The fall season comes with a surge of pumpkin, gingerbread, apple crisp, caramel, hot chocolate, and other delicious fall-themed flavored drinks. Here is our list of popular fall drinks and where you can snatch them up for your slurping pleasure.
1) Pumpkin Spice / Pumpkin Fall Specialty Drinks
The Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew fall drinks have risen in popularity – firstly known for being widely available at Starbucks. Now, you can find a pumpkin spice flavored fall drink at pretty much any popular coffee shop chain. Although the pumpkin spice craze seems more recent, it’s actually been around for a couple decades. In fact, Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte turns 20-years-old this fall season. According to Nielsen, the popularity has reached new heights in recent years. The company cites that, as of July 29th, U.S. sales of pumpkin-flavored products reached 802.5 million. “That’s up 42% from the same period in 2019,” according to APNews.com.
Any way you slice the pumpkin – the most sought-after fall drink in America seemingly contains the phrase “pumpkin spice”, whether it be a cup of coffee, latte, cold brew, or any other sort of variation. In fact the term “PSL season” is now a thing. The hashtag #PSL is even trending on “X” (formerly known as Twitter). The growing acronym that’s picking up speed, “PSL” refers to “Pumpkin Spice Latte” season. Here’s where you can scratch that itch for your Pumpkin Spice fix:
Starbucks
The franchise has no shortage of pumpkin spice flavored fall drinks. On their menu you’ll find the following Pumpkin Spice items to choose from: Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, Pumpkin Spice Crème Frappuccino, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, or their Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte.
Dunkin’
Formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts, the franchise jumped on the Pumpkin Spice bandwagon. They were the first franchise this year in 2023 to release their pumpkin spice coffee lineup, kicking off the PSL season early. If you can’t get enough of Pumpkin Spice, you can also order a Pumpkin Spice donut or muffin along with your latte.
McDonald’s
Your drive-through experience just got even better as McDonald’s does indeed carry a Pumpkin Spice Latte. They explain, “Our pumpkin spice latte is freshly brewed and spiced to perfection with hints of pumpkin and cinnamon flavors.” Believe it or not, this latte might even be a healthier option. A small McCafé® Pumpkin Spice Latte which is 12 ounces is 240 calories with 7 grams of total fat and 33 grams of sugar. This nutrition breakdown is a daunting difference when compared to Starbucks’ 12 ounce Pumpkin Spice Latte, known as size “tall”, which is 300 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 38 grams of sugar. Basically, if you’re on a diet – consider McDonald’s! Their Pumpkin Spice Latte could surprise you.
Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s, like most popular franchised coffee shops, offers their Pumpkin Latte, a delicious fall drink, either iced or hot. What sets theirs apart is their house-made whipped cream and chocolate. Anything house-made with franchised restaurants or coffee shops is rare – so we commend them!
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is getting in on the action with FIVE different pumpkin-flavored fall specialty drinks. For a limited time this autumn, Krispy Kreme-goers can indulge in Pumpkin Spice Coffee, Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee, a Pumpkin Spice Latte, Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte, or a Frozen Pumpkin Spice Latte. View the full lineup with drool-worthy photos here.
7-Eleven
This convenient store stepped up to the plate and released their fall-only Pumpkin Spice Latte early this year. Back for a limited time is this affordable fall favorite: 7-Eleven’s Pumpkin Spice Latte. Only $2.19 for a large 20 ounce cup, $1.89 for a medium, and a mere $1.79 for a small.
2) Butter Pecan Iced Coffee
What would the fall or Winter season be without butter pecan? Healthier, but much less satisfying. Turns out this tasty treat to eat is also a big hit when consumed as a drink.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ has a Butter Pecan Iced Coffee that is something to be celebrated. The Butter Pecan Swirl drink made it’s debut in 2013 and was originally a fall-season only drink. However, in May 2023, Dunkin’ announced they’d be bringing back this fan-favorite year-round for consumers to enjoy. This perfect fall treat is now available at the nearest Dunkin’ near you.
3) Caramel Crumble Milkshake
The Caramel Crumble Milkshake is here to deliver some explosively sweet fall flavors in the form of a well-churned milkshake. It’s a limited seasonal item that will satisfy the sweetest of sweet teeth.
Chick-fil-A
As of August 28th, 2023 – Chick-fil-A released their seasonal fall items. Accompanied by a NEW Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, this Caramel Crumble Milkshake also made the short list. According to Chick-fil-A’s website, this shake, formerly known as the Butterscotch Crumble Milkshake, is made with butterscotch caramel flavors, hand-spun ice cream, blondie crumbles, and is topped with whipped cream and a cherry. The creator of this fall specialty drink, Christy Cook, claims she was inspired by the flavors that caramelize at the bottom of a blondie brownie pan. Holy yum! If you’re up for a chilling sweet treat this fall – the Caramel Crumble Milkshake should be a top contender.
4) Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
This new menu item is making it’s debut in 2023 by none other than the true predecessors of fall drinks: Starbucks.
Starbucks
With layers of Starbucks Blonde Espresso, spiced apple flavors and creamy oatmilk, we’re betting this fall specialty is worth a shot.
5) Salted Caramel Mocha Iced Blended Drink
Give your taste buds a break from pumpkin spiced everything and lend a gulp to this salty and sweet treat.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Sanjiv Razdan, president of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf brand, has announced what’s to come on their fall menu. Included in their autumn lineup is this Salted Caramel Mocha Ice Blended drink. This fall specialty drink will be brand spanking-new. The blended drink features the franchise’s signature 5-bean espresso blend, along with salted butter caramel flavor topped with a “special” Dutch chocolate powder. Don’t miss this debut! Give it a go and let us know what you think.
Time to Taste Test!
With plenty of time to spare in the fall, we’ll be sure and update this list with new fall specialty drinks we recommend. Are we missing one of your favorites? Comment and let us know.
