Starbucks Japan Reveals New Valentine’s Day Frappuccino
Starbucks Coffee Japan has announced a new premium beverage designed to bring a sophisticated coffee experience to the Valentine’s season.
The Cacao Espresso Affogato Frappuccino is set to launch nationwide later this week, offering a marriage of depth and sweetness that combines the flavors of authentic espresso with rich chocolate.
This limited-time release is centered around the concept of an “ultimate Affogato Frappuccino experience,” encouraging customers to treat themselves to a moment of luxury during the Valentine’s period.
The beverage begins with a cream cacao base that balances a creamy richness with a smooth texture, providing a solid foundation for the coffee elements.
To create the “affogato” effect, baristas pour fresh espresso into the drink, allowing the hot coffee to melt into the base and release a fragrant aroma and deep aftertaste.
The drink is finished with a topping of whipped cream and “cacao shave,” a chocolate garnish designed to melt easily in the mouth, adding another layer of rich flavor.
A defining feature of this release is the inclusion of a waffle cookie which is handed to the customer in a separate package.
This addition introduces a new style of consumption where the customer is encouraged to dip the cookie into the Frappuccino, adding a savory texture to the creamy beverage and completing the “ultimate” experience.
For those seeking an even richer taste profile, the company recommends customizing the drink by adding chocolate sauce, which is available for free.
This modification enhances the depth of the cacao and balances the bitterness of the espresso, creating a more indulgent flavor profile suitable for the season.
In conjunction with the new beverage, Starbucks will also be holding a special event titled “Latte Heart DAYS.”
Running for four days from Saturday, February 14, 2026, to Tuesday, February 17, 2026, this campaign focuses on the craftsmanship of the baristas.
During this period, baristas will attempt to create heart-shaped latte art for customers who order a hot Starbucks Latte served in a ceramic mug, aiming to add a touch of warmth and connection to the customer experience.
The Cacao Espresso Affogato Frappuccino is available in Tall size only.
It is priced at 884 yen (approx. $6.00 USD / £4.70 GBP) for takeout and 900 yen (approx. $6.10 USD / £4.80 GBP) for in-store use.
Sales are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Starbucks locations nationwide, though Starbucks Rewards members will have access to a pre-sale starting Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
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