It’s that time again when the leaves turn, and the air is getting colder, marking the fall season right around the corner. However, it isn’t time for scrolling through Pinterest for fall fashion inspo and cozying up in your dorm until Starbucks releases its long-awaited fall drinks.
The lineup this year consists of the classic pumpkin spice latte, iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte, apple crisp oat milk macchiato, iced apple crisp oat milk shaken espresso, pumpkin cream cold brew, and the pumpkin spice frappuccino. As an avid coffee drinker and a romanticize-your-life enthusiast, I decided to try all these drinks and rank them from worst to best.
#6 Iced Apple Crisp Oat Milk Macchiato
Initially introduced in 2021, the drink returns with a non-dairy option. This macchiato boasts flavors of a spiced apple pie, with brown sugar apple syrup and caramelized-spiced apple drizzle. Upon the first taste, it was more bitter than expected. The apple notes are subtle and don’t do the presentation of the drink justice. However, it was pretty standard for a macchiato.
This drink is not for you if you have a sweet tooth like me. But if you prefer a stronger coffee and need something to wake you up, then this drink will give you a decent boost to get you through your first class. I suggest ordering it upside down if you want to make the drink sweeter.
#5 Pumpkin Spice Latte
Controversial, I know. Hear me out, while this drink is an autumn classic, I found it lacking. Made with pumpkin spice syrup, steamed milk, and espresso, there was still something missing. It wasn’t what I thought it would be. The taste notes are light, with only a hint of spice. The hype of the pumpkin flavor doesn’t follow through to the drink. However, it’s famous for a reason.
If you’re looking for something not too strong or sweet, then this drink is for you. However, if you’re ready to dive into fall, I suggest customizing it with more pumps of pumpkin spice flavoring.
#4 Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
Another one of the newer drinks this year, this drink brings together the chai tea latte with pumpkin cold foam to make one pretty delicious drink, and to top it all off it’s dusted with pumpkin spice. This drink was definitely one of my favorites, with the chai base offering the perfect amount of flavor for the start of fall. The pumpkin cream cold foam was a bonus!
If you’re someone who’s looking to try something new or experiment with your order, then this is the perfect drink for you. However, if you’re not a fan of chai or cold foam then opt for something simpler to headstart your way into the season.
#3 Iced Apple Crisp Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
Made with Starbucks’s blonde espresso roast, and added hints of apple spice and apple brown sugar pumps, this new drink is perfect for that needed energy boost for a study session or racing to that job interview. While the flavor is on the lighter side, like its sister drink the Iced Apple Crisp Oat Milk Macchiato, the shots of espresso strengthen the flavor and tie it all together.
If you’re a fan of espresso and want something on the lighter side that will still get the job done, then this drink is for you. However, if you’re not a fan of espresso or a bitter aftertaste, then this drink is not for you, stick to the latte babes.
#2 Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
This simple drink gets a whole new makeover with the pumpkin cream cold foam. Not to mention the pumps of vanilla syrup that really sets in for the full effect of wanting to watch your favorite fall movies and stay in bed all day. The taste notes also have a cinnamon and nutmeg aspect that makes the drink even better.
If you’re a lover of a cold brew, then this drink is for you. If you’re looking for something darker or less sweet, then maybe wait until next season to try this one.
#1 Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino
Now this is the perfect fall drink. It tastes like pumpkin pie in a cup, with a rich pumpkin flavor that has more flavor than the latte, which newsflash, is so last year. The drink is equipped with whipped cream and spice dusted on the top to make it perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth or is a fall fanatic. Enough said.