As the air turns cool and the leaves orange, Starbucks enthusiasts eagerly await the return of seasonal drinks. From the standard pumpkin spice latte to lesser-known beverages like the Chestnut Praline Latte, the limited-time offerings have become synonymous with the start of fall and hold a special place in the hearts of Starbucks enthusiasts. 

“The seasonal drinks at Starbucks are great because they’re the number one indicator of the seasons changing,” FHS senior Roey Namer said. “They’re really nice when it’s cold outside.”

The arrival of these drinks signifies more than just a change in weather but also an opportunity to embrace the social traditions of the season. For Starbucks baristas, the new drinks create an influx of customers seeking their seasonal delights which can be challenging. 

“We get a lot of new customers. It gets really busy and it’s not as fun to work,” Starbucks barista Mia Aharonoff said. 

Despite heightened demands and busy shifts, the baristas’ dedication remains. They strive for great customer service, carefully tending to each drink and bakery item.

Many have expressed their sadness at some items like the pumpkin spice latte leaving the menu and being replaced by less popular drinks. 

“The caramel brulee latte wasn’t really Christmassy. It just tasted like a regular latte,” Namer said.

The caramel brulee latte is indeed made of many of the same ingredients as the classic iced latte, with a caramel brulee sauce that gives it its flavor. However, the flavor is not strong and is barely distinguishable from a regular latte.

On the other hand, newer drinks have been on the rise in popularity. 

“My favorite is the gingerbread chai latte because it’s easy, it’s also good,” Aharonoff said. 

Easy to make during rushes and deliciously comforting, the gingerbread chai tea latte has warm notes of gingerbread but maintains the familiarity of a classic chai tea latte, and allows Starbucks drinkers to spice up their beverage with a pumpkin spice cold foam addition. 

“I really liked the chai gingerbread one. That one was really good and wintery. It has a lot of those good holiday flavors,” Namer said.

With every seasonal delight, customers are able to savor and experience the joys of the cool seasons one sip at a time. Starbucks continues to serve these beverages not just as drinks to enjoy, but as a shared experience that embodies the essence of the holiday season.