It’s officially fall. You know what that means: pumpkin spice latte season. Actually, it’s pumpkin everything season. Store aisles are piled high with pumpkin scented candles, pumpkin-flavored snacks and, believe it or not, actual pumpkins too.
But whether or not you’re a PSL fanatic, fall drinks are nothing to sleep on. Here’s a list of some must-tries.
Trader Joe’s Spiced Cider ($3.29 for a half-gallon carton)
Spiced cider is an indisputable fall staple. Trader Joe’s, like with many other staples, has its own version of this classic and it doesn’t disappoint. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, pour equal portions of Spiced Cider and Trader Joe’s Unfiltered Apple Cider into a mug, heat it until it’s piping hot and serve with a generous serving of whipped cream on top.
Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice ($4.45 for a grande)
The Caramel Apple Spice is Starbucks’ hidden fall gem. The combination of apple juice, cinnamon syrup, whipped cream and caramel drizzle makes for a hot, creamy, delicious fall beverage. It puts most of Starbucks’ menu to shame. As an added bonus, the drink doesn’t have any caffeine in it, making a great late-night option once the temperature starts to drop.
Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer ($20.43 per 4-Pack of 12-ounce bottles)
Correct me if I’m wrong, but fall is the best time to reread and rewatch the Harry Potter series. Flying Cauldron’s Butterscotch Beer is the closest thing to butterbeer that you’ll find, and I’d be lying if I hadn’t sipped on some Butterscotch Beer, closed my eyes, and imagined that I was waiting for dinner in the Great Hall. This beverage can be found at your local Whole Foods.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pie Ginger Brew ($3 per 750 mL bottle)
Pumpkin pie ginger beer. It’s weird. The drink combines two flavors that aren’t usually paired together, yet it works. The Pumpkin Pie Ginger Beer tastes like a proper ginger beer but has a creamy, almost buttery-smooth aftertaste that does indeed capture the essence of pumpkin pie.
La Colombe Pumpkin Spice Draft Latte ($3 per 9-ounce can)
Yes, it’s a canned drink. Yes, it’s available at Target and Trader Joe’s. And yes, it’s really, really good. La Colombe’s Pumpkin Spice Draft Latte might sound similar to Starbucks’ hallmark drink on paper but there is one important difference. La Colombe’s beverage incorporates pumpkin flavor in a subtle way so that it doesn’t overpower the delightful, foamy texture of the base drink.
Email Yusuf Husain at [email protected].
