Mango Strawberry Sunrise Frappuccinos

Mango Strawberry Sunrise Frappuccinos — a vibrant, creamy layered blended drink with mango and strawberry layers, ready in 10 minutes. Bright, fresh, and irresistible.

Yield & Timings

• Yields: 2 servings
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Blend time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 10 minutes

Tools (what you'll need)

• High-speed blender (or blender with “ice/crush” setting)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Two tall glasses (chilled if possible)
• Small spatula or spoon
• Knife and cutting board (for garnish)
• Fine-mesh strainer (optional, for extra-smooth layers)

Ingredients (Makes 2 servings)

Strawberry layer

• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1/2 cup milk (or strawberry juice for extra fruit flavor)
• 1 tbsp honey or granulated sugar — optional
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice (brightens the flavor)

Mango layer

• 1 cup frozen mango chunks
• 1/2 cup ice
• 3/4 cup coconut milk or oat milk (use unsweetened for less sugar)
• 1 tbsp agave or maple syrup — optional

Toppings (optional)

• Whipped cream
• Sliced strawberries or mango pieces
• Edible glitter or tropical sprinkles
• Tiny paper umbrella or decorative straw for flair

Substitutions & notes: Use any plant milk (almond, oat, soy) for dairy-free; swap honey/agave for a zero-calorie sweetener if you prefer. For thicker texture, add half a frozen banana to either layer.

Step-by-step method

Pro tip: make each layer separately and keep them cold — layered visual impact depends on contrast and density.

1 — Make the strawberry layer

1. Add 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup ice, 1/2 cup milk, optional 1 tbsp honey, and 1/2 tsp lemon juice to the blender.
2. Blend on high until smooth and scoopable (stop and scrape down once if needed). If you want an ultra-smooth finish, press the puree through a fine sieve.
3. Transfer the strawberry mixture to a bowl and chill briefly in the freezer (3–5 minutes) while you prepare the mango layer. This helps preserve the layer separation.

2 — Make the mango layer

1. Rinse the blender, then add 1 cup frozen mango, 1/2 cup ice, 3/4 cup coconut or oat milk, and optional 1 tbsp agave.
2. Blend on high until silky and thick. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

3 — Build the “sunrise”

1. Pour the mango layer into each glass first — fill about halfway. It should be thick enough to hold shape.
2. For the cleanest layers, hold a spoon just above the mango surface and slowly pour the strawberry mixture over the back of the spoon so it gently settles on top. Work slowly; patience preserves the sunrise gradient.
3. Add whipped cream and fruit slices if using, then serve immediately with a straw.

Tips for guaranteed success

• Use fully frozen fruit for creamy texture without too much milk. Slight thawing will make layers mix — keep things cold.
• If layers start to blend, stop pouring and chill the top briefly (1–2 minutes) before finishing.
• For a thicker frappuccino: reduce the milk by 1–2 tablespoons or add 1/2 frozen banana. For a thinner, drinkable slush, add another splash of milk.
• Blend in short pulses at first to avoid overheating, then finish on high for smoothness.
• If you want clearer layers, make the bottom layer slightly denser (less milk) and the top layer a touch thinner. The densest layer should go first.
• Taste as you go — fruit ripeness varies, so adjust sweetener sparingly.

Variations & additions

• Tropical Sunrise: Add 1/4 cup frozen pineapple to the mango layer.
• Creamy Dream: Use coconut cream (small splash) or add a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt for tang and body.
• Protein boost: Stir 1 scoop unflavored or vanilla protein powder into the mango mixture.
• Adult version: Add a splash (1–2 tsp) of light rum or mango liqueur to the mango layer for a boozy twist.
• Low-sugar: Skip honey/agave and use ripe fruit only; choose unsweetened plant milk.

Storage & reheating

• Blended drink: Best enjoyed immediately. Texture and foam will dissipate—if stored, keep in an airtight jar in the fridge and consume within 12 hours. Reblend briefly before serving to recover texture.
• Make-ahead components: Store each fruit puree in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze portions for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reblend.
• Reheating: Not recommended — this is a cold beverage. For warmed fruit purée (used later in smoothies or warm sauces), gently warm on the stove and re-spice if needed.

Approximate nutrition (per serving)

Assumptions: recipe makes 2 servings; calculations assume 1/2 cup 2% milk and 3/4 cup unsweetened oat milk and include the optional 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp agave. Toppings are not included.

• With honey + agave (approx.):
• Calories: ~212 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~44 g
• Sugars: ~38 g
• Fiber: ~3.5 g
• Protein: ~4 g
• Fat: ~3.7 g
• Without added sweeteners (approx.):
• Calories: ~150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~27 g
• Sugars: ~21 g
• Fiber: ~3.5 g
• Protein: ~4 g
• Fat: ~3.7 g

Note: These are rough estimates. Exact nutrition will vary by brand of milk, fruit ripeness, and whether you add toppings.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q — Can I use fresh fruit instead of frozen?
A — Yes. Use chilled fresh fruit and add more ice to reach the same slushy texture. Frozen fruit gives a creamier, colder frappuccino with less dilution.

Q — How do I get the clean layered “sunrise” look?
A — Pour the denser layer first (mango), chill briefly, then slowly add the second layer over the back of a spoon. Keep both mixtures cold and slightly different in thickness.

Q — Can I make this vegan?
A — Absolutely. Use plant milk (oat, coconut, almond) and swap honey for maple syrup or agave.

Q — Can I make one serving?
A — Yes—halve the ingredients or simply scale to taste.

Q — How do I make it thicker and creamier?
A — Add 1/2 frozen banana or reduce milk slightly. A spoonful of Greek yogurt (if not vegan) also helps.

Q — Is it kid-friendly?
A — Yes—skip any alcohol and use minimal added sugar. The fruit alone is naturally sweet.

Q — Can I prepare ahead for a party?
A — Make fruit purees and store them chilled. Blend and layer right before serving for the best visual and textural result.

Final note (a little nudge)

Go on — make one now. The first time you pour that strawberry pink over golden mango and watch the colors settle, you’ll grin. It’s a tiny, delicious sunrise you can drink. Share a photo if you love how it turns out; I’d be excited to hear which variation became your favorite.