Starbucks, I'm Begging You, Bring Back The Toasted Graham Latte
It's time to ditch your obsession with PSL.
If you've logged on to a computer or, literally, any form of technology recently, you've most likely unwittingly stumbled right into the annual bombardment of advertisements and social media posts ecstatically proclaiming the return of Starbucks' infamous fall classic, the PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte). For years, this concoction of espresso, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove has dominated the franchise's seasonal lineup of beverages. And, during this time, the general public maintained its begrudging tolerance towards the obnoxious onslaught of media hype surrounding the PSL. But, no more! It is 2018, which means that it is about time for the world to accept the fact that this beverage is not only grossly overrated but just plain gross.
Honestly, you'd think by now everyone would have realized that there's a reason why people save the pumpkin's seeds for roasting and use whatever's left for carving jack-o-lanterns. It's because pumpkin doesn't actually taste good. This is exactly why Starbucks substitutes the natural flavors of the fruit - yes, scientifically speaking, pumpkins are a fruit- with concentrated, sugar-filled, chemically engineered syrup. But, you know what flavor doesn't need a chemical substitute - graham! Delicious, sugary, cinnamon sprinkled graham.
Unlike the previously mentioned PSL, the Toasted Graham Latte (TGL) was both light and flavorful. Clocking in at 300 calories per serving, the Grande TGL carried a slight dietary advantage over the PSL which remains 380 calories. Additionally, the Toasted Graham Latte avoided overwhelming the drinker's pallet by intertwining hints of graham cracker and sweet cream with the franchise's signature espresso. Most importantly, this beverage expanded Starbucks' fall menu, providing coffee drinkers loyal to the brand with more options from which to choose. So, why did Starbucks discontinue the TGL? Your guess is as good as mine.
In the end, I suppose fans of the TGL aren't at a complete loss. You can still find TGL Keurig cups in stores and online. But, honestly, why not just continue brewing the beverage on location?
A Complete List Of The National Days in August That You'll Need To Celebrate This Year
Mark these on your calendars!
August is a month full of celebration (I mean, it is my birthday month...)
BUT there are also tons of national days to celebrate too!!! Here's a list of my favorites!
August 1st: National Girlfriends Day
GiphyIT'S GIRL'S NIGHT!!!
August 2nd: National Coloring Book Day
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Who doesn't love to color a nice picture?
August 3rd: National Grab Some Nuts Day
GiphyI hope this means almonds and walnuts, not the other ones....
August 4th: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
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Every cookie needs it's own national day, so this one is for chocolate chip!
August 5th: National Underwear Day
GiphyUnderwear is a very important garment that deserves a day for gratitude
August 6th: National Wiggle Your Toes Day
GiphyMake those little piggies dance!
August 7th: National Raspberries N' Cream Day
GiphyOne of my favorite flavors!
August 8th: National Sneak Some Zucchini Into Your Neighbor's Porch Day
GiphyI'm not sure why this is a thing but I'm going to do it
August 9th: National Book Lover's Day / National Rice Pudding Day
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I love a good rice pudding as much as I love a good book, so why not combine the two?
August 10th: National S'mores Day
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This year the 10th falls on a Friday... hopefully the weather is nice because Fridays are great nights to have bonfires!!
August 11th: National Presidential Joke Day
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Isn't our government system just one big joke on its own already?
August 12th: National Vinyl Record Day
GiphyTime to pull out the turn table and some of my favorite LPs!
August 13th: National Filet-Mignon Day
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GAINZ
August 14th: MY BIRTHDAY / National Creamsicle Day
GiphyMy birthday is the more important one, here
August 15th: National Relaxation Day
GiphyYeah, I'm going need a day to relax after celebrating my 21st birthday...
August 16th: National Roller Coaster Day / National Tell a Joke Day
GiphyRoller coasters and jokes - two fun things to celebrate in one day!
August 17th: National Thrift Shop Day
GiphyI'm gonna' pop some tags
August 18th: National Fijita Day
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I'm feeling a fajita night - with Margaritas, too, of course!
August 19th: National Soft Ice Cream Day
GiphyAccurate GIF of me at the soft serve machine in the dining hall
August 20th: National Radio Day
GiphyDoes anyone even listen to the radio anymore?
August 21st: National Senior Citizens Day
GiphySome old people are crotchety but most of them are pretty cool if you take the time to talk with them!
August 22nd: National Tooth Fairy Day
GiphyTrue story: my dad ruined the whole tooth fairy thing after I lost my first tooth trying to tangle his Nascar shirt in my ceiling fan and tell me that the tooth fairy was a Jimmy Johnson fan
August 23rd: National Sponge Cake Day
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I'll celebrate with a Twinkie (or two or three)
August 24th: National Waffle Day
GiphyTEAM WAFFLE ALL THE WAY
August 25th: National Banana Split Day
c1.staticflickr.comI'm a fan of all things ice cream so I support this
August 26th: National Dog Day
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I'm more of a cat person myself but dogs can be kind of cool too
August 27th: National Just Because Day
GiphyYou don't need a reason to do anything - do it "just because"
August 28th: National Bow Tie Day
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I love bow ties
August 29th: National Chop Suey Day
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I honestly don't even know what chop suey is but it looks pretty good to me!
August 30th: National Toasted Marshmallow Day
GiphyI like my marshmallows burnt to a crisp
August 31st: National Trail Mix Day
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Don't be the prick that only eats the M&Ms... the raisins are good, too!