One dependable sign of fall is a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, or less precisely, the return of fall coffee flavors.
With many coffee shop options throughout Scituate and surrounding towns, we decided to put each of their fall flavors to the test. We asked workers at each store what their most popular seasonal drink was and rated each one out of 5 stars.
We started with a fan favorite: Starbucks. Known for consistently good coffee, unique flavors, and high prices, we had high hopes for Starbucks. The first drink we tried was the pumpkin cream cold brew. At $5.56 for a tall (their smallest size), the price made us think twice about this drink; however, it was worth the cost. The pumpkin cream cold brew is the least sweet option of all, simply a cold brew with seasonal pumpkin cream cold foam on top. The pumpkin wasn’t overwhelming, and there was a good balance of coffee and pumpkin. We both enjoyed the drink, although we agreed it was better in a smaller size.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The second one from Starbucks was a new drink this year and ventured further from the typical pumpkin flavor. The apple crisp oat milk shaken espresso rang in at $5.45 for a tall–high price for a drink that tasted like the smell of a Christmas Tree Shop. The apple flavor was overwhelming and tasted more like a pine tree than apple crisp. This drink came in at the bottom of our rankings due to its high price and candle taste.
Our rating: ⭐
Next on our list was a Massachusetts classic: Dunkin. A unique seasonal flavor, the Nutty Pumpkin Iced Coffee contains two pumps of hazelnut and two pumps of pumpkin in a small, packing the drink with sugary flavors. Though it sounds overwhelming, it still tastes like coffee, something flavoring can often take away. This fall treat could be your perfect fit if sugary beverages appeal to you. However, we would not suggest this drink to people like us who couldn’t drink more than a few sips.
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐
With hopes for fall weather to come soon, make sure to go out and try these fall-flavored drinks to bring the fall spirit alive.