Today marks the very first day of what will likely be a new era for the caffeinated world: Starbucks debuted its long-awaited Unicorn Frappuccino, and already it has taken over Instagram with its mythic, magic force. The drink is not only photogenic AF, but changes both color and flavor mid-drink. And if you think you can handle that kind of awesomeness and then some, there are plenty of Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino hacks to make it (le gasp) even better than it is in its original form.
Though truly, I will say that as a person who tasted this blessed concoction, it is quite the experience as is. The drink has a creme frappuccino base mixed with mango syrup and spun with sour blue drizzle, and is topped with whipped cream and pink and blue "unicorn dust" — TL;DR, a dream for your tastebuds. The flavor changes from sweet to tart, and the color changes from purple to pink, giving it the awesome transformative powers that perhaps only a true unicorn could wield.
Granted, the drink will only be available in participating Starbucks stores from Thursday, April 19 to Sunday, April 23, so we'd better make the most of the time we've got. Here are a few hacks to bear in mind when you're ordering your Unicorn Frappuccino.
If You Live In A Big City, Order On Mobile
OK, OK, this isn't exactly a hack. But consider two things: the line at Starbucks is may be super congested with Unicorn Frapp fans, and it may be a lot easier for you (and more convenient for the baristas) to make any customizations to your drink on the app, rather than have someone type them out on the register for you in person. Plus, if you're not already using the app, it's a super easy way to make sure you're always cashing in on those Bonus Stars!
Try It With Raspberry Syrup
The Unicorn Frapp, as beautiful as it is, is a little bit visually confusing — few people would guess its mango flavor based on the purple and pink coloring of it. If you want to try it a little more true to the traditional flavor colors, ask for the barista to replace the mango syrup with raspberry syrup instead.
Add Drizzle To Your Whipped Cream
At Starbucks, not only can you specify whether you want your whipped cream light, regular, or extra, you can also ~jazz it up~ by adding either caramel drizzle or chocolate drizzle to the top of it — which might help to temper out some of the tartness, once the flavor changes.
Add Some Cinnamon Dolce Topping
Add a little kick to your unicorn hooves by asking for the topping that usually goes on the Cinnamon Dolce Latte, a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar.
Add Some Frappuccino Chips
The same way a lot of Starbucks' iconic Frappuccino beverages are blended with chips, you can have them blended into the Unicorn Frapp as well. Warning: it will most definitely affect how your 'grams turn out. But who doesn't like a spotted unicorn?
Blend In Some Banana
Yet another unexpected mixer that you can have added to this new drink? Banana! The combo of mango and banana will make for an extra tropically-themed unicorn drink.
Add In Some Protein Or Fiber Powder
If you want to be the kind of unicorn whose hooves pack a little extra punch, then add some protein or fiber powder to your drink — two mix-ins that can be blended with Starbucks Frapps.
Get It Double-Blended
Another option you have for customizing not just the taste of your drink, but the texture, is to try it double-blended. It means exactly what it sounds — the barista blends the frapp a bit more, resulting in a slightly smoother texture — though really, this affects things with add-ins like bananas or chips more than it does drinks without.
Try It With Peach
Another flavor that might complement this mango-flavored drink? Swapping it out for peach. Heck, if you're feeling crazy, get one pump of mango and one pump of peach to combine the flavors. Be the unicorn of your own destiny, friend!
The Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino will only be around Thursday, April 19 to Sunday, April 23, so if you're going to try any of these hacks, there's no time to waste! Happy frolicking, y'all.
