Starbucks is springing forward with a new Frappuccino drink called the Cherry Blossom Frappuccino. The limited edition drink is only being made available in the U.S. and Japan.
The new colorful frozen drink is a nod to the light pink Cherry Blossom trees that bloom in the early spring. The frosty green and pink drink was inspired by the Japanese sakura matsuri, or annual cherry blossom festival, which celebrates rebirth and renewal with parties underneath the delicate pink and white blooms that are Japan's national flower.
While the drink may be new in the States, it has been served in Japan since 2010. Lovers of Starbucks in Japan can also enjoy a Sakura Blossom & Strawberry Latte and the Sakura Blossom & Strawberry Frappuccino Blended Creme this spring. The cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan and are a symbol of renewal and simplicity.
"Families, friends and colleagues gather under sakura trees and enjoy picnics and parties under the delicate pink blooms, a tradition that dates back at least a thousand years," a press release for the new Cherry Blossom Frappuccino read. "It is also time for new beginnings, marking both the coming of spring and the start of a new school year. Sakura festivals around the world honor the return of the cherry blossoms and celebrate Japanese culture."
The Cherry Blossom Frappuccino does not include either cherries or blossoms, but it is a "sweet strawberries and cream with white chocolate and matcha drizzle, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of matcha."
The new springtime drink will only be available until the first day of spring, which is Sunday, March 20. If you can't get to a Starbucks before Sunday, the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., starts on March 20 and goes through April 17. Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates "the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC."
"The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries," the website said.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival has tons of different events that take place on the National Mall, such as a pink tie day party, a blossom kite festival, a parade and fireworks.
