Starbucks' International Frappuccino That's Based On A Classic American Treat
The United States has many exciting food and drink trends, but one thing it's missing out on is international Starbucks beverages. From the Mango on the Beach Frappuccino with its very own chocolate umbrella to a Honey Ruby Grapefruit Cold Brew that combines coffee and lemonade (via QSR Magazine), such creative concoctions highlight foreign flavors and colorful artistry.
"Layered" Starbucks drinks certainly emphasize such artistry, as they're often filled with two or more layers that not only look appealing but also offer fun flavor combinations. Examples include the sweet n' tangy Sunset Drink and the Matcha Pink Drink, per Coffee At Three. Such layers can either be swirled around with a straw or sipped as is to experience the progression of flavors throughout the drink.
But one international Starbucks drink has paid homage to a classic American treat — and it's one that may bring back a few childhood memories.
Based on the banana split
It is said that the banana split was invented by David Stickler in 1904, who combined chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream with toppings, whipped cream, and of course, sliced bananas. He even asked a glassmaker to create a vessel that could properly hold his creation for consumption, which is how the "banana boat" came to be, according to the Pennsylvania Center for the Book.
Luckily, Starbucks locations in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East have taken note of Stickler's tasty invention, and thus, the Banana Split Frappuccino has been born. If you got your hands on this tri-layered drink, you would taste caramelized banana sauce, coffee, and mocha flavors, but if you want, you can swap out the coffee for a crème base. The drink is also topped with whipped cream and drizzles of mocha for an extra helping of sweetness and artistry, per Starbucks Stories & News.
Now if you don't live in an area where the Banana Split Frappucino is sold, you can always order a variation of it at your local Starbucks. As Glamour mentions, all you have to do is modify a Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino by adding vanilla bean powder, java chips, and a banana. And be sure to ask the barista for whipped cream and drizzles of caramel and mocha on top. It may not be an exact copycat of the original, but this modified one stays true to David Stickler's banana split sundae.