Starbucks
Pumpkin Spice Latte Seasonal
Seattle, Washington
4.00(2)
The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is a seasonal offering that captures the essence of fall in a cup. It features Starbucks' signature espresso blend mingled with steamed milk and a medley of autumnal flavors: pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. The drink is finished off with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of real pumpkin-pie spices. It's a cozy, indulgent beverage, but keep in mind it packs 390 calories, 50 grams of sugar, and 14 grams of fat.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte, often abbreviated as PSL, is a seasonal drink that has become synonymous with fall and American coffee culture. It was first introduced by Starbucks in 2003 and quickly gained a cult following, helping to usher in a broader "pumpkin spice" trend that now includes everything from candles to cereal.
The drink's flavor profile—pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—draws inspiration from the spices commonly used in traditional pumpkin pie recipes, a staple in American Thanksgiving celebrations. The PSL's popularity has transcended its origins as a mere beverage and has become something of a cultural phenomenon. It marks many people's unofficial start of the fall season, prompting social media buzz, memes, and even debates about its merits or drawbacks.
Moreover, the PSL has impacted beyond Starbucks, inspiring other coffee shops and food brands to introduce their own pumpkin spice-flavored products. Its success has also led to popularizing other seasonal drinks and limited-time offerings, as businesses aim to replicate its commercial success.
It's worth noting that the drink has garnered criticism for its high sugar and calorie content and for sometimes lacking real pumpkin in its original formulations (though that has changed in recent years). Despite this, the Pumpkin Spice Latte continues to be an annual favorite, eagerly anticipated and enjoyed by millions.
Reviews(2)
4.00(2)
Latest Reviews and Tasting Notes
-
Theo Chan, Managing Editor1432 roasts rated, avg score of 4.29
4.00 - Average
4.00 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.00 - Balance
Autumn's most anticipated beverage is back in full swing, and Starbucks has once again graced our palettes with the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte
**SUPER DISCLAIMER - we ordered ONE pump when the regular is 4 pumps, and even that borders on being too sweet***
Vic S-C and I had a long drive back to Boston from the New York Coffee Festival. I knew she liked the pumpkin spice drinks, and I needed whatever pick me up was possible, so we grabbed an iced pumpkin spice chai latte and the OG regular pumpkin spice latte for a reminder of our pre-kid road trips when we still drank things other than black coffee.
The Starbucks PSL blends Starbucks' dark espresso, velvety steamed milk, and the quintessential warmth of autumn spices. The notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove are not only aromatic but also provide that cozy feeling we crave during the fall season. The pumpkin flavor, albeit subtle, is present and adds a delightful sweetness to each sip and cuts the bitterness of the coffee. You can see why it's classic, and it works.
Creamy and smooth, the PSL has a luxurious mouthfeel. Topped with whipped cream, the latte feels and works as a dessert.
The PSL is a solid choice if you want to immerse yourself in fall vibes and enjoy a warm, spicy treat. However, if you're not a fan of sweet beverages, consider asking for fewer syrup pumps or another drink option. I don't know how people can do 4.Cupping Method:I got this at the Starbucks on 34th and 9th or so, Midtown West Manhattan, and Vic S-C and I drank it on a drive back to Boston.
-
Victoria S-C582 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.00 - Average
I used to love these. I thought even 1 pump was too sweet to drink the whole thing but ok since we split it. The spices really balance out any bitterness in the coffee.
More Details
Best Rated Roasts of Starbucks
Starbucks is a coffee roaster from Seattle, WA United States. We have 103 cataloged roasts with 71 total reviews with a score of 4.00.
| Name | Roast Level | Bean Source |
|---|---|---|
|
4.75(2) |
Light | International Blend |
|
5.00(1) |
- | - |
|
5.00(1) |
- | - |
|
5.00(1) |
- | - |
|
4.50(2) |
Dark | International Blend |
Similar Roasts
| Name | Roaster | Roast Level | Bean Source |
|---|---|---|---|
|
5.00(6) |
Mirra Coffee | Light | Colombia |
| Rogue Wave Coffee | Light | Panama | |
|
5.00(4) |
Dak Coffee Roasters | Light | Colombia |
|
5.00(4) |
Nonesuch Coffee | Light | Peru |
|
4.80(5) |
Bolt Coffee | - | - |
|
4.80(5) |
49th Parallel Coffee Roasters | Light | Guatemala |
|
4.67(6) |
Caffé Vita | Medium | - |
|
4.67(6) |
Greater Goods Roasting | - | International Blend |
|
4.88(4) |
JBC Coffee Roasters | Light Medium | Indonesia |
|
4.88(4) |
Cafe Madre Selva | Medium | Colombia |