I am a huge...I mean HUGE Starbucks fanatic.
I have tried other
latte's and
frappachinos....none of them seem to measure up to the high standards made by Starbucks.
While
Dunkin Donut's Caramel latte is
delish, it doesn't hold a candle to Starbucks Caramel
Macchiato. And forget about
Mc D's Caramel latte....didn't stand a chance! So it is natural that I would be a bit apprehensive about trying
Mc Donald's new Caramel
Frap.
But the ads for it are everywhere. I can not go through the drive
thru window at
Mc Donald's without the cashier asking me "Welcome to
Mc Donald's. Would you like to try one of
Mc Donald's new Mocha or Caramel
Frappachino today?" To which I always respond with a polite and blunt "No, thank you." After all, Starbucks makes the best Caramel
Frappachino ever...why mess with a good thing, right?
Magazines have conducted taste comparisons, most of which have stated
Mc D's version is shockingly better. And at half the price, a better value as well. This "perked" my interest. Should I try it? I mean, summer is coming and I do consume many
fraps during the dog days of summer. Of course the bargain shopper in my head was screaming "Hey! You can get 2
Mc D's
fraps for the price of one at Starbucks!" Good point, duly noted. And with the rising price of gas,
Mc D's is a whole 6 miles closer than my closest Starbucks.
My resistance was wearing thin.
Last night, I caved. After contemplating my impending purchase all day I decided to go for it. I mean, what did I have to lose? $2.29? If I didn't like it I can confidently say that was the price to pay for knowledge. I wouldn't have to wonder anymore.
I was still leery when I got up to the counter and asked the assistant manager, who I am friendly with knows exactly how to make my 5 times a week addiction to a large Sweet Tea with light ice and a lemon, "tell me the truth, is this drink as good as Starbucks?" Her answer, and the answer of 3 of her coworkers..."It's better!" They're paid to say that. I am sure
Mc Donald's has a secret camera somewhere recording and waiting for the moment one of their staff members bashes the food they are hired to sell. I quickly ordered my drink before I can change my mind. "Let me know what you think" the assistant manager said when she handed me the frozen concoction.
My verdict: It was absolutely heavenly! You can literally taste the coffee in the
frap as well as the caramel, something I didn't realize up until now was not as profound in Starbucks version. Another plus, their
frap is well blended....no sucking up pieces of ice, a common annoyance of mine when I drink Starbucks Caramel
Frappachino.
Starbucks, you have met your match! Consider yourself, on notice.
