With the Fall Equinox finally behind us, it's time to trade in our shorts and white Converse sneakers for knee-boots and flannel. Of course, that's not the only exchange we'll be making this season; yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's time to give up the strawberry-acai coolers from Starbucks in favor of some more festive Frappuccinos. The Starbucks fall flavors are back, and yours truly is here to report on what to purchase--and what to pass on.
1. The Pumpkin Spice Latte
The quintessential fall drink, the Pumpkin Spice latte is back and ready to feature in all of your artsy fall Instagram pictures. I've heard nothing but good things about the drink ever since it was introduced a few years back, and for good reason: it's basically your post-Thanksgiving dessert of pie and creamy coffee in drink form. I recommend taking yours with whipped cream (it's worth the extra calories), which makes the clove-nutmeg-pumpkin coffee confection taste even more like your favorite fall dessert.
2. The Salted Caramel Mocha
I've found that it is very hard to make salted caramel go badly, and that impression wasn't unseated at all by trying the Salted Caramel Mocha. Drinking this reminds me of why I heard that people are trying to buy Starbuck's mocha chips plain--the mocha syrup blends deliciously with the caramel, coffee, and toffee flavors, with a hint of salt sprinkled throughout the drink to ensure you don't get a sugar headache.
3. The Chile Mocha
The newcomer in the fall flavors lineup, the Chile Mocha packs a powerful kick. I recently tried the Frappuccino version of this drink, and I'll admit that I was a little nervous. I love anything with a kick (if you ever need a laugh, ask me about the time I decided it'd be a good idea to eat a super-hot jalapeño during right before my high school dance), but I wasn't sure if my sweet tooth would appreciate the mix of sweet and spicy. I made sure to ask for tons of whipped cream, took a deep breath, took a sip, and...I loved it! The sugary mocha flavor, which I enjoy all by itself, was beautifully set off by the pep of the chile. The iciness of the drink contrasted the natural heat of the chile, and I found myself slurping down the drink with abandon. I wouldn't order this drink in the morning--the contrasts are too extreme for my sleep-addled brain to handle early in the morning--but I'd definitely order this again.
All of the above flavors are available in hot or Frappuccino forms, so go forth and caffeinate!
