Starbucks Happy Hour is Back and It’s Good for More Than Just Frappuccinos

Starbucks’ infamous Frappuccino Happy Hour has come to us every year since 2010. It’s since been marked by lines reminiscent of Walmart on a Black Friday, the whizzing sound of blenders and exhausted baristas covered in chocolate syrup.

For years, tired moms and cubicle people have avoided Starbucks’ happy hour because Frappuccinos can’t offer the volume of caffeine necessary to get them through the midday slump.

Starbucks’ first Happy Hour of 2018 is March 29 at participating stores in the U.S. and Canada, and includes 50% off any espresso beverage from 3 p.m. to close.

Future Starbucks Happy Hour events will happen through 2018 and feature select beverages, including espresso, iced tea, and of course, Frappuccinos.

As with anything in capitalism, there’s a catch: These events are “invite only.”

You’ll need to show your barista a ring code from an invitation email or scan your mobile app.

But Starbucks isn’t the “you can’t sit with us” type of company. All Starbucks Rewards members get an invite automatically loaded to their account.

If you’re not a member, you can visit the Starbucks Happy Hour page on the chain’s website to sign up for email invites.

Jen Smith is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder and gives tips for saving money and paying off debt on Instagram at @savingwithspunk. She has volunteered to leave work early to check out the legitimacy of this Happy Hour deal. You’re welcome.