As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, many eagerly await the return of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL). This iconic seasonal beverage has become a staple for fall lovers, with its warm and cozy flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. But as the seasons change, the question on everyone’s mind is: does Starbucks still have Pumpkin Spice Latte?
The answer is yes, Starbucks does still offer the Pumpkin Spice Latte as a seasonal drink. However, there have been some changes and updates to the beloved PSL over the years. In this article, we will dive into the availability, variations, and popularity of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte.
The History of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte
The Pumpkin Spice Latte was first introduced by Starbucks in 2003 and quickly gained a cult following. It was created by Peter Dukes, who was then the Director of Espresso and Brewed Coffee at Starbucks. Dukes wanted to create a drink that captured the essence of fall and the nostalgia of pumpkin pie. The result was a delicious blend of espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin spice syrup, and whipped cream, topped with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
Since its debut, the PSL has become one of Starbucks’ most popular seasonal drinks, with millions of cups sold each year. It has also inspired a plethora of pumpkin spice-flavored products, from candles to cookies, and even dog treats.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Availability
The Pumpkin Spice Latte typically makes its highly anticipated return to Starbucks’ menu in late August or early September, coinciding with the start of the fall season. However, the exact date varies each year, causing much excitement and speculation among fans. In recent years, Starbucks has even created a special Twitter account, @TheRealPSL, to announce the official return of the PSL.
The PSL remains available for a limited time, usually disappearing from Starbucks locations by the end of October or early November. This limited availability adds to the drink’s allure and creates a sense of urgency among fans to get their hands on a cup before it’s gone.
Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks
The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is a quintessential fall beverage that combines a rich espresso base with the warm and inviting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. The latte is topped with velvety foam and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice, creating an irresistible sensory experience.
Over the years, Starbucks has introduced variations of the PSL to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. These include:
Pumpkin Chai Latte
In 2015, Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Chai Latte, which combines the classic PSL with chai tea for a spicier and more complex flavor profile. This variation has become a fan favorite and is now a regular seasonal offering at Starbucks.
Decaf Pumpkin Spice Latte
For those looking to enjoy the warm and cozy flavors of the PSL without the caffeine, Starbucks offers a decaf version of the drink. This option is perfect for those who want to indulge in the fall spirit without the jitters.
Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
As the weather starts to cool down, Starbucks also offers an iced version of the PSL for those who prefer a cold and refreshing drink. This variation is made with espresso, milk, and pumpkin spice syrup, served over ice and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.
Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte
For health-conscious individuals, Starbucks offers a “skinny” version of the PSL, made with non-fat milk and sugar-free pumpkin spice syrup. This option reduces the calorie count of the drink while still delivering the same delicious flavors.
Starbucks Seasonal Drinks: Pumpkin Spice Latte
The Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is part of the chain’s extensive line of seasonal beverages, which rotate throughout the year to reflect the changing seasons and flavors. Some other popular seasonal drinks at Starbucks include:
- Peppermint Mocha (winter)
- Caramel Brulée Latte (winter)
- Smoked Butterscotch Latte (spring)
- S’mores Frappuccino (summer)
- Maple Pecan Latte (fall)
These seasonal offerings add excitement and variety to Starbucks’ menu, keeping customers coming back for more.
Does Starbucks Have Pumpkin Spice Latte All Year?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The Pumpkin Spice Latte is only available for a limited time during the fall season. However, there have been some instances where Starbucks has brought back the PSL for a limited time during the year.
In 2015, Starbucks offered the PSL in August for one day only as a “PSL Fan Pass” promotion. In 2018, the drink was also made available for a limited time in January, as part of Starbucks’ “Fan Favorite” campaign. These special promotions caused much excitement among fans and sparked debates about whether the PSL should be available all year round.
Does Starbucks Still Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Yes, Starbucks still serves the Pumpkin Spice Latte during the fall season. However, due to the popularity of the drink, it can sometimes sell out quickly at certain locations. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to check with your local Starbucks or use the Starbucks app to see if the PSL is available before making a trip.
Does Starbucks Have Pumpkin Spice Lattes Yet?
As mentioned earlier, the exact date of the PSL’s return varies each year. However, Starbucks typically announces the official return of the PSL on their social media accounts and through their app. So, keep an eye out for updates and be ready to get your hands on a PSL as soon as it’s available.
Does Starbucks Still Do Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Yes, Starbucks still offers the Pumpkin Spice Latte as a seasonal drink. However, there have been some changes and updates to the recipe over the years. In 2015, Starbucks removed artificial caramel coloring from the PSL and replaced it with real pumpkin puree. This change was made in response to customer feedback and has made the PSL a more natural and healthier option.
Does Starbucks Australia Have Pumpkin Spice Lattes?
Unfortunately, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is not available at Starbucks locations in Australia. However, there are other pumpkin spice-flavored drinks and treats available at Australian Starbucks locations, such as the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino and Pumpkin Scone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Starbucks does still have Pumpkin Spice Latte as a seasonal drink, and it remains a highly anticipated and beloved beverage among fall lovers. With its warm and cozy flavors, the PSL has become a symbol of the changing seasons and a must-try for any coffee enthusiast. So, make sure to mark your calendars and get your hands on a PSL before it’s gone for another year. Happy fall!
