halloween
Frappula 2016 Is Confused
Starbucks has brought back its Halloween-themed Frappula for 2016, but this year’s version is confused. The 2015 version featured a mocha base, various layers, and a “bloody” raspberry syrup. On first glance, the 2016 version has the same recipe according to the official Starbucks app.
But in-store, the Frappula has strawberry instead of raspberry.
While it works, I’m liking the mocha-raspberry combo over the mocha and strawberries of 2016. Or maybe it’s because the mocha is accidentally missing from my Frappula? I had thought my drink looked a little too whitewashed.
I asked about the strawberry substitution, and the answer given made perfect sense. Currently, the raspberry syrup used by Starbucks is clear, so it wouldn’t impart that bloody look like red strawberries.
The Best Halloween “Costume”
While it’s not yet October 31, 2016, I’m calling this the best “costume” of this Halloween season.
Yup, that’s a humongous roach on the side of the house. But, no worry! There’s a big can of Raid waiting…
The Frappula Is NOT Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah
Starbucks Frappuccino creation for Halloween 2015, the Frappula, is anything but blah, blah, blah, blah. It definitely is interesting looking with the raspberry syrup mimicking blood. And it’s even cooler watching the blood trickle down the sides of the cup, slowly infusing with the white chocolate Frappuccino mix.
The base of the drink is pumps of mocha sauce which when mixed, pretty much destroys the visual appeal of the Frappula. But you kinda want that mocha and raspberry combination in this drink, meaning you gotta mix the drink for the best flavor. You can’t just suck up the mocha sauce because that’s just too overpowering. The white chocolate Frappuccino is creme based, so there’s no caffeine. Mixed together, the flavors blend nicely, and the Frappula is not too sweet either. I was expecting uber sweet, but I’ve had sweeter drinks from Starbucks before. Don’t be fooled, this drink is loaded with fat but is a fun changeup for the rest of October.
The Vampire Frappuccino looks interesting as well but oddly is available only in Europe and Latin America.
Here are more pictures of the Frappula as the different layers are gradually mixed together.
From Franken Frappuccino to Frappula
Although I’m not a Frappuccino fan by any means, the seasonal specialities suck me in. Last Halloween, it was the green-ish Franken Frappuccino. In 2015, Starbucks is featuring Dracula in the “Frappula.”
The Frappula has mocha sauce, white mocha Frappuccino, whipped cream, and “bloody” raspberry syrup. Go find the Frappula starting on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 until Halloween. I wonder if it’ll appear on the Mobile Order menu?
Halloween 2014 Highlight #liehagi
The highlight of Halloween 2014 has to be this chance trick or treating encounter with local weather dude, Guy Hagi. This Hawaii News Now meteorologist gained some recent social media attention with the #liehagi meme poking fun at the inaccuracies of weather forecasting. But Guy took this ribbing in stride and owned #liehagi as this pic illustrates.
Guy and his group were trick or treating and happened upon a fellow costumed Halloween-er who was dressed as the #liehagi meme. Guy had to congratulate the guy and took a pic with his weather set. Awesome!
Franken Frappuccino. I Had To.
I just had to do it. Pulpconnection readers know I’m not a fan of the Frappuccino. A non-coffee-based Frappuccino is downright egregious, but with Starbucks offering the Franken Frappuccino, I had to get this monstrosity. Based off a green tea Frappuccino, the Franken also has white mocha, java chips, mocha drizzle, whipped cream, and either peppermint or classic syrup, and my Franken creation looked this this.
The best part of this is the $3 cost after 2pm. Until October 31, you can get the Franken Frappuccino (or any grande Frappuccino) for only $3. That’s really a deal for this normally $6+ drink.
I have to admit that the Franken isn’t my style. The taste is unmistakably green tea, but the overall combination was kinda odd. While I’m not lactose intolerant, I will admit that the Franken gave me a run for the money.
Smashing Pumpkins
Or exploding pumpkin or pumpkin time bomb. Call it what you want, but it is something to watch. Who even thought of putting rubber bands around a pumpkin to begin with? Then watching the results is even more fascinating.
If you want to see what happens, let Jimmy Fallon demonstrate. And yes, protective gear is highly recommended.
Lost a Sword, Anyone?
Did someone lose a sword? I found it.
Or should I be concerned that there’s a random (toy) sword lying around the neighborhood??
Ghostbusting Gangnam Style
Now your Halloween is complete with this mashup of the classic Ghostbusters title track and the recently viral Gangnam Style.
Happy Halloween!
Is That a Red Cookie Monster?
Sadly, kids nowadays don’t recognize the costume on the right. No, it’s not Elmo or a red Cookie Monster. Do you remember this Sesame Street character?
You Can Have the POWER!!!
By the power of Greyskull, you too can have the POWER!
On Halloween. You. In this. Saying “I have the POWER!”
Hat tip to Valdezign.