It's almost Frappuccino time again -- the weather starts warming and in comes the slew of flavored, iced coffee concoctions drizzled with syrup. All across the world, Starbucks outlets are getting creative with what they put in this delicious frozen coffee drink.
While frozen coffee is not exactly a new thing, the actual term "Frappuccino" is the exclusive provenance of the Starbucks coffee company. It consists of coffee (though you can now also get milk or chai versions for the non-coffee drinkers) blended with various other ingredients and ground ice, and topped with whipped cream and syrup.
The word "Frappuccino" actually originated in Boston, in 1995 -- it's a portmanteau of "frappe" and "cappuccino" ("frappe" is pronounced "frap" without the accent in Boston). While many other coffee companies now offer their own versions of the Frappuccino, only Starbucks can officially use the name.
And Starbucks is making the most out of their investment... different outlets around the world put a lot of thought and effort into coming up with unique flavors for their iced coffee drink.
Granted, the more "interesting" Frappuccino creations come from Japan and the Asia-Pacific region: The Japanese are well-known for their propensity for pushing the envelope on their flavor combinations in most foods from candy to ice cream to potato chips. The trick comes with blending flavors that you know to be generally delicious but wouldn't really think to put in a Frap' glass... açaí berries? Earl Grey jelly... anyone?
These flavors may seem strange but it seems to be a world of "anything goes" when it comes to the Frappuccino. The English have taken their love of strawberries and cream to the next level by combining it into a Frap' for a creation that is very popular, particularly at the height of summer.
Read on to find out more about the unconventional and original Frappuccino flavors around the world.
-- Serusha Govender, The Daily Meal
More Content from The Daily Meal:
Starbucks Secret Menu Update
8 Unhealthiest Hot Starbucks Drinks
America's 50 Best Coffee Shops
9 Ways to Drink Coffee Around the World
11 Diseases Coffee Can Prevent