Spring is in the air, my friends, and if you're finding it unbearable to wait out these final few days before the official spring equinox, Starbucks is serving up a delicious new treat to make your life a little bit easier. Does the Starbucks Cherry Blossom Frappuccino have caffeine, though? Short answer: no. But, this springtime beverage is so light and refreshing, you won't even need that extra shot of espresso to put an immediate spring in your step.
The new Frapp, available for a limited time only, was inspired by the Starbucks Sakura Blossom & Strawberry Frappuccino, which has been popular in Japan since 2010. However, this is the first time the flavor has made its way stateside, and like all good things, it's not here for long — get it now between March 15 and March 20 (aka the official first day of spring), or else plan on picking up one of the blended beverages the next time you find yourself wandering through Japan. But uh, before you do, let's nail down what exactly a Cherry Blossom Frappuccino is, shall we? I mean, it sounds like spring, but what does it taste like?
According to Starbucks, the new drink is "a blend of sweet strawberries and cream with white chocolate sauce and matcha drizzle, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of matcha." In other words, tea lovers (and non-tea lovers, for that matter) are in for a sweet and fruity surprise.
That being said, you may have noticed that "espresso" — you know, that thing that gives most Starbucks drinks their kick — wasn't listed anywhere in that ingredient list. That's probably for the best — I trust that Starbucks knows exactly what it's doing when it comes to magically creating its amazing flavor combinations.
Matcha, as tea enthusiasts know, is a type of green tea, but a Starbucks rep tells Bustle the new Frapp doesn't contain any caffeine. Not to worry, though — matcha comes with a slew of other health benefits. For one thing, it's full of antioxidants, not to mention it's a natural energy booster. So, while the Cherry Blossom Frappuccino might not be the caffeine IV you've come to depend on, it's still a perfect excuse to get out of the office in the afternoon for a little pick-me-up.
Depending on where you live, the new Frapp costs between $4.25 to $4.95, so grab one now. Like the cherry blossoms themselves, this drink won't stick around long.
Images: Starbucks; Giphy