It’s that time of year again! Warm clothes, multi-colored leaves falling from trees, cuddling under a warm blanket in front of a fire, and, of course, fall drinks. With the return of Starbucks’ Fall Drink Menu that started on the 25th of August this year, the chain brought back all the seasonal favorites, such as the infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte. Not all of us, however, are keen on the iconic pumpkin drink. If you’re like me, don’t fret! Because lucky for us non-PSL lovers, there are still plenty of Starbucks options! This fall, I decided to try some of them out. I asked a few friends for some help on new drinks to try and pulled together a list of a variety of tasty sips and a special secret menu item.
- Chai Tea Latte
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Starting off with a classic, we have the Chai Tea Latte. It can be ordered either hot or cold and with your choice of milk. It contains black tea infused with cinnamon and clove, combined with steamed milk, topped with foam that feels like a cloud on your tongue. This is my go-to drink when it’s cold out! It’s a great option for someone who wants a little kick of caffeine without the strong coffee taste. Coffee lovers and non-coffee lovers alike could enjoy the warm-sweet spice of this drink!
- Hot Chocolate/White Hot Chocolate
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A classic drink, but one that can never be ignored during this time of year. Add some marshmallows, cozy up by a fire and you’ll be set on those cold fall days! The traditional Hot Chocolate is combined with steamed milk and mocha sauce topped with sweetened whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle. The White Hot Chocolate takes the same route but combines white chocolate sauce and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream. Two classics made to warm your spirits!
- Salted Caramel Mocha
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The Salted Caramel Mocha makes its seasonal comeback to the fall menu. This beverage can be ordered hot, iced, or as a frappuccino. It combines espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce, and toffee nut syrup. It’s then topped with whipped cream, a caramel drizzle, and sugar and sea salt. This is a great option for anyone craving that traditional and delicious hot chocolate, but who is also in need of a caffeine boost. Enjoy the chocolatey goodness in every sip!
- S’mores Cold Brew
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The S’mores Cold Brew is the only drink that I didn’t get off of the Starbucks menu but through a recommendation from a friend. Why? Well, not only is she obsessed with this concoction but because it can only be found on the Starbucks secret menu, meaning you’ll have to describe the drink recipe step by step since a barista will most likely not know what it is. So, what is the recipe? Its recipe starts off with a regular cold brew, two pumps of mocha sauce on the bottom and sweet cream. After ice is added, ask for sweet cream cold foam with 3 pumps of marshmallow syrup in the foam. Top it off with graham cracker topping, as well as the mocha cookie crumble topping. And there you have it, your very own s’mores cold brew! I hope you enjoy it as much as my friend raves about it!
- Caramel Apple Spice
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An interesting and unique drink, in my opinion, that I thought was worth sharing. This is the only drink that cannot be ordered with coffee whatsoever, unlike the other drinks listed above. This beverage contains steamed apple juice combined with cinnamon syrup, topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. Not really my cup of tea, but could be good for non-coffee lovers or anyone who wants a caffeine-free drink that still wants the taste of fall. If the thought of whip cream on top of steamed apple juice is putting you off, you can always order it with no whip!
Hopefully, these non-pumpkin spice drinks suit your sweet tooth this fall! And don’t forget to check out Starbucks’ fall treats as well when you’re ordering your new drinks!