When the fall menu at Starbucks finally arrives, that’s when you know it’s finally fall. Every year, the Starbucks fall menu is highly anticipated, and this year is no different. Obviously, the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte is making a comeback, but the drink is not alone. Along with a tantalizing lineup of different foods and drinks are new additions to the family. I was able to review the drinks ahead of the official August 25 release date, including the Iced Pumpkin Matcha, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, and the Iced Banana Bread Chai.
Iced Banana Bread Chai
When first smelling the Ice Banana Bread Chai, the cinnamon and brown sugar flavors immediately hit. The smell reminded me of a gingerbread candle. The drink has the lightest color among the three drinks reviewed.
Once I tasted the drink, banana was the first flavor I got. A lot of banana-flavored drinks end up too artificial or overpowering. But the brown sugar and cinnamon work well as partners with the banana by giving it a kick and adding warmth to the drink. Starbuck’s classic chai taste that is very grounded is given an elevation in flavor with this newest edition. Out of the three drinks I tasted, the chai definitely lighter in taste but it is still rich in spice and warmth.
Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha
Next, I tried the Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha, which was the most unexpected combination. Matcha and pumpkin are each very distinct in their own right. So when combining them in a drink, it must be done very carefully. The appearance of the green matcha is very striking against the more orange-colored foam. The dash of cinnamon stands out against the paler green and orange and adds a very nice pop of color. When initially smelling the drink, I was immediately hit with a pumpkin spice aroma.
The matcha itself holds its own against the pumpkin spice flavor. While the matcha maintains its herbal taste that softens with the blended cream, the pumpkin adds a new edge to the beverage. It isn’t too watery or bland and works well to reel in the pumpkin spice. You can still taste the profiles of both flavors as they come together to make something very delicious and not sickeningly sweet. The aftertaste sits beautifully on the tongue, and it is a drink that does not overstay its welcome.
Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso
When I first smelled the Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, I was immediately hit with the scent of espresso, which made me think that this is going to be a more caffeinated drink. Pumpkin and cinnamon aromas also bring a spicy undertone in this drink. The smell reminded me of a pumpkin spice candle, rich and earthy yet still carrying an undertone of sweetness.
The darker depth of the espresso carried me away. I would have gladly let it because even just one sip in, I could tell how well prepared the drink was. The pumpkin and cinnamon work well with the espresso. The pumpkin tastes like a warm hug around the richer flavor of the drink. Usually, I don’t like to indulge too often in heavily caffeinated drinks. However, the velvety texture and deep flavor of the Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso reminded me why my guilty pleasure once in a blue moon is a caffeine-heavy drink. Like a ghost of Christmas past, the espresso was that good.