Key facts
- Starbucks will re-release the Unicorn Frappuccino Blended Beverage for one weekend this summer.
- The drink was first launched in April 2017 and became a viral sensation.
- Baristas previously complained about the drink being labor-intensive, messy, and stressful to make.
- Starbucks states it will provide training and support to partners for the drink's return.
- The company expects positive feedback from partners and a smooth launch.
Starbucks has confirmed that its highly popular and viral Unicorn Frappuccino Blended Beverage will be returning for a limited one-weekend engagement later this summer. The drink, first introduced in April 2017, generated significant social media buzz, with the hashtag #unicornfrappuccino accumulating over 150,000 Instagram posts. Its initial five-day run in 2017 was marked by a rush of customers eager to try and post about the colorful beverage, leading to widespread social media engagement. The drink was described as a crème Frappuccino blended with mango syrup, layered with a blue drizzle, topped with vanilla whipped cream, and finished with pink and blue powder. Starbucks highlighted its transformative nature, noting that stirring the drink would change its color from pink to purple and its flavor profile from sweet and fruity to tangy and tart. However, the drink's popularity also led to considerable backlash from baristas who found it difficult, messy, and stressful to prepare due to its complex ingredients and high order volume. Barista accounts from 2017 described sticky hands, purple-stained environments, and shattered blenders, with some expressing extreme stress and regret over making the drink. Online forums reflected these sentiments, with users humorously or desperately detailing the chaos. Despite these past challenges, Starbucks announced the drink's return, stating its commitment to providing partners with the necessary training and support to prepare the Unicorn Frappuccino confidently. The company indicated that partners have responded positively to the announcement and anticipates a smooth launch.