Starbucks is shaking up the seasonal beverage calendar with the earliest-ever return of its iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL). Beginning Thursday, August 22, 2024, coffee enthusiasts can once again indulge in the popular fall flavor ahead of the official start of the season.
Since its debut in 2003, the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte has become a staple of autumn, beloved for its blend of espresso, steamed milk, and a harmonious mix of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. This year, however, marks a significant shift, as Starbucks launches its fall menu nearly a week earlier than in previous years. The PSL’s early arrival has sparked a wave of mixed reactions online, from jubilant fans celebrating the extended season of fall flavors to critics arguing that it’s too soon to embrace pumpkin spice with summer still in full swing.
Alongside the Pumpkin Spice Latte, Starbucks is introducing several new items to its 2024 fall menu. The Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai is a standout addition, combining the warming spices of chai with creamy oat milk and a nondairy apple crisp cold foam. This drink, inspired by popular customer customizations, offers a refreshing twist reminiscent of homemade apple pie.
Returning favorites also make their comeback, including the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai. Both beverages are topped with pumpkin cream cold foam and pumpkin spice, providing a seasonal touch to Starbucks’ cold brew and chai offerings. For those preferring apple flavors, the Apple Crisp Oat Milk Macchiato and the Iced Apple Crisp Oat Milk Shaken Espresso return, featuring notes of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
In addition to beverages, Starbucks is offering new food items like the Raccoon Cake Pop—a vanilla cake and buttercream confection dipped in chocolate icing. The popular Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and Baked Apple Croissant also return, rounding out the fall menu with cozy, comforting choices.
Exclusive to the Starbucks app are two new drinks: the Iced Caramel Apple Cream Latte and the Iced Honey Apple Almond Milk Flat White. The former blends espresso with milk, apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar, topped with salted caramel cream cold foam, while the latter combines blonde espresso with almond milk and honey, finished with nondairy apple crisp cold foam.
Starbucks Reserve locations, including those in Chicago, New York City, and Seattle, are debuting a special fall menu that includes the Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew and Pumpkin Spice Martini Flight. These Reserve offerings are complemented by a selection of new bakery items and seasonal drinkware, including a collaboration with Stanley and artist Rex Sterling Hamilton.