As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to change, Starbucks’ fall menu makes its annual debut, inviting coffee lovers to indulge in the season’s favorite flavors.
It’s no secret that Starbucks’ coffee menu is a fall staple for many. First debuting in 2003, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is the drink that started it all. As of 2024, Starbucks has three more fall-themed coffees on their seasonal menu: two with pumpkin – the Pumpkin Spice Latte and the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew – and two with apple crisp – the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato and the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is the embodiment of fall: sitting on the couch, wrapped in a warm blanket, reading a good book with a crisp autumn breeze in the air. The handcrafted beverage combines espresso and steamed milk with flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. It is finished off with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices.
It can be made hot, iced or blended. Its popularity is well-deserved; the pumpkin seasoning adds a delicate taste that doesn’t overpower the rest of the drink. The espresso in the latte is hidden under the oat milk and pumpkin.
For those getting the hot version of the latte, it’s best to keep the lid on. The syrups mix with the milk, creating an unsettling appearance similar to oil separating from water. But luckily, this issue does not seem prevalent with the iced version of the latte.
The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is another fan favorite. It features cold brew mixed with vanilla syrup and is topped with pumpkin cream cold foam and pumpkin spice topping. The drink is best enjoyed as originally crafted because any additional cream can make it very milk heavy as the cold foam sets over time. Sipping this coffee during a long day may also be a risky choice as the cold foam thickens over time, which may affect taste and appearance.
Despite this, the coffee can be the perfect fall drink for anyone looking to have the full autumn experience. The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has just enough pumpkin so it’s not overwhelming, making it an ideal choice for the transitioning weather from summer to fall.
To enhance the pumpkin flavor, pair it with a pumpkin cream cheese muffin – a pumpkin spiced muffin with a cream cheese filling and spiced pepitas on top.
The Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato offers a distinct taste. It can be a winner for macchiato lovers, but for those who prefer less milk in their coffee, another option may be better for the walk to class. The beverage features espresso over oat milk with flavors of apple, cinnamon and brown sugar and is topped with a spiced apple drizzle, giving it a strong taste reminiscent of caramel apple oatmeal.
It can be enjoyed either hot or iced. The coffee has a rich smell of apple brown sugar syrup, which makes it easy to pinpoint on the Starbucks counter. The flavors stand out from the first sip and lingers through the aftertaste.
Like the macchiato, the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is made from espresso with flavors of apple, cinnamon and brown sugar and topped with oat milk. Unlike the macchiato, this beverage isn’t as creamy, allowing the espresso flavors to shine through. The coffee carries the bitter notes typical of a shaken espresso; however, the apple brown sugar syrup adds sweetness, balancing out the flavors for a tasty combination. For those who prefer Starbucks’ apple brown sugar syrup, this coffee is a satisfying choice.
The Starbucks’ fall menu also features the new Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai and the returning Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai. This seasonal menu has something for every type of coffee lover, even for those who don’t enjoy coffee.
Each beverage is handcrafted with fall feelings in mind and is available for just under three months. This year, the company released the menu on Aug. 22, the earliest it has ever been available to customers. With the menu being out for almost a month, there isn’t much more time to savor the fall flavors before winter selections arrive, so be sure to enjoy all the autumn vibes while you can.
