Starbucks Japan unveils first sakura drink for cherry blossom season 2019

Drink the blossoms this year with a chilled cup of sakura.

Every year, there’s one thing we look forward to almost as much as the cherry blossoms, and that’s all the limited-edition sakura-themed releases that start lining the shelves. Now, Starbucks is leading the charge with a new product that looks set to be the star of any good hanami picnic basket this season: the Sakura Chocolate with Strawberry Jelly chilled cup.

While Starbucks is yet to unveil their in-store sakura Frappuccino and latte beverages for 2019, they’re kicking things off with a more readily available offering, as the chilled cup will be available at convenience stores around the country. It’ll be easy to spot as well, with its gorgeous packaging showcasing pink and gold sakura, with blue accents hinting at a brilliant spring blue sky, all playing out underneath a pretty domed pink lid.

The drink inside will be a delicious blend of creamy milk, white chocolate and sakura, with tiny strawberry-juice jelly pieces providing a sweetly tart flavour and an enjoyable textural sensation.

Sakura and strawberry has been a winning flavour combination for Starbucks releases over the past few years, but this year’s chilled cup is a world away from last year’s version, which featured the flavours of cherry blossom mixed with caramel and mixed berries.

The new Sakura Chocolate with Strawberry Jelly chilled cups will be available to purchase from convenience stores around the country at a recommended retail price of 219 yen (US$2) from 12 February.

Source, images: Starbucks Japan