Starbucks Crystal Ball Frappuccino Is Now Available From Coast to Coast | Eater
"The Crystal Ball Frappuccino is a peaches-and-cream, crème-based limited‑time beverage topped with whipped cream, turquoise sprinkles, and one of three candy garnishes—green for good luck, blue for adventure, and purple for “magic.” Images and leaked build instructions circulated on Instagram ahead of a last‑minute confirmation from the company, positioning the drink as a viral, novelty follow-up to last year’s Unicorn Frappuccino (which sparked coast‑to‑coast barista meltdowns). It runs as a four‑day release through March 26 and was praised for leaning into a mystical concept, capitalizing on a peach trend, and timing its spring launch, but was critiqued for failing to resemble an actual crystal ball, relying on white chocolate, and evoking past novelty misfires (from holiday‑themed Frapps to memories of Crystal Pepsi). Eater gave it a middling Ridiculous Novelty Beverage rating of 5.7, reflecting both its playful appeal and its visual and flavor shortcomings." - Greg Morabito
