When I say controversial, I’m talking about when Starbucks first launched the Japanese-inspired drink, which didn’t contain cherries or cherry blossom flowers whatsoever. The news was not received nicely by the chain’s fans.
According to the company, the name was meant to be evocative of good times under a blooming cherry tree, and they never intended to add any cherry blossoms to the drink. That’s a bummer.
Well, this one might not have anything to do with cherry blossoms, but the Frappuccino is still one of the prettiest and tastiest drinks for spring and summer!
Here’s how to make your very own (copycat) Cherry Blossom Frappuccino at home inspired by Starbucks’ recipe.
Like all Frappuccinos, this is a blended iced coffee with a frothy texture, but this one’s creamy too. We’re adding half & half (or milk alternatives) and a bunch of frozen strawberries.
The berries flavor the drink, give it some color and help it with the icy consistency, so use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones.
Another meaningful trait in this specialty is the mocha sauce drizzle. Drizzling your cup before pouring in the drink is enough to change the drink completely, and it looks much more fun as well!
Finally, the cherry blossom Frappuccino has a thick whipped cream layer dusted with matcha. Why not? After all, this one is a Japanese-inspired drink.
What you’ll get is a tasty frozen drink, very much like Starbucks strawberries and cream drink, but with a chocolaty touch and tasty and nutritious matcha. Let’s just say this one gets a few extra points for originality.
You might not know this, but you can use authentic cherry blossom flowers in your drinks.
In fact, you can get authentic edible sakura cherry blossom flowers online, and use them to top your Frappuccino for a version that’s more authentic and overall better than the original.
Cherry blossom flowers are expensive, though, but sometimes you have to splurge a little, especially if you want to surprise a special someone with a Japanese Frappuccino they can’t even get at Starbucks!
You know what? Let’s not even over-think this one. Strawberries are already good enough to make this drink a crowd-pleaser! Let’s check out the recipe!
To make the mocha sauce, combine one cup of chocolate sauce or syrup with one tablespoon of instant coffee.
To make the Frappuccino, in a blender, add the ice, strawberries and half and half. Blend until frothy.
Drizzle the cup with mocha sauce and pour the coffee.
Garnish with whipped cream and dust with matcha powder.