It’s springtime!
I know….we are in tropical Philippines. There is no spring. But in many other countries with four seasons, the ground is suddenly coming out of its wintry sleep as plants and trees start to come alive. What a great time it would be in Japan as spring brings with it the sight of cherry trees all abloom with cherry blossoms.
Starbucks embraces the changing of the seasons with Sakura merchandise, beverages, a special card, and a special spring coffee blend.
The Azuki Blossom Cream Frappuccino has a velvety milk and sweet red bean base, topped with whipped cream, petals of white and pink rice blossom petals, and tart dried cranberry bits.
A green tea variation is the Matcha Azuki Blossom Cream Frappuccino, a blend of Matcha and sweet red bean. This cherry blossom treat is also sprinkled with pink and white rice petals and cranberry bits on top of whipped cream and red beans.
Both beverages are available beginning on March 12, 2019 (and till supplies last) for PhP 175 (Tall), PhP 190 (Grande), and PhP 205 (Venti).
Join in on the Cherry Blossom craze and visit Starbucks to witness spring in full bloom! Starting March 12, customers who purchase any of the two featured beverages can experience Cherry Blossom at Starbucks. Customers simply need to scan the QR code that can be found in each cup when they purchase either a Matcha Azuki Blossom Cream Frappuccino or an Azuki Blossom Cream Frappuccino. After scanning the QR code, they will need to locate the banner with the Cherry Blossom to trigger the AR experience. Upon scanning, customers can take their selfies under Cherry Trees of falling cherry blossoms. Visit the Starbucks Philippines Facebook Page for more details!
Sakura Merchandise
Aside from the cherry blossom beverages, Sakura-themed merchandise can be found in all Starbucks stores. With a dainty palette of pink, purple, and gold, the collection depicts two kinds of cherry blossoms, inspired by traditional hand drawings and oil paintings that captures its beauty. Some items from the collection include double-walled mugs with rubber lids in Blossom Pink and in Blossom Gray with Sakura motifs, tumblers like the clear Cold Cup designed with a sprinkling confetti blossom and complemented with a lid and straw.
And look, they even have adorable Sakura Bearista Keychains in his and hers! Each bearista is PhP 225.
Sakura Starbucks Card
The Sakura Starbucks Card is a challenge to find because to be honest, no one can resist getting it, whether you are a card collector or not. The Sakura card (available for an activation of at least PhP 300) shows the delicateness of the Cherry Blossom’s pale pink petals. It was released last February 19 and was bought up by card collectors in only a few days. I know, because I had been to at least four big stores and they no longer had the card. I think you may still be able to find the card in stores that do not have too much foot traffic because tonight, my daughter found a small Starbucks stall near a cinema and the card was still available there. Talk about good luck!
Sakura Spring Season Coffee Blend
Finally, a Sakura Spring Season coffee blend combines four distinct coffees from around the world, incorporating the qualities from each coffee growing region for which it is famous. The blend delivers a big syrupy body with striking flavors of dark cherry and cedary spice notes. It is also available as a VIA variant.
The Sakura Spring Season coffee blend is available from February 19 to April 18, 2019.
Every year, people always look forward to the Starbucks Sakura collection but this year’s line is truly something to try and own. Go visit your favorite Starbucks store now and check them out.