The coffee world was shook on August 9, when multiple websites like Business Insider and Fortune reported that Starbucks is reportedly bringing back the PSL on August 28, 2018. The PSL, “pumpkin spice latte” for the uninitiated, is one of Starbucks’ most popular seasonal drinks, and one that has a rich history and devoted fan base.
But for as many fans that the PSL garners each year, there are just as many haters. Among the list of complaints about this drink, two seem to stand out: that the drink is #basic, and that each year, this flavored syrup seems to be coming a bit too early.
Ordinarily, I’d tend to agree with the PSL haters, but lately, I’ve been changing my view on the controversial coffee flavoring. Maybe I’ve mellowed out on food preferences after writing for Spoon for three years…or maybe it’s because I’ve been drinking “fall” coffees all summer (thank you, Dunkin’ Donuts pecan coffee!). Who’s to say, really?
Regardless of what changed my opinion on the subject, I say people need to stop hating on this beverage and everyone who can’t wait to get their hands on it. When you think about it, there’s tons of valid reasons on why it’s never too early for the PSL.
Rumored Dates Don’t Always Stick
Remember that Business Insider article I mentioned? Well, it came with a handy chart mapping out the rumored and actual release dates of the PSL over the years. And, more often than not, the release date was actually later than early Twitter reports would have you believe.
Every time since 2011 that the PSL was rumored to appear in August, it actually came out in September. Furthermore, in 2014, Starbucks was rumored to be releasing the PSL on August 26, but it actually came out on September 2. So even though Starbucks just confirmed that August 28 is the official PSL release date, it’s not wildly earlier than usual.
It Opens The Door To Other Fall Flavors
The PSL is definitely the leader of the pack when it comes to fall flavors, but even if pumpkin spice isn’t your thing, its release heralds the coming of other delicious seasonal flavors. There’s plenty of Starbucks menu hacks that you can create with the fall-flavored syrups.
And, rumor has it, that Starbucks will also be bringing back some classic fall drinks like the Caramel Mocha on August 28. And, while caramel and chocolate together might scream “Halloween” to some people, I’m down for this sweet combo all year round.
You Can Tell Yourself It’s A “Health Drink”
Okay, I get that this one is kind of a stretch, but think of all the great spices involved in a PSL. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves? There’s plenty of health benefits involved in each of these spices. Cinnamon, for example, has tons of anti-inflammatory properties and can help to regulate blood sugar.
And for its own part, ginger can help with a ton of different ailments, from nausea to indigestion to different aches and pains. Plus, even apart from physical health, certain smells just make you feel good! Maybe the blend of spices in a PSL can boost your mental health as well as physical health.
People Deserve To Drink What They Want
How many times have you gone into a restaurant and not been able to find something you want to eat or drink? Now imagine being a PSL addict, and being told that it’s never the right time to get your fave drink. A bit dramatic, I know, but when you love coffee as much as I do, you just want everyone to share the love for your fave drink 24/7.
Who cares if your favorite food is “basic?” If it makes you happy, and helps a business you like, you should feel entitled to order it whenever. In 2013, Starbucks reported that it had sold over 200 million PSL drinks since its premier in 2003. Just imagine how many more have been sold in the five years since that number was reported. The customer is always right!
Whether you love it or hate it, it doesn’t look like the PSL is going anywhere anytime soon. So why hate every year when it comes around? All in all, it’s only around for a limited time. So why not share the coffee love while it’s here? Starbucks is a business and it def knows how to make its customers happy. And besides, no one will judge you for not getting one if you so choose!