When I first saw the Unicorn Frappuccino, the first thought that came to mind was, "Aww, how adorable!" To be completely honest, I've never been a big frappuccino fan but watching my friends posting aesthetic pictures of the drink all over social media made me want to run to Starbucks and see if I could snag a refreshing frap. The Unicorn Frappuccino hit the open market from April 19 to April 23. Starbucks described the drink as a "shimmering purple and blue coffee drink that turns pink when you stir it." Sounds appealing. Although the drink was marketed as a "coffee drink" much to the dismay of consumers, it actually didn't contain any coffee. Many people that tried the drink described it as "sour and disgusting." The videos, memes and gifs of the infamous drink online showed the overarching negative sentiment towards the drink. To understand the Unicorn Frappuccino, I turned to one of my friends, Susana, who is currently a barista in Chula Vista.
Name: Susana Garcia
Position/Time at Starbucks: Barista, 1 year 5 months
On a scale from 1 to 5 how extra is the unicorn frappuccino?
On a scale from 1 to 5 the Unicorn Frappuccino is definitely a 4.
What is the unicorn frappuccino?
The unicorn frappuccino is a creme-based mango frappuccino with sour blue white mocha drizzle and pink powder blended in and both the powders on top. Basically what that means is that this drink has absolutely no coffee or caffeine.
How do you make it?
First, you measure your milk depending on the size, throw it into a blender, pump your mango syrup, pump your creme base, then scoop in the pink powder. Add ice and blend. While it's blending you line the cup with blue-white mocha drizzle and after you pour the drink you top it with whipped cream and sour blue and pink powder from 2 different shakers.
Would you recommend it to a friend? Why or why not?
No! It has no coffee and it's pricey. It has way more sugar than necessary and there are better drinks you can get for cheaper with better flavor.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about the unicorn frappuccino?
It's cute how it makes little kids excited and is a drink that could be a treat for them, although the sugar is still ridiculous. However, it is extra to make and it's frustrating how upset customers are that it was a limited time offering that we ran out of quickly.
In regards to the unicorn frappuccino, what is your message for Starbucks customers?
Just don't do it. It doesn't even have caffeine. A Slurpee is cheaper less sugar and better flavor.
