Servicemembers stationed in Japan can’t get the colorful new Unicorn Frappuccino; however, they will be able to try a sweet, limited-edition Starbucks beverage that might remind them of home.
The American Cherry Pie Frappuccino — available only at Starbucks throughout the country until May 16 — is a sweet, vanilla-based, non-caffeinated concoction that includes semi-tart cherry chunks, whipped cream and a dome-shaped pie crust on top.
The crust is fairly solid, and customers must punch through it with a straw before they can slurp the sweetness below.
Several Japan-based Stars and Stripes staffers sampled the new treat, which garnered mixed reviews. Many described the beverage — available only in a tall size for 680 yen (about $6.30) — as more of a milkshake than a coffee drink.
Yokosuka-based reporter Tyler Hlavac, who usually isn’t a fan of the coffee giant’s expensive and sugary offerings, said he was surprised that the American Cherry Pie Frappuccino wasn’t overly sweet.
“There was very little [sugar], and the drink isn’t bad,” he said, rating it 3.5 out of 5 stars. “I used a spoon to scoop up the crust, which was fairly crunchy and tasted like real pie crust.”
Denisse Rauda, a web editor from Yokota Air Base who worked at a stateside Starbucks for three years, found the drink to be a little too sweet, though she said the crust helped balance out the flavor.
“I don’t think Americans or Japanese people will like it very much,” she said, giving it 2 stars.
Yokota-based reporter Leon Cook, a coffee teetotaler, said he seldom goes to Starbucks.
“I’ll try it, but I can already tell you I won’t like it,” he said before ordering the new beverage.
Cook was pleasantly surprised.
“I kept waiting for the bitter coffee taste that I hate so much,” he said, giving the drink 3.5 stars. “Not only was there no coffee taste, there isn’t any coffee at all. It tastes pretty good.”