If you’re anyone who’s anyone, then you’ve heard about the infamous pumpkin spice latte. This drink has taken the fall by storm and become a must have every morning. The PSL, or pumpkin spice latte, is a seasonal, cream topped Starbucks drink using their “signature espresso and steamed milk with the celebrated flavor combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.” It’s even topped with whipped cream and real pumpkin-pie spices.
Before we had the PSL, pumpkin spice was known simply as a blend of spices that was used to make pumpkin pie. This combination includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. In the 1930’s, spice companies like McCormick & Company came out with a revolutionary product: pumpkin pie spice. This is a pre blended mix of all the previously stated spices that meant bakers could buy just one spice instead of many. Today, McCormick’s blend, originally launched in 1934, includes four spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
The Starbucks employee credited with bringing the idea to the company is Peter Dukes, whose team created many other seasonal drinks like the eggnog latte and peppermint mocha. Although the PSL debuted in only 100 of over 6,000 Starbucks in the United States, it is now available as a seasonal menu item around the world. Since 2003, Starbucks has sold more than 424 million pumpkin spice lattes in the US alone, making it one of the most popular seasonal beverages of all time.
Pumpkin spice has become a cultural phenomenon and truly represents the changing of the seasons. The PSL’s unforeseen popularity gave rise to an entire market of pumpkin spice products, with everything from pumpkin spice hummus to marshmallows to mac and cheese. Next time you head over to Starbucks, consider sipping on a hot or iced PSL to really embrace the autumn season. Hurry while supplies last!