Starbucks Officially Announced The 2021 Return Of Its Pumpkin Spice Latte
You may remember earlier this month when we reported on speculation as to when Starbucks's Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) would be making its coveted return to stores. Well, the rumors were true. As of August 24, PSL season is officially here! According to Food & Wine magazine, the coffeehouse chain has sold over 500 million PSLs since it originated in 2003, making it one of the most — if not the very most — successful holiday beverages the company has ever created.
For those who aren't familiar with the little cup of pumpkin heaven, the PSL features Starbucks's "signature espresso and steamed milk with the celebrated flavor combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove," and is topped with whipped cream and real pumpkin-pie spices (via Starbucks). It's like sipping on the flavors of fall, and it's so beloved by coffee drinkers that coffee shops all over the world have put their own spin on the classic autumn beverage.
This fall marks the drink's 18-year anniversary, so you better believe there will be a long line wrapped around your Starbucks drive-thru today, and all PSL season long.
There's a new fall-inspired drink on the block.
Starbucks customers will be happy to hear that there are a few other fall items returning to the seasonal menu this year, including the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, Pumpkin Scone, and the iconic Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, which first rocked the coffee world back in 2018 (via Food & Wine magazine).
In addition to these pumpkin-flavored favorites, Starbucks is also launching a brand-new fall-inspired drink: the Apple Crisp Macchiato. Dubbed as "a nostalgic autumn pick-me-up," the new beverage can be ordered hot or iced. Its "layered flavors of apple and brown sugar meld like the filling of a gooey apple pie in harmony with espresso, milk, ice and a caramelized-spiced apple drizzle" (via Starbucks). A grande starts at 280 calories and has two shots of espresso.
Only time will tell if the Apple Crisp Macchiato will become a Starbucks fall menu staple. But based on the description alone, it seems like it stands a pretty solid chance of giving the PSL a run for its money.