Fans across the globe eagerly anticipate Starbucks’ annual pumpkin spice rollout. The PSL has become a perennial icon of the brand, a staple of autumn coffee culture. Yet this season, Starbucks pushes the boundaries once more, broadening what the pumpkin spice lineup can offer by introducing a fresh pumpkin-spiced beverage. The new creation for this fall is one we’re especially thrilled about.
The fall drink they’re releasing with the return of pumpkin spice season is a variation on one of the best Starbucks drinks they have. The Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is hands-down one of the most impressive drinks that Starbucks has released in a long time. The brown sugar and slight cinnamon flavor really allow the espresso flavor to shine, without overwhelming it. And, the perfect blend of strong espresso flavor and creaminess is far less milky and diluted than a latte, too.
The Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso that they are releasing on the fall menu takes the same ratio and method of making the classic shaken espresso drink and shakes it with brown sugar and cinnamon, the same way that the original is made. However, it is made with a delectably fall inspired pumpkin cold foam to spice it up. With the original version of this drink being one of our absolute Starbucks favorites, we knew we’d have to try out this one and see how it holds up. Here’s what we think.
An Extra Sweet Pumpkin Treat
Let’s not beat around the bush or anything, if you crave cold foam and if you enjoy pumpkin spice, then this beverage could easily rank among Starbucks’ top releases in recent memory. It’s remarkably session-friendly and presents a more harmonious balance than the earlier pumpkin cream cold brew. After all, any drink built on brown sugar shaken espresso was already strong, and the natural harmony between the warm pumpkin-spice notes in the cream and the espresso’s nutty, caramel-like undertones promises an ideal duet.
A note for morning caffeine runs: you may want to opt for a larger size, since the generous cold foam layer reduces the overall coffee proportion. Not a flaw so much as a helpful sizing tip for future orders. The pumpkin-spice flavor sits predominantly in the foam, which keeps the drink from tasting overly pumpkin-forward. This one is already shaping up to be our go-to seasonal sip.
