Short answer, yes, I think it deserves to be hyped, but it is overhyped to the point some people physically won’t drink anything else when the leaves turn brown (don’t come for me, PSL lovers!). There’s lots of underrated autumnal drinks and flavours which match the vibe and make those cold days just that extra bit warmer.
Pumpkin spice flavour is everywhere, be it in latte form, in cookies, cakes and now even in matcha. Ingrained into our culture as ‘the’ autumn flavour, consumers are kept in a chokehold at this time every year, particularly the coffee lovers. Starbucks’ famed Pumpkin Spice Latte often sells out in stores each autumn season and is so popular that the coffee chain launched the beverage early this year – in August.
Originally from the American pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice features a blend of different spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, paired with pumpkin undertones. It is easy to see why these warming flavours are so popular; evoking the seasonal imagery of cosy sweaters, chunky scarves and brazen bonfires, pumpkin spice becomes another combatant against the cold and dreary months that bring the year to a close.
Deservingly settled in popular culture, pumpkin spice isn’t the only drink out there to bring some autumn joy. Chai is a great alternative, carrying a similar sweet cinnamon taste. Maple, often paired with nutty notes like pecan or hazelnut, is another seasonal staple, similar to caramel but with an autumnal twist. Fruity flavours like apple, reminiscent of crumble and toffee-coated bonfire treats, are also on the rise, for example Black Sheep Coffee’s popular apple crumble matcha from this year’s autumn launch.
Whether pumpkin spice is your holy grail, you aren’t a fan, or just want to try something new, there are plenty of other autumnal flavours in food and drink out there to help you get in the seasonal spirit and brush off those post-summer blues.
