Starbucks Fall Coffee Menu: The Dos and Don’ts This Season

Happy fall y’all! This 2022 autumn season has been especially beautiful with a full display of fall colors and sunshine. With this annual change comes the annual return of fall flavors and pumpkin and cinnamon are in the air. Many find themselves heading back to Starbucks to get a taste of the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte, but there are other flavors to try this season. In hope of preventing careless spending, here are the rankings of some Starbucks 

favorites from some of our fellow students. From the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte to Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew to Iced Apple Crisp Oat Milk Macchiato….. What will be your favorite?  

We designed an experiment to see what our fellow classmates and teachers think of these 3 drinks.  We asked a variety of peers to blindly taste the three most popular fall menu drinks, and then write a review sharing their opinions on these drinks.  

First up was the Apple Crisp Oat Milk Macchiato. Layered flavors of apple, cinnamon, oats, and brown sugar combine in harmony with Starbucks Blonde Espresso, creamy oat milk, ice, and spiced apple drizzle to create a delicious apple crisp you can sip. A nostalgic autumn pick-me-up.

 This flavor can come hot, iced, or as a frappuccino.  This fall treat came in last place. 

 ‘’It tastes like stale cheerios, there’s too much sugar,”  says Emily Grove. Even some of the TWHS staff tried this drink but weren’t impressed with it.  

“Nasty it tastes like mold, and cleaning solution,’’ says Mr. Pflieger.  Although the reviews were not raving about this drink, some students were more fond of it than most.  

“Not too sugary, cold brings out the essence of the drink very well .” Nidin Nair wrote. 

With this drink coming in last place we were surprised to see it turned out to be the most expensive, at $5.75 for a Grande (Medium Size).  

The fall drink that was the next most popular was the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, this drink received mixed reviews, but got mostly positive feedback from TWHS students and staff.  This drink starts with a base of regular cold brew, two pumps of vanilla syrup, topped with pumpkin cream cold brew, and pumpkin spice topping.  This is the cheapest drink on the Starbucks fall menu setting you back $4.45 for the medium (Grande) size.  

‘‘A little strong but still pretty good… needs more creamer’’ Emily Grove said.  Daniela Coutinho also felt there was something missing from this drink saying  ‘’This one has the strongest coffee taste but it tastes watered down and not enough pumpkin.’’

Unlike the Apple Oat Milk Macchiato, and the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, the Pumpkin Cream Cold brew got almost completely positive reviews.  The Pumpkin Spice Latte Starts with two shots of signature espresso roast, followed by four pumps of pumpkin sauce, two percent milk, and topped with pumpkin spice topping and whipped creme.  Although that sounds like a lot to just go into one cup of coffee, the tasters thought it was the perfect combination of fall flavors. 

 “Amazing 10/10” Ladan Elmi said after trying all the fall drinks.  

‘’This is very good and tastes like fall, and a good nap 1st place’’ Emily Grover said.  

Daniela Coutinho thought it was different than the other two drinks saying ‘’Stronger coffee tastes, nice balance. I like it, it’s my favorite.’’  This fall favorite is $5.75, the same as the Apple Oat Milk Macchiato. 

Feel free to check out these fall drinks, but don’t forget local businesses and your own homemade fall favorites to make this Fall-bulous season.