Ah, I can practically smell it. That wonderfully familiar aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg can only mean one thing: pumpkin spice season is back, and I am so here for it. The yearly re-launching of Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte marks the beginning of a season full of warm drinks, cozy sweaters, and crunchy leaves. Sadly, living in a tropical island means only enjoying one of those pleasures: warm drinks. It could be 102° but islanders still go out of their way to indulge in the sweet and spicy flavors of the season. Sure, we might get heat stroke from slurping on these drinks but it’s a risk a lot of people are willing to take.
According to Chicagoist, the history of pumpkin spice is simple: McCormick decided to blend cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, and allspice in a single container. Slowly, the tactic became a popular and well-known spice with many uses, besides making pumpkin pie.
Starbucks launched its incredibly successful Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) in 2004, and the rest is history. Millions of people enjoy the drink during the Fall season, dreading the December day they’re taken off the menu and shelves.
Throughout the years, the pumpkin spice trend has grown significantly (not that I’m complaining). Puerto Ricans have quickly grown fond of this autumn flavor, especially the PSL. The popular drink, known for being pumpkin spice season’s unofficial ambassador, can already be found all around the many Starbucks we have so luckily been blessed with in the island. In the U.S, every August through November, the craze transforms regular foods and items into aromatic heaven for some of us. Candles, coffee, cereal, soap — you name it. If it exists, it probably has a pumpkin spice counterpart. Perhaps the strangest one we’ve seen so far is the pumpkin spice Pringles. I mean, c’mon, even I have boundaries. They’re not exactly defined but, you know, they’re there.
You might be wondering, why is this girl so obsessed with this flavor?
My love for pumpkin spice flourished not very long ago. Two years ago I had the pleasure of stumbling upon a pumpkin spice latte recipe on the internet, which I decided to try. I still consider that day one of my top five epiphany moments. I’m still quite shaken by it. In fact, my house currently smells like a pie factory (thanks Bath & Body Works!). Besides being a magnificent aromatic and culinary experience, pumpkin spice gives some of us that sense of the holidays that are quickly approaching. It’s a scent that has come to characterize the wonderful season of warm tones, rain, and cool island nights: perfect for snuggling up with your loved ones while enjoying a yummy pumpkin spice *anything*. Wouldn’t you agree?
Here are some other fabulous pumpkin spice items for you to enjoy this season:
· Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte Body Scrub by Bath & Body Works
· Pumpkin Spice truffles by Lindor
· Pumpkin 24k Gold Mask by Too Kool For School
· Pumpkin Spice Body Wash by Ulta