Have you ever wanted to get into the fall spirit with fall drinks? Well, in today’s article, I will be comparing Starbucks, Dunkin’, and homemade recipes to help you choose the best sip for this autumn. As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, nothing feels better than wrapping your hands around a warm drink. Whether it’s a pumpkin spice latte, hot apple cider, or a cozy chai tea, fall is the season of comfort in a cup. The major question I have sought to answer is which fall drink really captures the spirit of autumn. People all over the world have their favorites, and today I have rounded up the best to analyze and dissect what makes fall drinks fall-tastic!
To begin, we have the classic that everyone loves. The pumpkin spice latte encompasses everything people know and love about fall. The flavor palette consists of a warm, sweet flavor with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and many other delicious spices. There is usually sweet foam on top of the latte and cinnamon dust on top to encapsulate the cinnamon-autumn feel. This latte is reminiscent of a warm cookie, and the sweet and unique flavor reminds almost everyone of a nice fall evening. Pumpkin spice lattes have become the symbol of fall due to their warming aroma and inspiration for other pumpkin-themed goodies. Students can get pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks, Dunkin’, or they can make them from scratch. ‘’Pumpkin spice lattes are my go-to for fall. They’re always a delicious classic wherever I get them and never get old,’’ says senior Rachel O’Neil, reflecting other students’ feelings on pumpkin spice lattes as well.
Next, a cozy alternative to a classic latte is hot apple cider, maple lattes, or even chai tea lattes. All three of these drinks are perfect for people who don’t like the pumpkin flavor but still want to enjoy fall and all it offers. First, hot apple cider ‘’tastes like fall in a cup’’ says senior Sofi Davidson. Especially with a warm cinnamon donut, apple cider is a cloudy golden brown color with a taste of apple and spices. It is perfect on a chilly autumn night that almost everyone loves. Additionally, maple lattes are a fall fan’s favorite. They are made with rich espresso and the warm, earthy sweetness of pure maple syrup and steamed milk. Maple lattes are a perfect alternative to pumpkin spice lattes because they still include sweet, warm coffee, without the major pumpkin flavor. Furthermore, chai tea lattes are an immaculate choice for a cozy fall drink. With its creamy, spiced, aromatic, black tea and steamed milk, a chai latte also gives people that fall vibe.
Also, there are many budget-friendly or DIY options to participate in the fall sips without spending money. There are so many quick recipes to find online that include mixing hot chocolate with pumpkin spice to create a sweet pumpkin goodness, or even using caramel drizzle in coffee to add autumnal flavors. All of these budget-friendly options allow people to get into the fall spirit in the comfort of their own homes. Another awesome drink to recreate at home that my family and I often do is using soda such as root beer and adding almond syrup, drizzled Nutella, and marshmallow to create a DIY dirty soda. This helps our family to bond together and get into the fall spirit right in our own kitchen.
Whether your team pumpkin spice or team apple cider, there’s no wrong way to enjoy fall in a cup. So next time you need to warm up between classes, at home, or even as a midnight drink, try one of these cozy drinks and savor the season while it lasts.
