We have come full circle to the Spring Equinox once again. Today, day and night are of equal length and hence forward the days will begin to get longer with the arrival of spring. This year, the Spring Equinox has the unusual distinction of coinciding with both a supermoon and a total solar eclipse.
Around the world people celebrate the arrival of Spring with varying traditions. Yesterday, I posted about Japan and how Cherry Blossoms signify the arrival of Spring. Cherry Blossoms or Sakura, as the Japanese call it, are so momentous in Japan that Starbucks comes out with signature drinks during the season. This year Starbucks rolled out its Cherry Blossom Frappuccino in the United States. If you want to try it, today is the last day that they will be offering it, as they are only featuring it to welcome in the first day of Spring.
I was a bit disappointed by it because, though it celebrates Cherry Blossoms, there are actually no cherries in this new Frappuccino. Instead, it’s a strawberries and cream blend with white chocolate and matcha drizzle, with whipped cream and a sprinkle of more matcha on top. How can a drink that carries the namesake of the delicate Cherry Blossom, not actually have any flavor of Cherry Blossoms or cherries for that matter? Before I go any further, I must state that I love Starbucks, I’m actually an addict when it comes to their mocha or frapps. However, this particular Frappuccino did not do justice the Japanese celebration of spring and Sakura season.
How To Make Spring Equinox Cherry Blossom Frappuccino
To celebrate Spring Equinox, I decided to come up with my own version of a Cherry Blossom Frappuccino that I could actually deem truthful to the name.
My first quest was to find Cherry Blossoms. Cherry Blossoms are edible and Japanese shops will have pickled or sweet Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) available during this season. You can easily make Cherry Blossom Tea by brewing the flowers in hot water.
I was also looking for quality Matcha, since Starbucks uses it in their version. Now Matcha itself is basically a powdered green tea. So, I thought of using green tea in my Frappuccino.
Then I came across Cherry Blossom flavored green tea, which I thought could be just what I needed. There are several companies that offer this flavor of green tea, which you can purchase online.
I did want some freshness to the drink, because that is what spring is all about and adding some real cherries was essential. I opted for a cherry sauce and green tea combination with vanilla ice cream and whole milk. Homemade cherry sauce is awesome; I definitely suggest trying it. I made mine using a Quick Cherry Sauce Recipe from Eating Well. Here is how to make my homemade Spring Equinox Cherry Blossom Frappuccino.
Spring Equinox Cherry Blossom Frappuccino
Ingredients
2 tablespoons cherry sauce
2 tablespoons green tea (you can also use cherry blossom flavored green tea)
½ cup whole milk
½ cup vanilla ice cream
Fresh whipped cream to top off the drink
1 maraschino cherry for topping
Method
In a blender mix together cherry sauce, green tea, milk, and ice cream.
Pour the mixture into a glass leaving ¼ cup empty. Fill the rest of your glass with whipped cream and top with a maraschino cherry.
Happy Spring Equinox!