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As fall approaches, autumnal flavors return to local cafes.
With new muffins, croissants, and lattes, pumpkin spice lovers enthusiastically line up for their favorite limited items.
Autumn is my favorite season, partly because of the seasonal coffees and baked goods. I anticipate the arrival of pumpkin spice and mark my calendar for it every year.
This fall, I wanted to explore popular coffee shops and see which one makes the best pumpkin spice latte.
From famous coffee chains to a local Venice cafe, which P.S.L. is the most delicious?
- Peet’s Coffee’s “Pumpkin Latte”
As a Peet’s Coffee enthusiast, I was thrilled to try the Pumpkin Latte from their fall menu. However, it was a bit of a disappointment.
I was underwhelmed as it lacked the flavorful, reassuring pumpkin seasoning and had a strong, burnt roast. The whip cream was unnecessary and it didn’t add sweetness to dilute the overpoweringly bitter coffee.
It was too pungent for me, but if you prefer darker roasts for fall, I’d suggest Peet’s Coffee’s approach.
4/10 Pumpkins
- Alana’s Coffee Roasters’ “Pumpkin Spice Latte”
Alana’s Coffee Roasters is one of my favorite Venice cafes, and I was excited to discover that they made a Pumpkin Spice Latte.
At first, I was surprised by the richer, woody taste, in contrast with other cafe’s pumpkin spice lattes. The flavor had a unique blend of coffee beans and pumpkin spice, creating a distinct autumnal taste.
Alana’s Coffee Roasters’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is perfect for a cold, crisp morning. If you prefer bitter, stronger coffee, I’d definitely recommend this to you. Alana’s never disappoints, providing a sense of community and quality.
6/10 Pumpkins
- Dunkin’ Donuts’ “Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte”
Dunkin’ Donuts’ Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte is a creamy, sugary latte.
The Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte is delicious, yet overwhelmingly sweet. I found that the caramel drizzle takes away from the autumnal flavors. It tasted more like a caramel latte instead of a pumpkin spice one, but I still enjoyed it.
The Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte especially stood out as a refreshing treat. The caramel and pumpkin combination was distinctive and special.
7/10 Pumpkins
- Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s “Pumpkin Latte”
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s Pumpkin Latte is a strong, creamy blend of pumpkin spice and robust coffee with nutty undertones.
The pumpkin matches nicely with the darker roast. The whip cream on top adds a sweet layer that melts beautifully into the coffee and doesn’t take away from the rich flavor.
This was my first time ever having Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and I was thoroughly impressed. It was a smooth, fragrant, and delicious coffee.
9/10 Pumpkins
- Starbucks’ “Pumpkin Spice Latte”
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte symbolizes autumn, making it the perfect drink for fall. It has become a fall staple.
With an aromatic, spicy flavor and soothing whip cream, Starbucks presents the most flavorful latte.
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte has the perfect balance of sugar and spice and isn’t overpoweringly sweet. Starbucks’ P.S.L. has a decent, mild caffeine kick that isn’t bitter.
The first time I had Starbucks’ P.S.L, I instantly fell in love with it. It’s comforting and soothing, especially on a chilly day.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte will forever be a fall favorite.
10/10 Pumpkins
