With the return of fall, Starbucks has released its seasonal fall drinks, bringing excitement to many. This year’s fall menu is more limited compared to previous years. By popular demand, the classic fall favorites, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai and the Pumpkin Spice Latte, have made a comeback, to the pleasure of Highlands students. Starbucks is really popular around the Highlands, whether it’s early in the morning before school or a refreshing after-school stop.
In addition, Starbucks has introduced to the fall menu the Pecan Oat milk Cortado and the Pecan Crunch Oat milk Latte. Customers can also add Pecan Cold Foam to any drink. As Starbucks enters its busiest season, many have been eagerly awaiting the return of the seasonal favorites, including many students at Highlands who have been anticipating this season all summer.
A Google Form was posted to determine which Starbucks drinks are most popular among Highlands students. The Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai came in first place with 16 votes. The chai is a perfect addition to a fall day, its crisp pumpkin flavor is delicious but also so refreshing.
“The flavor is perfect for fall,” Brandon Lewis (9) said, “I really like chai drinks and I love the pumpkin cream cold brew, so it was a perfect mix to create one of my favorite drinks.” Crosley Kisse (9) said. The pumpkin with the chai is the perfect mix to make one of the most delicious and favorite drinks at Starbucks. Whether you’re heading to class or hanging out with friends, these drinks feel like fall in a cup, and they quickly become more popular among students.
In second place was the Pumpkin Spice Latte with 8 votes, followed by the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew in third place with 4 votes. Both drinks were clearly favored among students for their cozy fall flavor and nostalgic appeal. Many students appreciate these options and the variety in the Starbucks lineup, catering to a little bit of sweetness with a little bit of caffeine.
“It’s really good and a perfect fall drink; it’s a classic.” Eden Hargis (12) said. The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has stood out for its coffee flavor balanced by its rich pumpkin-y cold foam sweetness, making it a go-to for people who prefer a less sweet and more caffeinated option. Its popularity has grown, offering an interesting twist between caffeine and pumpkin.
Other favorites mentioned included cake pops, drinks with cold foam, and one vote for the Pecan Crunch Oat milk Latte. This shows how students aren’t just drawn to pumpkin things for Fall, but are interested in many unique seasonal flavors at Starbucks, even though they aren’t as popular as the other options.
Overall, the Pumpkin Cream Chai seems to have grabbed the most attention from Highlands students. Students around the school are singing its praises, and it seems likely to become a mainstay this Fall season.
