Starbucks Japan’s releases cassis-laced sakura Frappuccino

Starbucks Japan has released its second sakura offering of the year, with a new Frappuccino called the Sakura Cassis Strawberry Shiratama Frappuccino.

The new product follows on from the first installment, the Sakura Strawberry Shiratama Frappuccino.

The two drinks both contain sakura strawberry sauce and shiratama rice flour dumpling pieces in the base, along with sakura strawberry chocolate shavings on top and two flat pieces of nama yatsuhashi, a traditional Japanese sweet made from glutinous rice flour that’s considered a local specialty of Kyoto.

However, the addition of cassis distinguishes the drink in appearance and flavor from its first sakura beverage.

The drink is deliciously darker, and Starbucks says this is to symbolize the cherry blossoms at night.

The drink packs a big punch of sweet-and-sour cassis notes on the first sip, which didn’t wash out the sakura flavor that lingered on in the finish.

The wonderfully chewy texture of shiratama was apparent in every bite, and its faint sweetness satisfied the cassis' tartness perfectly.

The new Sakura Cassis Strawberry Shiratama Frappuccino will be on the menu until 15 March, along with the second installment of full-bloom sakura goods and drinkware.