A staple frap on the Starbucks menu

Dark mocha chip frappuccino

Brand: Starbucks

Price: 595 yen

Place of purchase: Starbucks

Rating:

Starbucks often rotates their seasonal frappuccinos, and those usually come in around the 700 yen mark. Their standard, non-seasonal menu, however, is a little easier on the wallet, and this dark mocha chip frappuccino is one of the better ones IMO. It blends two flavors that go together incredibly well (coffee and chocolate), and it's convenient that you can get it in the full lineup of sizes -- typically with the seasonal fraps you only get the option of tall, whereas this one is available from short to venti. If you don't need all the bells and whistles (and novelty value) of the seasonal fraps, this is a really delicious frap that you can enjoy year-round.

595 yen is still pretty pricey for a drink -- less so than the seasonal ones, but still not cheap. If you do just want something icy and refreshing, the best thing from a value perspective is getting a convenience store frap, or even a squeezie pouch ice cream like Coolish. If you are passing by a Starbucks, though, this is a good option for something refreshing in the summer months that isn't as pricey as the seasonal options, and also comes in the full range of sizes -- so you can just grab a short size if that will satiate your thirst and cravings.