The “ber” months have begun. The cold weather, cozy nights, and the spiced seasonal drinks have returned. As the weather starts to change, you can’t help but stop at a coffee spot and ask for a warm spiced latte or tea that can make your day more comfortable and delicious.
The seasonal fan-favorite drinks are what everyone looks forward to. Many places, like Starbucks, have a “drop date” that people look forward to every year but there are also spots like 7Brew, Sophie’s Cafe, and AirPlay that offer seasonal drinks.
The most popular drink here in town is the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which mainly comes from Starbucks, but other cafès may include it on their menu. This famed drink includes espresso and steamed milk with the celebrated flavor combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves topped with whipped cream and real pumpkin-pie spices.
Junior Sydney Giffin states, “I love the taste of Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte from Starbucks. It’s my favorite drink from there and I look forward to it every year.”
Most of the drinks are infused with cinnamon or pumpkin and are usually topped with cold foam and pumpkin spice. These drinks create a graceful, nostalgic feeling of festivity.
Beyond local coffee shops, other drink companies get in on the fall fun. Alani Nu has released their annual Witch’s Brew, with a whisper of caramel and a bite of green apple. Due to a few of their ingredients in this particular beverage, many have the concern of hospital-like cardiac symptoms. Some consumers reported symptoms described as “stroke-like,” including numbness, chest tightness, and general heart issues.
In the Witch’s Brew there are a few ingredients that are not included in the original drinks. These include erythritol, inositol, and guarana seed extract. Studies have shown that erythritol increases the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. Studies have also shown that guarana seed extract causes increased heart rate (tachycardia), palpitations, and high blood pressure.
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte and other fall menu items are available until early November 2025. They are then replaced by the next seasonal winter drinks, which are also loved by fans. These drinks are something that will never go away, and will always be something to enjoy over the cold, “ber” months of the year.
