2 - 9 - 20150927_091455 all 8 cupsWe are in the height of “Pumpkin Spice” season, which was once call “fall.” Starbucks Pumpkin Spice is back in stores, and is better than ever before. It’s revamped as a new recipe and a great flavor.

I challenged one of my neighborhood Starbucks stores to come up with some creative, fun, and delicious twists on your favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte. I talked to a couple of baristas and told them what I was doing and gave them a little info about the kind of article I envisioned.

Lo and behold, when I was away from the store, a few baristas worked together – taste testing along the way – and wrote up 8 Starbucks cups with the Pumpkin Spice drinks, all perfect for a fall day.

I came back and picked up the cups and one by one, ordered every one of them. (The partners at the store knew I’d just say yes to whatever it was they wanted me to try.) This is it:

2 - 1 - 20150927_081448 Pumpkin Spice Steamer with Pumpkin Topping steamed inThe Pumpkin Spice Steamer:

This is an amazing fall drink for the non-coffee drinker. Steam milk with the pumpkin spice topping steamed in. This was one of my favorites. It’s a pumpkin overload with no coffee, perfect for a fall day.

One partner wrote out every cup. This one is labeled “An amazing comfort drink for the non-coffee drinker.”

 

2 - 2 - 20150927_082215 the mocha pumpkin spice latteThe Pumpkin Spice Mocha:

I have to say the partner who wrote every cup really nailed it! On the side of the cup, this one says “A fine marriage of chocolate and pumpkin.”

This is a sweet treat that easily balances mocha and pumpkin spice. Both flavors come through for a fall treat for the customer who is torn between ordering something chocolate-y or something seasonal.

2 - 3 - 20150927_083508 the classic pumpkin spice latteThe Classic Pumpkin Spice Latte:

Of course, if you haven’t ordered the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte, it awaits you at Starbucks right now. And it’s around for just a couple of months. This is the drink that has been beloved since 2003. Looking for a little history behind this drink that started a pumpkin spice craze? Check out this Seattle Met magazine article.

 

2 - 4 - 20150927_083929 Chai with pumpkin spice sauceA Chai Latte with Pumpkin Spice:

This twist on your classic Chai Latte is “sweet and spicy and pumpkin-y!

This is built as a Chai Latte, add pumpkin spice, so know this drink doesn’t have whipped-cream and pumpkin topping. It’s a medley of Chai spice and pumpkin spice to earn the distinction of the best combinations of spices every. You’ll like this one too!

2 - 5 - 20150927_084308 pumpkin spice latte with coconut syrupA Pumpkin Spice Latte with Coconut Syrup:

The side of the cup says “for an acquired taste. Tastes like licorice.”

This drink was a surprise in many ways. It is a surprisingly good combination. I wouldn’t quite call it a licorice taste but it brings a little more sweetness to the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte. It is a must-try unique drink!

 

2 - 7 - 20150927_090450 psl with hazelnut toffeenut and chaiA Pumpkin Spice Latte with Hazelnut, Toffeenut, and Chai (with Breve Milk):

This is a very rich, flavorful pumpkin spice creation. It’s for the person who wants a complex flavor that is a dessert in a cup.

This is a little hard to describe as a drink, but if you try it, I want to know what you think!

 

2 - 8 - 20150927_091347 green tea latte with pumpkin spiceThe Green Tea Latte with Pumpkin Spice:

The side of the cup says “An interesting spin for Green Tea Latte lovers!” This is an interesting drink. I’m not a Green Tea Latte drink so it’s a little hard for me to gauge.

This drink is a strange green-orange color! It looks like the beginning of something designed for Halloween! It’s another fall drink!

And when it was all said and done, here’s the aftermath:

2 - 9 - 20150927_091455 all 8 cupsI’m not capable of drinking 8 tall latte beverages at one time but I did drink a little bit of every single one of them! And now it is your turn to pick a favorite.

There’s one more beverage that could have been included here but it isn’t. As I was working on this project, a few baristas mentioned to me that a Caramel Apple Spice and Pumpkin Spice is a delicious drink. It’s not included here but it’s one more suggestion.

Enjoy your Pumpkin Spice fun: Lots of twists on the Starbucks classic Pumpkin Spice Latte.