Today, in "International Food I Desperately Want But Can't Have Due to My Location", we see this: Starbucks Japan recently launched a tiramisu-flavored Frappuccino. Known as the Classic Tiramisu Frappuccino, it combines the custard, sponge cake, and coffee goodness of the classic Italian dessert with the frozen goodness of a blended Frappuccino, making it the perfect treat to enjoy when the weather starts to warm up . There's just one problem: It's not available anywhere else in the world - so if you want one, you actually have to go to Japan to get it. Que, Sera, Sera, am I right?
According to Starbucks Japan's social media pages, the Classic Tiramisu Frappuccino will be launched on March 20. However, this isn't the first time a tiramisu-inspired drink has appeared on Japan's Sbux menu. Back in 2013, another tiramisu-like concoction appeared in Starbucks stores in Japan, and although they were only available for a limited time, they were so popular that fans have been trying to recreate them ever since smell. (May I recommend the Starbucks Secret Menu?)
Now, though, an official version is available again — and interestingly, it doesn't appear to be a coffee-based Frappuccino, despite the fact that tiramisu is famous for being a coffee dessert. Instead, according to the Starbucks Japan website, it uses a custard base—and I mean actual custard: its ingredients include eggs, just like a good custard should. Cheese is obviously involved; however, lest you be surprised by the idea of cheese in a Frappuccino, Sora News 24 specifies that it's mascarpone - a sweet, creamy cheese often used in desserts. (Frappuccinos seem to differ from cheese teas in this regard; the cheese in cheese teas is usually cream cheese, not mascarpone.)
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Anyway, according to the Starbucks Japan website, the custard base is mixed with coffee-soaked sponge cake (so, hey, at least there's some coffee in there, even if the drink doesn't use the famous Frappuccino coffee base! ); then sprinkle with whipped cream and dark mocha powder. The result sounds a bit like a tiramisu milkshake — and, in fact, according to Twitter, it's pretty popular:
"Yummy," the tweet below read:
Some even liken it to mana from the gods:
Heck, yes.
Sadly, like many good things in the world, the Classic Tiramisu Frappuccino is only available for a limited time - in fact, that time is almost here: April 10th will be yours, Sora News 24 reports The last day to get it. Japanese and Asian news sites also report that it will only come in one size: Tall. The price is 590 yen, which is approximately US$5.30.
But hey, even if you miss the classic Tiramisu Frappuccino, Starbucks Japan regularly rolls out new seasonal treats; in fact, two new Strawberry Frappuccinos will be on the menu on April 11th, right? After the Tiramisu Frappuccino sets sail into the great, sweet unknown. The exact ingredients of Frapps are currently completely unknown, but they are marketed under the name "Strawberry Very Much," so if you're a berry fan, they're sure to please.
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Oh, and while we're on the topic of Starbucks Japan, here's a fun fact: the Cloud Macchiato that made a huge splash a month ago has a different name in Japan. There, it's called Mousse Foam Caramel Macchiato. What's more, you can get a few other "mousse foam" drinks there, including one unique to the region: the Tokyo Roast Mousse Foam Latte, which combines the new cloud foam with Tokyo roast coffee , provided by Tokyo Roasted Coffee Company. The newly opened Tokyo Reserve Roastery. Um.
One thing's for sure: Even if there's a Starbucks on every block in your city, Starbucks stores aren't the same across the globe — and if you're traveling to Japan anytime soon, don't give up on the idea of going to a Starbucks while you're there. You might find something you can taste anywhere else in the world.
