Starbucks PSL is back, kicking off the ‘unofficial’ start of Autumn

Image credit: Starbucks
Pumpkin spice season has officially begun! The iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL), returns to Starbucks coffeehouses today – 26 August – marking the unofficial start of Autumn for many. Joining the Starbucks Fall menu this year is the new Pecan Oatmilk Cortado, as well as returning favourites such as the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte and Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte.
More than 20 years ago, Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL), which sparked a global cultural phenomenon, and quickly became Starbucks most popular seasonal beverage of all time. PSL is made with real pumpkin, Starbucks® Signature Espresso, steamed milk, cinnamon and nutmeg, and is topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices (available hot, iced or blended).
All of the pumpkin-based beverages are made with real pumpkins that are grown on a farm in Walla Walla Valley, Washington, a half-day’s drive from Seattle
Last year, Starbucks introduced pecan to its Fall menu – a warm and comforting flavour that pairs perfectly with espresso – and it quickly became a fan favourite. This Fall, Starbucks is launching the new Pecan Oatmilk Cortado, which combines three shots of Starbucks Blonde Espresso with notes of pecan, rich brown butter and holiday baking spices and steamed oatmilk, it is then sprinkled with a pecan crunch topping and served hot in an 8-ounce cup.
“The saltiness and browned butter notes combined with the toasted pecan flavours are the perfect complement to the Cortado’s bold espresso base,” said Patrick Penny, lead beverage developer for Starbucks. “When paired with creamy oatmilk, the pecan balances the vibrant, rich flavour notes of Starbucks Blonde Espresso.”
Additionally, the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte is back, featuring Starbucks Blonde Espresso, oatmilk, notes of pecan, rich brown butter and holiday baking spices. The iced version includes a layer of vanilla sweet cream cold foam on top. Customers can also add a pecan twist to any iced beverage by customising it with Pecan Cold Foam.
Starbucks Single-Origin Guatemala Casi Cielo Coffee, one of the most popular coffees among Starbucks baristas, is a single-origin Guatemala medium roast coffee with a smooth, citrusy flavour profile featuring notes of Meyer lemon and cocoa nibs. The Casi Cielo Coffee celebrates Guatemala’s Antigua Valley, an iconic coffee growing region known for producing some of the finest beans in the world. It pairs well with any dessert and is beautiful any way it’s brew – hot or iced.
This coffee will be featured as the medium roast coffee-of-the-day in Starbucks coffeehouses and is also available for purchase as whole bean coffee. When customers enjoy their first drink in a café, they can receive free refills of hot or iced brewed coffee or tea – including Guatemala Casi Cielo Coffee – during the same visit.
Starbucks Reserve Roasteries
Also starting on August 26, Starbucks Reserve Roasteries and stores in Chicago, New York City and Seattle are offering a lineup of new and returning beverages and food, from the Starbucks Reserve® Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew to the new Tiramisu Latte, Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Barrel-Aged Manhattan and Pumpkin S’mores Tart.
Starbucks at Home
Starbucks Fall flavours are now available online and where groceries are sold for a limited time, including the new Iced Espresso Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Concentrate, ready to drink Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino® Chilled Coffee Drink, and Pumpkin Spice Flavored Coffee. Creamers include Maple Pecan Latte Inspired Non-dairy Creamer, and a returning favorite, Pumpkin Spice Flavored Creamers (dairy and non-dairy).