Fall Drink Review

By: Jessica Scroppo Layout Designer

It’s finally fall! Of all the things to look forward to, I find myself anticipating the comeback of my favorite drinks each year. Most coffee shops offer an array of pumpkin spice and cinnamon options to choose from. I am a firm believer that a drink in hand makes it easy to get into the spirit!

I thought I’d taste test a few of Starbucks’ options, I’m a Starbucks girl. I’m familiar with the menu and I’ll take any excuse to pay over $5 for a coffee.

For my first option, I chose a twist on a classic- the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. The first day it was available, I was in line. I remembered loving it in previous years. The drink was rich and the pumpkin cream on top was full of flavor. According to www.thepostathens.com, “The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew made its debut in 2019, making this its third year on the menu.” However, this year was a different story. I noticed the pumpkin cream was not only a different color, but less rich in flavor. Starbucks fanatics contribute the changes to a difference in syrup. Regardless, I still give it a 7/10. A few days later, my next try was a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino. Although I stopped drinking Frappuccinos in junior high school, I was compelled to try the pumpkin spice variation. I’m glad I took the risk because the flavor was just right. The pumpkin spice was not overly sweet, and the texture was smooth. I even reordered it the next week. It’s a 9/10 for me.

The Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew was next on my list. A cold brew from Starbucks will never mislead you and is a core menu item for a reason. According to www. businessinsider.com, “The long steeping time is key to the brewing process, giving the drink a sweeter, less acidic taste than iced coffee.” I get the cold brew with an extra pump of caramel because I like things on the sweeter side. Even then, the caramel taste is not overwhelming and the coffee is never bitter.

University of St. Francis senior Shayna Griffith agreed, “I always order the Cold Brew, and I make sure to get it in a venti. It's the best thing on the menu!” As my favorite Starbucks drink of all time, I give it a 10/10.

The last drink for my review was the Apple Crisp Macchiato. This is a new Fall 2021 menu item; however, I don’t think it will be a menu item next year. In my experience, a Starbucks macchiato leaves a bitter after taste. The Apple Crisp was no different. Without adding any extra pumps of sweetener and the Apple syrup collecting at the bottom, the first sips left me gagging. Trying to stir and shake the cup did nothing. The cinnamon apple flavoring collecting at the bottom would not budge. While I was finishing the drink, I was finally able to taste the apple. However, the syrup added little to the other 90 percent of the drink. I give the macchiato a 3/10.

Overall, Starbucks is at every corner for a reason. Fall isn’t fall without a little pumpkin spice. Even if you aren’t a fan, there are plenty of options that can still give you a “taste” of fall. P.S. Get the cake pop…