After nearly a decade of longing this viral ‘magical’ drink from the US is coming to Britain

| Senior Lifestyle Reporter Published July 22, 2026 5:07pm Updated July 22, 2026 5:07pm The drink was a huge hit nearly a decade ago (Picture: Reuters) In April 2017, Starbucks added a single drink to its menu which soon became a sprinkle-laden cream-topped powdery blue and pink sugary phenomenon. Available in the US, Canada and Mexico for just four days, the coffee house sparked a mad rush for its now iconic Unicorn Frappuccino, as posts about the drink went viral online. What’s in this Y2K unicorn explosion? The drink features a ‘magical’ sweet and tart blend of creamy mango flavours layered with a tangy blue drizzle, topped with whipped cream and a sweet and tart pink and blue powdered topping. But in news that’s rocked the internet, the cold beverage will be available in UK Starbucks stores for the first time ever, nearly a decade since it first hit the menu. You’ll need to be quick though, because it will only be available in participating stores from August 15 to 17 this year, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Starbucks announced it on its Instagram page alongside a picture of the drink, writing: ‘Something magical is coming.’ Fans were elated in the comments. ‘I swear if you’re lying,’ wrote one. ‘Praise the lord,’ added another. ‘It looks like a literal unicorn, but bet ya I’m trying it,’ someone else chimed in. ‘Oh, we only waited 10 years,’ complained one fan. That being said, it does look like it could be a bit of an assault on the senses. One even joked: ‘I like need to try that but lowkey kinda scared.’ On Instagram back in 2017 fans compared it to tasting like ‘liquid gummy worms and popsicles’ and a ‘whole rainbow of different flavours’. Inspired by Instagram’s ‘unicorn food’ trend, which essentially involves dying food into bright colourful explosions or adding a DIY marshmallow unicorn to the top. This could be on cakes, drinks and even in bread-making for those who have mastered the art of a loaf. Once the drink went viral, it even inspired nail art tutorials and hairstyles. More recently, the drink made an appearance at the pop music festival Coachella three months ago, alongside the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Madonna, Justin Bieber and more. When it hits UK stores for the first time, a Unicorn Cake Pop will also be part of the lineup. It’s essentially a vanilla cake pop covered in white chocolate, with chocolate ears and a white chocolate unicorn horn and finished with colourful sprinkles, black icing eyelashes and rosy icing cheeks. Did you say that all in one breath? But while many Starbucks customers are on the edge of their seats waiting for the viral drink’s arrival, employees aren’t so keen on the latest addition. Staffers online shared they were stressed about having the Unicorn Frappuccino on the menu, largely because it’s a hard-to-make drink, which could cause lengthy queues in-store. ‘I’m honestly horrified as a Starbucks barista…’ complained one staff member. ‘please no (I work at Starbucks),’ added another. ‘You don’t understand how complicated the menu has gotten and how fast they keep adding new drinks… it’s stressful when they do drops like this,’ explained one employee. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Either way, the iconic Unicorn Frappuccino has people talking, and it arrives in less than a month. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: I’ve tried wines that cost £100 but this cracking £8.99 bottle from Lidl outperforms them Arrow MORE: I’m a nurse — these are the key signs of heatwave overhydration Arrow MORE: Forget iced lattes, there’s a better way to drink your morning coffee The Slice Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.