The New Starbucks Frapp Won't Be Around For Long

Fruitcake may be a humble dessert made from dried fruit, nuts, and spices, but it’s one of those things that people feel fairly strongly about come the holidays. Now the divisive treat is getting a makeover courtesy of Starbucks — and if you’re wondering, "When can I get a Starbucks Fruitcake Frappuccino?” Well, I have good news for you, friend: Those in Camp Fruitcake will be delighted to learn that the Fruitcake Frappuccino is already here, with baristas in participating Starbucks throughout the United States and Canada whipping up the cold concoction as we speak.

Whether you love it or hate it, fruitcake is a holiday staple. As such, taking into account Starbucks’ long and storied history of seasonal drinks, it was only a matter of time before the classic dessert got Frappified. However, unlike the holidy fruitcakes of yore that sit around uneaten for months in the tin, blink and you’ll miss the latest holiday drink; the new addition is only here for a limited time — just one weekend, in fact. Grab your gloves (you'll need them to hold the chilly cup), and head over to the nearest Starbucks location to grab this festive Frapp from Thursday, Dec. 15 through Sunday, Dec. 18, while supplies lasts.

Fruitcakes may often be mocked, but their roots are literally ancient: The first example of the festive cake dates all the way back to Ancient Rome, according to Smithsonian Magazine. Unlike the dense and rich modern catalogue fruitcakes, the Roman version used candied pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and raisins bound together with barley mash.

Over the course of the 20th century, fruitcake got a bad rap — but the Fruitcake Frapp has all the good parts of fruitcake without using any crumbly cake. To acheive a nutty, rich flavor throughout, the Fruitcake Frappuccino starts with a base of Hazelnut Creme Frappuccino, which is then blended with dried fruit. It's also spiced with cinnamon, to give it that warming kick (despite it being an iced drink), as well as topped with fluffy whipped cream, caramel dots, and a sprinkle of matcha. The color mimics those electric green maraschino cherries I know you're probably missing from the classic dessert. What's more? There are zero grams of caffeine in the drink — so you won't have to worry about being too buzzed to dream of sugar plum fairies and the like.

Behold the reimagined fruitcake in all its glory:

If anyone can revamp fruitcake's image, it's Starbucks. Just look at what they've done for "pumpkin spice" products — they turned a neglected orange gourd into an international phenomenon. A Tall (12 oz) Fruitcake Frappuccino will run you between $4.25 to $4.95 depending on the market, so it won't bust your holiday shopping budget — and if you're a Starbucks Rewards member, the coffee giant will even throw in an ugly sweater cozy as a little gift along with your seasonal Frappuccino purchase. Talk about tasty!

Images: Starbucks; Giphy