The stroke of midnight on September 1st only means one thing to coffee lovers; yes, the pumpkin spice season is upon us. While Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is the usual main attraction for consumers, there seems to be a few worthy alternatives that are giving the fan favorite drink a little competition. From new arrivals to traditional pick-me-ups, here are 10 drinks that will convince you to push your PSL to the side.
1. Dunkin’ Donuts’ Maple Pecan Coffee
A reminder not to sleep on Dunkin’ while your friends are lining up outside of your local Starbs. One part sugary richness and the other nutty goodness, the Maple Pecan Swirl shot will be your new favorite flavor while you’re cramming for those fall midterms!
2. Dunkin’s Hot or Iced Apple Cider
Remember when you would go with your family to an apple orchard every year and buy the fresh stuff from the market? So does Dunkin’. That’s why they’ve placed this fall classic on their menu all season long for you to enjoy wherever and whenever you’d like!
3. Starbucks’ Horchata Almond Milk Frappuccino
Missed out on the Unicorn Frappuccino? Me, too. Thankfully, Starbucks has blended the flavor profile of wholesome almonds with spicy, exotic Mexican horchata to create this fall’s newest Frappuccino concoction. Get yours first, because your friends will be dying to get their hands on one.
4. Starbucks’ Caramel Apple Spiced Latte
Tangy apple juice meets spicy cinnamon and sweet, gooey caramel in this Starbucks favorite. Be mindful that you may have to ask for this one by ingredients, as it’s not advertised as much as it used to be. Still, it’s a seasonal favorite that’ll make you say, “Pumpkin spice, who?”
5. Starbucks’ White Chocolate Mocha
If you’re a Christmas fanatic, then this is the drink to order. This combination of smooth white chocolate and dark mocha will act as the perfect reminder that the holiday season is in less than three months! Tis’ the season!
6. Starbucks’ Iced Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato
As more and more people are tossing dairy to the side, Starbucks has created the Iced Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato to indulge your latte cravings. A mix of nutritious almond milk and a few shots of the signature Cinnamon Dolce syrup pairs with hot or iced espresso to produce a drink that serves as a dairy-free fall treat for all coffee lovers!
7. Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice (No, Seriously)
Starbucks isn’t the only one that can dole out some pumpkin lovin’! Dunkin’ has clapped back with their own pumpkin swirl that will impress even the biggest Starbucks aficionado.
8. Starbucks’ Salted Caramel Mocha
It’s sweet and salty caramel dipped in coffee-kissed chocolate. Need I say more?
9. Starbucks’ Hot or Iced Chai Tea Latte
CHAI! It’s a fall flavor that everyone seems to forget about. It’s aromatic, tasty, and just screams “Autumn!” Consider replacing your next PSL with this spicy blend of tea, in the hot or iced fashion.
10. Or… Starbucks’ Iced or Hot Dirty Chai Tea Latte
Perhaps you can’t live without your coffee. In that case, settle on a dirty chai latte, which adds a nice shot of espresso in the mix. It’s a barista classic and hey, it sounds pretty cool to order at the register.