Starbucks is offering a new Cherry Blossom Frappuccino blended beverage, inspired by the Japanese sakura tradition, says the company in a press release. The Starbucks beverage is a blend of sweet strawberries and cream with white chocolate sauce and matcha drizzle, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of matcha.
Cherry Blossom Frappuccino will be available in participating U.S. stores for a limited time beginning today (March 15) through the first day of spring on Sunday, March 20.
In Japan, cherry blossoms are the national flower and a symbol of renewal and simplicity. Families, friends and colleagues gather under sakura trees and enjoy picnics and parties under the delicate pink blooms, a tradition that dates back at least a thousand years.
It is also time for new beginnings, marking both the coming of spring and the start of a new school year. Sakura festivals around the world honor the return of the cherry blossoms and celebrate Japanese culture.
While this is the first time Starbucks is offering Cherry Blossom Frappuccino blended beverage in the United States, Starbucks stores in Japan have offered a version of the beverage since 2010.
This year, Starbucks customers in Japan can enjoy the Sakura Blossom & Strawberry Latte and the Sakura Blossom & Strawberry Frappuccino Blended Crème.
