Starbucks has a profound reputation for embracing the fall season with its well-known classics: the Pumpkin Spice Latte and the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. While these two drinks hold a special place in loyal Starbucks-goers’ hearts, are they the only fall specialties that the franchise has to offer?
The pumpkin craze began 18 years ago, according to a USA Today article: “Experts say we have Starbucks to blame – or thank – for the flood of pumpkin spice fare. After the Seattle-based chain started selling its Pumpkin Spice Lattes in 2003, others quickly hopped on the trend.”
Now fans annually welcome the pumpkin drinks when Starbucks officially releases them. However, Starbucks-goers can add new fall-inspired delicacies to their list of go-to drinks for the season.
The first is a 2021 on-the-menu drink: the Apple Crisp Macchiato.
The Apple Crisp Macchiato
In addition to the pumpkin-flavored beverages, other fall favorites return to Starbucks, such as the Salted Caramel Mocha and the Maple Pecan Latte. But to spice up the autumn menu for 2021, Starbucks introduced the Apple Crisp Machiatto on Aug. 24.
The café company officially welcomed the drink on a Sept. 9 Instagram post: “The taste of caramelized apples, brown sugar, and spiced apple drizzle all baked into a cup. Introducing Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato.” The beverage is available hot or iced, which is perfect for the traditional duo of warm and cool weather that autumn has to offer.
Apple flavors, brown sugar, espresso, milk and a caramelized drizzle combine to form the newly popular beverage. Starbucks-lovers were quick to taste and rate the macchiato on a scale from an unsavory waste to a delicious fall addition. Food blogger Nicole Renard reviewed the beverage for her 2 million followers on TikTok, saying the macchiato is “cinnamony” and a little too “sweet,” but she would get it again.
@nicole_thenomad Sooooo good 😋🍎☕️ @starbucks #starbucksdrinks #starbucks #applecrispmacchiato #pumpkinseason
The Apple Crisp Macchiato’s presentation resembles the Caramel Macchiato. An ombre of golden apple-pie swirl and white milk meet the gooey caramelized flavor at the bottom. Of course, a good stir makes for good taste. At first sip, the Apple Macchiato runs basic until the pleasurable aftertaste of an apple strudel. The generous dose of apple flavor makes up for the lack of brown sugar. Yet, the drink is delightful.
Priced at $5.25 for a Grande, the Apple Crisp Machiatto is a worthy addition to the sweater weather season. Starbucks successfully spices up a classic drink and brings new flavors to their menu. The drink is available for a limited time, while supplies last.
2. Iced Chai with Caramel Drizzle and Pumpkin Spice
While this next beverage is not an official on-the-menu item, its touch of caramel and pumpkin send autumn vibes and offer a cozy and comforting pick-me-up. To embrace the crisp mood, order an Iced Chai Tea Latte with caramel drizzle and pumpkin spice — it’s a game-changer.
The TikTok user @misselenaious uploaded an Aug. 27 video of her Iced Chai recommendation that received over 800,000 views. Commenters expressed their love and appreciation for the easy-to-order beverage, saying that it’s their “new favorite go-to” and like “fall in a cup.”
@misselenaious My new favorite 🍂🎃🍁 #fallfeels #icedchai #latte #starbucksdrinksyoushouldtry #starbucks
An original Iced Chai Tea Latte infuses cinnamon, clove and other warming spices into a black tea. Although it has an adequate balance of sweet and spicy, the caramel drizzle and pumpkin spice enhance the drink for a more amber setting. A frothy cream drink meets a popular fall flavor to create a nostalgic and tasty experience.
To some extent, Starbucks’ Chai Latte is one of those drinks that tastes like a candle. If the aromas of Bath and Body Works during the fall and winter season could transform themselves into beverages, Chai Tea would be on the list.
However, the $4.25 drink is still an exquisite and unique beverage for tea and coffee lovers alike. In contrast to the Pumpkin Cold Brew and Apple Crisp Macchiato, the drink is on the menu year-round, even if the pumpkin spice is not here to stay.
3. Brown Sugar Espresso With a Touch of Pumpkin and Mocha
The last fall drink is an uncommon yet extraordinary one: an Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso with two pumps of white mocha, pumpkin cream cold foam and extra cinnamon dolce sprinkles. In any case, the more specific the Starbucks drink, the more likely it’ll taste phenomenal.
TikTok user @annalovescoffee shared the Brown Sugar drink that she has been “obsessed” with. Passing 3 million views, the video reached avid Starbucks-goers, including TikTok-famous Anna Sitar, who is infamous for her frequent Starbucks runs. The comments were flooded with those in favor of the beverage and those willing to try it.
@annalovescoffee so obsessed with this one👀 the brown sugar and pumpkin mix is so good 🤤 #starbucks #fyp #barista
Originally, Starbucks released the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso on March 2. The ordinary Blonde espresso combines brown sugar, cinnamon and oat milk for a powdered and refreshing drink. But adapting everyday Starbucks treats to the fall season is what passionate goers do.
All it takes is a good shake to get the drink going. The extra cinnamon sprinkles may add on too much powder — considering the amount of brown sugar — but they surely add a dose of spice to an otherwise dull beverage. White mocha brings a creamy thickness to the powdered drink, thereby balancing its original texture. And the pumpkin cold foam is the cherry on top as a happy sample of autumn.
At $5.45, the enhanced Brown Sugar Espresso is a perfect addition for fall go-to Starbucks drinks. Even those who aren’t fond of brown sugar should definitely give this drink a chance.
Conclusion
The classic pumpkin beverages at Starbucks are fan favorites. Yet, no matter how delicious, the same, typical drinks can become old and tasteless. No one should lose any spice during the fall season, so these three drinks should help diversify a fall go-to drink list.
Starbucks uploaded a recent Instagram post sharing three ways that fans can add to their fall favorites: They suggest adding Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam to the Iced Chai Tea Latte, the Iced Caffe Latte or the Iced White Chocolate Mocha. Whatever the drink, pumpkin foam is an easy supplement and perfect for the sweater weather.
This fall, try out new, flavorful drinks that’ll induce a perfect fall ambiance.
