Innovation is intrinsic to human nature. The neanderthals did it; the Vikings did it; and now, Starbucks fiends around the world are doing it, creating their own spin-off of the infamous Unicorn Frappuccino — the Dragon Frappuccino. Yes, really. What's in the Dragon Frappuccino? Read up, because you may have to explain this to your barista. (Seriously, don't just go and ask them to make a "Dragon Frappuccino," because it is not their job to know the names of "secret menu" drinks that are not on the official Starbucks menu.)
Emerging from social media in a puff of pink and blue smoke, the "Unicorn Frappuccino" immediately caught on following its limited edition release last week. With a creme base, mango syrup, sour blue syrup, and "pink and blue powder," the initial visual impact would have been enough to entice eager food Instagrammers everywhere; but, in mixing the drink up, you changed the color and the taste? To say people got "amped" was an understatement.
The Unicorn Frappuccino was scheduled to run in Canada, the United States, and Mexico from April 19 through April 23, or until supplies lasted. But hey, guess what happens when you're serve a Sweet Tart in a cup named after a trendy mythical creature? Of course supplies did not last. That did not mean, of course, that people stopped ordering the drinks, though — which is when some enterprising Starbucks baristas began to get really, ingeniously crafty.
The "Dragon Frappuccino," as it has come to be known, is still visually beautiful (think green and purple instead of pink and blue); however, consumers on social media have also noted that it's not quite as sweet as the Unicorn Frappuccino, which might be a plus for some folks. And, perhaps best of all, the base for this one has caffeine in it, which the Unicorn Frapp did not.
Dragon Frappuccinos are not officially on the Starbucks menu, and in a statement provided to Bustle, a Starbucks spokesperson notes, "If customers want to order a beverage that is not listed on our menu boards, we recommend they know the recipe so that their barista can handcraft the beverage perfectly for them."
Don't be rude and assume your barista has read this article. Here's what to order, according to one Instagram user's description:
1
Green Tea Frappuccino
A creme base, ice, milk, and matcha powder (powdered green tea with a li'l bit of sugar to make it not taste like you're drinking leaves). Yum.
2
Vanilla Bean Powder
Even with the slightly sweet matcha powder, the Dragon Frappuccino has to stand up to Unicorn Frappuccino, which changes flavor while you drink it. Do that by asking your barista to add some vanilla bean powder when they blend the Frapp up.
3
"Berry Cup Swirl"
It's a swirl of berry syrup in your cup, but per usual, Starbucks has a special way of doing it.
