As the Autumn season approaches, people express their festivity in many different ways. Some decorate their homes with Autumn decor, others go to corn mazes and visit pumpkin patches, and people like me snuggle up with a cozy blanket to watch a movie with a drink in their hand that screams “fall.”
Starbucks comes out with many seasonal menus with new and returning items. Their annual autumn menu these past years has consisted mainly of pumpkins and pecans, but where are they grown? In the heart of the Walla Walla Valley, farmer Jeff Leber grows the signature pumpkin flavors found in Starbucks’ renowned and flavorful drinks. Leber has been growing and supplying the pumpkins for the company since 2018. Their autumn menu this year consists of six drinks, five of which are returning: the renowned (iced or blended) Pumpkin Spice Latte, an Iced Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte, an Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and lastly, the new Pecan Oatmilk Cortado. These delicious creations will be taste-tested and ranked from worst to best by me and sophomore Julitza Gonzalez.
At the bottom of my list is the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. I wasn’t expecting much because I know cold brews are very bitter. But from other reviews, people seemed to like this beverage. Perhaps it’s because I don’t like black coffee, but this item has a strong and similar bitterness to it. I do not remember much aside from the fact that the cold foam was great. The drink itself is overly bitter, and I didn’t really taste pumpkin. I tasted more cinnamon. I, of course, ordered these seasonal favorites without any add-ins, so this review was completely authentic. But, if I had to get the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew in the future, I definitely would be adding in creamers and sweeteners.
With the amount of hype that the famous Pumpkin Spice Latte gets, I was expecting it to be better. My first impression of it was that it had a bold coffee flavor. I really never minded tasting the milky coffee flavor found in Starbucks beverages, but this one in particular was stronger. I will give it points for still having the noticeable signature flavor.
The new Pecan Oatmilk Cortado was unique for being a hot beverage. I rarely ever order hot items from their menu, so I wasn’t expecting much, but it was delicious. There was a balance of pecan and coffee, and when it was just the right temperature, it was tasty. Despite it being a size tall, I wasn’t able to finish it. However, it is still higher on the list compared to the PSL because it was more “comforting” than it.
When I first bought the Iced Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte, its appearance impressed me. The item’s color and the sprinkles on top of the vanilla sweet cream cold foam made it look appealing. The first sip was amazing. The taste of the vanilla sweet cream cold foam was delectable, especially when paired with the sugar sprinkles. I was able to chew on the sprinkles, and the taste of the crunch was flavorful! The drink itself is creamy, and you’re able to taste the oatmilk.
“The coffee flavor isn’t too strong,” Gonzalez said. “I would get this again.”
Something distinctive about this latte in particular is that you’re able to taste the pecan despite the robust coffee flavor. They are both not overpowering and balance each other out. Again, as a person who enjoys being able to taste the rich coffee flavor as well as the side flavor, it’s the perfect blend. It’s not too bitter but not too sweet.
And lastly, the excellent Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai stole the show for both me and Gonzalez. The latte is simply chai, but topped with a tasty cream cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin spice.
“This one’s good,” Gonzalez said. “You can really taste the cinnamon in it.”
In my opinion, Starbucks will never disappoint when it comes to seasonal favorites. Each sip feels like the season itself, whether that be pumpkin spice, gingerbread or even a nutty pecan taste. Their beverages go beyond the flavor; they bring the season to life in a cup! If you’re ever in dire need of getting into the holiday spirit or simply just want to have a better day, this article will help you decide which drink is for you!
