Starbucks Blends Alcohol and Ice

Japan doesn't do culinary boredom.

While people here are frothing over Starbucks sakura (cherry blossom) flavored drinks, the chain unleashed a Hokkaido blueberry wine and ice blend for one day on March 30. The clunky-named Wine Fraggino is another endearing example of Japanese Western word mangling, but it was created to launch the sophisticated Starbucks Evenings store.

In Tokyo's trendy Marunouchi district, it's Japan's first stand-alone Starbucks Evenings venue, serving wine and beer with cheese and small-plate dishes. With sleek wood panels, subtle hues and cosy furniture, it's a spin-off from the duck in and out plastic sip cup experience.

Those who missed the Wine Fraggino can console themselves with camembert and berry or cream cheese and orange tarts while crying into a beer.