With the peak of autumn just around the corner, Starbucks fans everywhere are hurrying to get their pumpkin spice fix from the iconic seasonal drink. The limited time only Starbucks beverage had even been dubbed “The official drink of fall,” by coffee enthusiasts worldwide. This year Starbucks unveiled a new addition to their fall collection, a cold version of the Pumpkin Spice Latte drink to be sold in participating grocery stores. From the perspective of a coffee enthusiast, these drinks seem like nothing more than a classic espresso beverage with a hint of pumpkin syrup and an assortment of fall spices to top them off. But from the other side of the caffeine spectrum, those who despise coffee may consider changing their ways after tasting the beverage.
Both beverages were purchased at Target, which sells the original hot drink at $3.16 for a 12 ounce or tall cup inside the Starbucks outlet, and the refrigerated version at $2.64 for the 14 ounce bottle (prices may vary based on location).
The Hot PSL 9/10
The smallest size cup offered for the hot PSL may seem normal to a regular coffee drinker, but to one who has never indulged in caffeine, it is very intimidating. As Starbucks is known for its stronger tasting coffee those who do not drink coffee mainly avoid espresso based beverages altogether. With the first sip there are strong pumpkin undertones with the fresh taste of cinnamon sticks and cloves that are anything but artificial. The whipped topping creates a balanced creamy, smooth hot pumpkin drink that is not overwhelmingly filled with either espresso or milk. It is not overly sweet but maintains the deep, rich flavors of a dessert that screams two words: pumpkin spice. Even a non-coffee drinker would be able to finish a grande sized version of the beverage without realizing that the drink had an espresso base, as it tastes like an ideal fall day. Ordering this drink is an experience. It is a way to escape the Florida heat and feel the crisp autumn air, fulfilling pumpkin aroma and smooth, authentic taste in a small coffee shop planted in one of the seemingly least fall-like areas of the nation. The hot Pumpkin Spice Latte is absolute happiness sold in a cup, topped off with whipped cream and cinnamon.
The Cold PSL 4/10
The hot version only produced high expectations for the also seasonal cold beverage, as availability in a grocery store could add to the success of the PSL empire. This overly sweet bottled drink was a major disappointment compared to its predecessor. It tastes artificial, like a melted milkshake without the creamy texture and it very flat without the deep flavors of fall. Starbucks may have been on to something with the idea of refrigerating a version of the iconic PSL, but it’s missing everything that makes the experience of drinking the hot latte special: smooth, deep flavors, fresh pumpkin and fall spices and any sort of depth to the drink. It is nothing more than a typical iced coffee, and is much harsher for those who do not care for espresso as there is a coffee aftertaste rather than a pleasant pumpkin spice flavor. This drink feels like a fake version of fall, and without the fresh spices remains milky and grainy, which do not belong in the description of the original hot latte. The ingredients taste processed and the artificial undertones of the beverage take away from the PSL experience.
Katelyn Payne // A&E and Copy Editor
