Fall has arrived, bringing with it Starbucks’ seasonal drink lineup. As someone who loves
Starbucks and tries different drinks every week, I was excited to dive into all the pumpkin and spice. But not every drink is a hit. After trying a few, here’s my ranking of this year’s fall drinks—from the ones I loved to those that didn’t quite meet the mark.
Pecan Crunch Oat Milk Latte, 3/10
This drink sounded like it would be an autumn dream with its pecan and brown butter flavors, but it’s just… too much. The oat milk and espresso work fine, but the overwhelming sweetness makes it hard to finish. The pecan crunch on top adds a fun texture, but it’s the drink itself that is a letdown. If you’re a pecan lover, maybe this will hit the mark, but for the rest of us, it’s a bit like drinking a melted pecan pie.
Iced Pecan Crunch Oat Milk Latte, 4/10
I had hoped that the cold version of this drink would be more balanced, but it still didn’t quite deliver. The cold foam and pecan crunch make the drink visually appealing, but taste-wise, it’s very one-note. The pecan flavor is overly dominant, and the oat milk felt a bit too heavy for a chilled beverage. Maybe it’s worth a try for fans of pecan, but for others, the drink’s potential is buried under all the sweetness.
Chai Latte, 6/10
The Chai Latte is a familiar favorite and for good reason. The blend of cinnamon, clove, and other spices is comforting, but it doesn’t exactly scream “fall.” It’s a dependable drink with a good balance of spice and milk, though not particularly exciting. If you’re looking for something reliable that you know will taste good, the Chai Latte is a solid choice.
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, 7/10
This drink was a pleasant surprise, combining chai spice with that unmistakable pumpkin cream topping. The cold foam adds a sweet pumpkin flavor that’s subtle yet delightful, while the chai brings in the warm fall spices. It’s a bit on the sweet side, but if you’re in the mood for a spiced pumpkin treat, this hits the spot. Still, it’s not for everyone—pumpkin skeptics, you’ve been warned.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, 8/10
As one of the most popular fall drinks, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew didn’t disappoint. The cold brew itself is rich and smooth, perfectly complemented by the not-too-sweet pumpkin cream cold foam. The pumpkin spice topping is a nice touch, and the overall flavor is balanced, not overwhelming. The only downside is that the foam can be a little thick, but this is still a top-tier fall drink for cold brew fans.
Pumpkin Spice Latte, 10/10
The PSL is the ultimate fall classic, and it deserves the top spot for good reason. The blend of pumpkin, espresso, and warm spices makes every sip feel like a cozy autumn day. It’s the perfect mix of comforting and energizing, and while it’s definitely on the sweeter side, it’s a fall indulgence that many look forward to year after year. If you’re a fan of pumpkin flavors, this one remains unbeatable.
While some drinks stood out more than others, there’s a reliable fall option for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re into classic pumpkin flavors or something a little different, Starbucks has you covered this season.
Vote for your favorite fall beverage in our current poll, found on the front page of The Journalist website!
