Pumpkin Spice Lattes return every year for a reason, but the pumpkin-cream cold brew is good, too.
I'm a fan of the year-round pumpkin loaf and the seasonal pumpkin-cream-cheese muffin.
It can be intimidating to parse through the seasonal items at Starbucks — especially if you don't already have a go-to order from the lengthy regular menu.
Luckily, I worked as a barista at the coffee chain for nearly a year, so I've tried pretty much everything.
Now that there's a nice crisp in the air, here are the only things I order at Starbucks in the fall.
A cold brew with flavored cold foam is perfect for a crisp fall day.
The cold foam is available year-round, but it has autumnal vibes.
Inga Parkel
You can't go wrong with any of Starbucks' cold foams, but there are usually fun extra flavors to choose from when the fall weather hits, like pumpkin cream and apple crisp.
When it's available, one of my favorites is the chai cold foam. Instead of regular vanilla syrup, a few pumps of chai syrup are added to the heavy whipping cream.
I'm always surprised by the first sip, when the chai foam perfectly combines with the cold brew, making for a well-sweetened coffee with a spicy kick.
Whether hot or cold, it's consistently enjoyable. The pumpkin-spice syrup cuts the bitterness of the espresso shots and seamlessly blends with the creaminess of the milk.
It's not fall until I order this staple.
Pumpkin-cream cold brew is a slightly more refined take on the PSL.
The season drink is great if you don't have a big enough sweet tooth for a PSL.
Inga Parkel
If you're looking for a sweet cold brew, the pumpkin cream is a great way to add some fall flavoring top your daily coffee.
It's also a great option if you prefer a stronger coffee with less milk.
I always associate the cinnamon-dolce latte with fall.
The drink is available throughout the year, but the cinnamon is warming for fall.
Getty Images/Zhang Peng
The cinnamon-dolce latte tastes a lot like a vanilla one, but the dolce syrup adds a spicy twist.
I don't know what it is, but I always associate cinnamon with colder seasons, so once temperatures drop, I'm ready to order this.
Plus, since the drink isn't seasonal, you don't have to let it go if you fall in love with it.
Don't sleep on the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino.
The cold drink is great for the warmer fall months.
Inga Parkel
I'm all for any of Starbucks' Frappuccino flavors, but if you're looking for an autumn-themed treat, I suggest trying the pumpkin-spice version.
It tastes the least like pumpkin compared to any of the other flavored drinks, so it's a safe bet for skeptics.
But beware: It's absolutely on the sweeter side.
Thankfully the pumpkin loaf is available year-round, but it's really best in the fall.
The pumpkin loaf is one of my favorite food items.
Inga Parkel
Starbucks' pumpkin loaf is one of my favorite pastries year-round, but especially in the fall months.
The pumpkin seeds on top make for a nice little crunch, and the loaf pairs perfectly with the pumpkin-flavored drinks.
Don't forget to ask for it warmed up so it's perfectly soft and moist.
I wish the pumpkin-cream-cheese muffin was available all year.
The pumpkin-cream-cheese muffin is only available seasonally.
Inga Parkel
The pumpkin-cream-cheese muffin tastes nearly identical to the pumpkin loaf, but its creamy center is the star of the show.
The sweet cream cheese keeps everything gooey and adds a fun tang. If you're up for the extra dairy, it's totally worth it.
It's worth trying the iced Apple Crisp Macchiato.
I think everyone should at least try the iced Apple Crisp Macchiato.
Inga Parkel
If you need a break from pumpkin-flavored drinks, the apple-flavored macchiato is a nice alternative.
I recommend everyone try it at least once.
The hint of apple mixed with oat milk and espresso is an interesting combination, but it's undoubtedly an acquired taste.
This story was originally published in September 2022 and most recently updated on October 2, 2024.
