Cherry Blossom Frapuccino

Posted on: 2017-03-30 9:48 AM

Frustrated that you haven’t been able to order a Cadbury Crème Egg McFlurry, a rainbow bagel, or a donut cone? Well, thanks to Starbucks, you can finally get a trendy international drink at your local store. The coffee company just released to the USA, one of its Japanese exclusives that it’s been serving since 2010: the Cherry Blossom Frappuccino.
 
The Frappuccino is “a blend of sweet strawberries and cream with white chocolate sauce and matcha drizzle, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of matcha,” according to a press release. It is inspired by Japan’s national flower, the Sakura, which is seen as a symbol of renewal and simplicity. It’s a tradition for the Japanese to gather under the cherry blossom trees and enjoy the coming of Spring with friends and family.
 
Looking to bring some spring into the workday, the RealSimple.com staff took a couple of grandes for a road test. Here were our thoughts:
 
The majority of tasters thought, overall, the drink was quite sweet. “It was more of a dessert than a drink to me,” Laura Schocker, executive editor, said.

Sarah Karnasiewicz, food-editor, said it tasted like powdered strawberry Nesquik. Many other testers, too, were surprised at the strawberry taste since the name had “cherry” in it.

The matcha syrup gathered at the bottom of the cup, so no one could really taste it. Many staffers had trouble discerning the white chocolate flavor, as well.

Sarah Yang, home-editor, was apprehensive about tasting it, since “cherry blossom” implied a floral taste, but was pleasantly surprised. “I could see it being a refreshing drink in the summer,” she said.
“I kind of wish there could be a little bit of coffee in here because it’s SUPER sweet and sugary,” said Eva Hill, video producer.

“I couldn’t imagine drinking an entire one because of the concentrated flavor,” said Grace Elkus, editorial assistant. “I thought it tasted slightly medicinal and artificial.”
The drink did win over one of our staffers, Rebecca Hart, art director for RealSimple.com, who happily took the remaining Frappuccino to her desk.