coffee used (espresso, coffee extract, etc.), but the core definition typically includes coffee as an ingredient.
