Remember last year’s Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino craze? Instagram loved the colorful drink, which took unicorn frenzy to a new level. Unicorn cakes, cookies and pastries galore began appearing everywhere.
Starbucks baristas hated it. “Please don’t get it! I have unicorn crap all in my hair and in my nose. I have never been so stressed out in my entire life,” one barista from Colorado ranted in a YouTube video. Due to its limited-edition availability and Instagram-worthiness, everyone was ordering Unicorn Frappés left and right. Baristas had to juggle mango syrup, blue drizzle, pink powder and blue powder, which was complicated to make. The creme-based drink contained no coffee.
This year, Starbucks decided to ante up their game and wreak even more havoc on barista’s lives. Enter the Crystal Ball Frappuccino, reportedly launching March 22. It will be available for four days only -; or until stores sell out. According to intel leaked to Boing Boing, the Crystal Ball Frappuccino contains peach whipped cream, turquoise sparkles, candy gem topping and gem drizzle.
Sneak peeks have already started appearing on Instagram. Baristas have already voiced their disgruntledness, too. Despite how much their employees dread making the drink, Starbucks CFO Scott Maw said the unicorn frapp was a significant sales driver last April. So it’s no surprise they’re hoping for a repeat success.
If you want to keep people chattering about your brand, it appears that going all-in on Instagram is the most popular way to do it. Even Volkswagen has caved somewhat to the Instagram pressure by revamping its most Instagrammable vehicle.
At the same time, Gen Zers say they’re beginning to feel overwhelmed by social media. A recent study found that 41 percent report feeling anxious, sad, or depressed by platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Many of these 18-to-24 year olds say they’re considering taking a break or going off social media entirely.