Starbucks’ New Cherry Pie Frappuccino Is a Feat of Pastry Architecture

Behold, a Frappuccino designed to mimic the look and taste of a cherry pie a la mode. Add Starbucks’ newest creation — which is officially called the American Cherry Pie Frappuccino — to the list of things Japan has and the U.S. does not. According to a press release, the coffee company’s newest invention combines cherry sauce, a vanilla-flavored cream base, and whipped cream, under a pie crust dome.

Baristas make the drink by layering cherry compote, vanilla-flavored froth, whipped cream, and more compote before topping the fluffy beverage with a pastry dome. A straw is poked into a hole at the top of the dome, making consumption as easy as, well, pie.

The beverage release coincides with cherry blossom, or sakura, season in Japan, an annual event that celebrates the blossoming of the country’s pink cherry trees. Last year in honor of the season, Starbucks U.S. released a Cherry Blossom Frappuccino, a pale pink drink flavored with strawberry syrup, white chocolate sauce, and topped with a matcha drizzle.

But it’s that pie crust dome that sets this new Frappuccino apart from all others. The pastry shell takes the place of Starbucks’ usual clear plastic domed lids, and offers consumers a snack that’s built right into the drink. For several years, LA coffeehouse Go Get Em Tiger has served a pumpkin spice coffee beverage topped with a round of pie crust, but that crust has never been shaped like a dome. The architectural element on Starbucks Japan’s Cherry Pie Frapp is visually and structurally among the most impressive coffee innovations we’ve seen yet.

Agent Cooper, Twin Peaks’ hero and main character and noted coffee and cherry pie obsessive, would approve.

When asked if Starbucks had plans to introduce the drink stateside a spokesperson said no: “We don’t have plans to release the American Cherry Pie Frappuccino in the U.S. right now, but as always we continue to listen our customers’ feedback and look for opportunities to bring fan favorites from around the world to the U.S.”

If you currently live in Japan, or have plans to visit, please do try this drink and report back. The American Cherry Pie Frappuccino is only available at Starbucks’ Japan outposts from April 13 until May 16.

• American Cherry Pie Frappuccino® [Release]
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