With the fall season approaching, Starbucks fully embraced the autumn spirit by releasing their fall menu on Aug. 26. The return of these beloved seasonal drinks have taken over the internet, especially the cult favorite Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte.
The menu includes the new Pecan Oatmilk Cortado as well as returning fan-favorites like the Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai and Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte. Treats like the Baked Apple Croissant, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and Pumpkin and Pepita Loaf are also available for a limited time until early November.
With all the hype surrounding the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, I had high expectations, and fortunately, after spending $6.25 on a 12-ounce drink, I was not disappointed. The coffee-free beverage highlights the warming spice flavors of chai and pumpkin with chai tea concentrate and milk, topped with sweet pumpkin cream cold foam. When I took the first sip, I was immediately hit with the creaminess of the cold foam, followed by the spiciness of the chai. These flavors blended perfectly to create the perfect fall drink. However, it was definitely on the sweet side, so those who do not enjoy sweet beverages might have a hard time finishing it. Thankfully, I got my drink in the smallest size offered—I do not think I could have finished it if it were any larger.
I also tried the new Pecan Oatmilk Cortado ($5.25), which is an 8-ounce hot beverage featuring three shots of Starbucks Blonde Espresso with hints of pecan, brown butter and holiday baking spices, mixed with steamed oatmilk and finally, a pecan-crunch topping. This was my first time trying a cortado, a classic Spanish espresso beverage. As an avid coffee drinker, I loved how smooth and creamy it was. I am not the biggest fan of pecans, but the flavor of the nut was so subtle, it blended perfectly with the richness of the espresso. The small size of the cup also added to the appeal of the drink: I could enjoy the flavor without feeling too heavy.
The drink paired perfectly with the Baked Apple Croissant ($4.65). While it was not shaped like your typical crescent croissant, the pastry had the same soft yet crispy texture of one. While I love a good croissant, I wish the baked apple flavor had been more pronounced. Still, the subtle apple notes combined nicely with the buttery pastry, making each bite enjoyable.
The Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin ($3.95) is a moist, spiced pumpkin muffin that features a sweet cream cheese filling and chopped, spiced pepitas sprinkled around the edges. The taste of the pepitas was overwhelmed by the pumpkin flavor of the muffin, but the texture of the seeds complimented the softness of the crumb. Unfortunately, the cream cheese was so far into the center that I didn’t get to taste it until I was about five bites in. After finally getting a good bite of the cream cheese, the flavor profile changed drastically. The earthiness of the pumpkin was interrupted by the sudden sweetness of the cream cheese. After a few more bites, the cream cheese was gone, and all I was left with was a plain, one-toned pumpkin flavored muffin.
Overall, I was impressed by Starbucks execution of their fall menu. Though the treats were enjoyable, the drinks were far superior in flavor. I can definitely see myself coming back and reordering the same items, especially the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. I would rate Starbucks’s fall menu 3.5/5 stars.
