When I got to college, I finally started to give in to some of the stereotypes associated with the “basic girl,” and I’d say that my life has improved since I bought my olive green field jacket and admitted my love for Taylor Swift. One trend I had still never tried, however, was the pumpkin spice latte–until last Friday.
On my way back to my dorm room from work, I stopped at Starbucks and saw a sign proclaiming that the PSL had officially arrived for the season. Why not, I thought, recalling my positive experience with eating a pumpkin bagel last week. The main reason I’d never tried a pumpkin spice latte was actually not a refusal to “conform” but rather the belief that pumpkin spice was an acquired taste I just didn’t have. I can’t identify the exact moment when I morphed into a pumpkin spice appreciator, but I’m glad my taste buds underwent that change, because let me tell you, that pumpkin spice latte was delicious. I have come here today to laud its sweet, caffeinated, pumpkin-y goodness with five reasons why it’s time to give in and appreciate the PSL.
1. There is not a rule governing who is and is not allowed to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte.
Yes, it’s been branded as the drink of “basic white girls,” or, at the very least, a “girly” drink, but as I waited for my latte, a guy standing behind me ordered the same thing. He proceeded to get into a discussion with the barista, who didn’t like pumpkin spice lattes because he thought they were too sweet, about how it was a matter of taste and he felt the same way about caramel macchiatos as the barista felt about pumpkin spice lattes. (I had no idea what either of them was talking about. I love hyper-sweetened coffee drinks in general.) If you want it, there’s no shame in drinking it.
2. We’re students and we need caffeine. A pumpkin spice latte is coffee and it can provide you with that caffeine.
This is at least true for me, and it has been true for me since I was fifteen years old. I laud all of those who have yet to become coffee or caffeinated tea drinkers. I could never get through my day without at least one cup of some caffeinated beverage, even if it’s partly for the taste rather than the sweet alertness they provide that I enjoy these drinks so much.
3. The pumpkin spice latte is a seasonal drink supercharged with connotations of fall.
I don’t know about you, but fall is my favorite season. I grew up in Massachusetts, and with my cross-country team I decided one day, during our run through the woods, that fall in New England is one big live-action Instagram feed. Fall in DC might start a bit later than I’m used to, but it’s still gorgeous, and just thinking about fall reminds me of colorful leaves, crisp autumn air, apple picking, back-to-school festivities, and overall feelings of joy and coziness. (I have fall scent diffusers in my room and fall-themed hand lotions. I get very enthusiastic and festive during these months.)
I could probably write a rant the length of a Harry Potter book about why fall is my favorite time of the year, but I’ll leave it at this: in my opinion, fall foods and drinks are always a welcome reminder of what season it is, and they should be embraced while they last.
4. The PSL’s status as a seasonal drink means it’s only available for a little while each year.
What will happen when it’s March and you suddenly have a craving for pumpkin spice? You can always procure something pumpkin spicy on your own, but I can guarantee you it’s much easier to find these things during the fall, so if it’s something you like, you might as well enjoy it during its peak months of availability.
5. Finally, it’s healthy to treat yourself every now and then.
Pumpkin spice lattes are very sweet and not the most inexpensive coffee drink, but it’s absolutely okay to allow yourself to enjoy something you like from time to time. Personally, I’m still learning how to reward myself like that without feeling bad for the “unhealthy” food indulgence and the money spent on it, but there’s no reason for me or anyone else to feel guilty. Embrace it.
So there you have it: my wholehearted endorsement of the pumpkin spice latte. I tried one and it converted me. As the guy who ordered a pumpkin spice latte after me pointed out, I’m not about to drink one every day, because I might feel like my teeth were rotting from the sugary deliciousness, but it’s definitely an option I’ll consider from now on, and I’d recommend it to anyone else who’s curious!
