Starbucks has announced the return of its viral Unicorn Frappuccino Blended Beverage for a limited time this summer. The drink, which first appeared in April 2017, quickly became a social media sensation, with the hashtag #unicornfrappuccino amassing over 150,000 posts on Instagram alone. The beverage will be available for one weekend, though the exact dates have not been disclosed.

Barista Challenges Resurface

While the Unicorn Frappuccino’s return is eagerly anticipated by many fans, it has also reignited concerns among Starbucks baristas. In 2017, the drink’s initial release led to complaints about its labor-intensive preparation and the overwhelming number of orders. Barista Braden Burson famously expressed his frustration on Twitter, describing the experience as stressful and messy.

Online forums like Reddit captured similar sentiments, with baristas sharing stories of running out of ingredients and dealing with high demand. Some described the drink’s flavor as akin to sour candy, while others noted the chaos it caused in stores due to insufficient supplies and staffing.

Starbucks’ Response

In light of these concerns, Starbucks has stated its commitment to providing adequate training and support to its partners for the upcoming launch. The company expressed optimism about a smooth rollout, citing positive feedback from employees regarding the announcement.

Despite the challenges, the Unicorn Frappuccino remains a significant draw for Starbucks, especially at events like the Coachella music festival, where it was recently featured. The drink’s vibrant colors and unique flavor profile, which changes from sweet to tangy when stirred, continue to captivate customers and serve as a social media accessory.

As Starbucks prepares for the drink’s limited-time return, both fans and baristas are gearing up for what promises to be another memorable, albeit hectic, weekend.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.