Ahhh Fall. The season of Halloween, scary movies, Thanksgiving, and most importantly, PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES.
I don’t consider myself to be a basic person, at least for 3/4 of the year, yet when fall comes around, I cannot resist the urge to indulge in a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I am a self-proclaimed PSL fanatic. I am simply obsessed with the sweet, cinnamon-y, and mouthwatering taste that this beautiful drink delivers. I always try to drink at least one PSL a week during the fall, and make sure to start ordering them on the day they are released. So naturally, when I arrived on campus, I was determined to find a venue in which I could fulfill my annual PSL cravings.
Little did I know that I would find three venues in which I could satisfy this craving. But I didn’t want to just satisfy it, I wanted to find the best one. So I set out on my journey to do just that.
Charlie’s Coffee House — ⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
I’ve tried Charlie’s Coffee House drinks before and have been blown away. Their pumpkin spice, however, was not my favorite. It had the traces of pumpkin and cinnamon I wanted but it wasn’t strong enough to appreciate the full fall flavor. Still, I wasn’t completely disappointed – their brew, per usual, was phenomenal, as well as their service. I think I would give this latte one more go before I completely write it off, but as of now I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to purchase another cup.
Starbucks — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
The tried and true PSL. The one that first comes to mind when people even utter the name of the drink. I have had this decadent autumn delicacy many a time, and it is undoubtedly my FAVORITE latte back home, but would that still hold true in Selinsgrove? I ordered this drink knowing exactly what to expect, and was not surprised in any way. It was indeed the delicious taste of “fall splendor” that I had always known it to be.
Dunkin’ Donuts — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
For this pumpkin spice, you will have to venture off-campus, but the 10-minute drive is worth it. This is another staple autumn classic I have enjoyed back home. I again knew exactly what to expect and was not let down. I tend to not prefer Dunkin’ coffee, however, as I find the brew to be a little “watery” for my taste. I was pleasantly surprised upon trying the local Selinsgrove Dunkin’, as I found the brew to be slightly stronger than I had remembered, without sparing any of the pumpkin taste.
AND THE WINNER IS *CUE DRUMROLL*
Starbucks!!
This was the best latte hands down, and definitely satisfied my craving for pumpkin, cinnamon-y, goodness.