On Aug. 25, Starbucks treated coffee enthusiasts with a special surprise: the fall menu. Famous for the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL), the menu has varied throughout the years while still bringing back classics. For some people, August may seem too early to start thinking about fall. However, for die-hard PSL fans, an early release of the fall menu is a sweet gift. 

   While the Pumpkin Spice Latte remains the most popular, Starbucks will also be serving the Pumpkin Cold Brew for its second year as well as the returning Salted Caramel Mocha. Both the latte and mocha can be blended into frappuccinos for those who like icy drinks in the warm California fall weather.

   In the mood for a snack? Also making a comeback is Starbucks’ seasonal bakery menu including the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, Pumpkin Scone, Fox Cake Pop and Pumpkin Bread, which is available year-round.

   While the famous pumpkin-based drink has its fans and critics, there’s no doubt that fall is just not complete without Starbucks’ autumn items. The new seasonal menu items have definitely gotten people excited about the changing weather.

   Here is The Paw Print’s review of the 2020 Starbucks’ seasonal items:

   Starting off with the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte. This drink is the embodiment of fall, with spices like sweet cinnamon and nutmeg. One sip transports you to cozy afternoons warming up by the fireplace with a hot drink. Although that may not be the case for California’s weather, the comforting flavor can also be experienced iced or blended. This is truly not a drink to pass up on, as the taste puts you in the mood for the season ahead.

   The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is another drink suited for those warm autumn days. The refreshing cold brew is topped with a creamy pumpkin spice cold foam, creating the perfect drink to cool off while being in the fall spirit.

   The Salted Caramel Mocha is definitely a sweet treat that people can enjoy any time of the year. However, it may be a little too sugary for some, in which case it is recommended to adjust the pumps of syrup to one’s liking. Over ice or blended, it is a tasty option from the fall menu that coffee lovers are sure to enjoy. 

   The Paw Print also had the chance to try the Pumpkin Scone. While scones have a crumbly texture and may be on the drier side, the pumpkin scone was a surprise. It had a consistency that was almost like bread, feeling soft and chewy. The pumpkin scone was also nice in that the bread itself wasn’t as sweet compared to the other bakery menus for Starbucks; however, the icing was extremely sugary. The icing ended up overpowering the entire pastry and the pumpkin was less distinctive.

   Additionally, the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin is a new addition to the fall menu that has gotten many people excited. At first glance, the muffin was sprinkled with oats and showed off a cream-cheese center at the top. The soft muffin combined with the sweet and tangy cream cheese made for a delightful treat that was perfect for fall. Surprisingly, the cream cheese didn’t overpower the muffin at all. Instead, it was a subtle addition to the pumpkin-flavored muffin, creating a balance and an overall sweet, but not too sweet, dessert.

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   Although for most people nothing will beat the classic PSL, these other drinks and snacks are definitely worth a try. Make sure to head over to Starbucks to experience an essential part of the fall season.