By Sanjum Sandhu

Pumpkin Spice Latte. Photo credit: flickr user Push Doctor.

THE Pumpkin Spice Latte. Hot or iced. Pick your poison. Everyone knows and loves Starbucks, especially their seasonal menus. But why? What is so amazing about a drink flavored with pumpkin pie spice and no actual pumpkin in it? This drink has had a chokehold on your average Millenials, prompting jokes about how Millennials run off of their chunky scarves, tight cardigans, skinny jeans, and, most importantly, the Pumpkin Spice Latte. How do I feel about this fan favorite? Well, to keep it brief, I hate it.

From my early Middle School days, when Caramel Frappuccinos seemed like the coolest thing a Middle Schooler could buy from Starbucks, my older sister introduced me to real coffee instead of wasting money on frozen coffee. She would make elaborate espresso drinks from our machine and handmade numerous syrups to cater to my sweet tooth. Once you have had a quality espresso, Starbucks starts to taste slightly like dirt water. When I first tried the pumpkin spice latte, I was nothing short of disappointed. It was not very appetizing to me. I hated how the espresso tasted and how I could feel the texture of the powder with every sip. Maybe I just had an unpleasant experience, but I never turned to repurchasing this drink, wasting a whopping $5.95 on a grande. 

Starbucks winter drinks. Photo credit: Oguzhan Yavuz.

This is not to say I hate all of Starbucks’ fall drinks. Last year, as I scrolled through my Instagram feed, I came across someone who had an Iced Chai (as an Indian American whose family survives on Chai, I refuse to call the drink “tea tea”) with Pumpkin Cold Foam. So, the next chance I got, I ordered it and fell in love. It was like drinking homemade Chai, because the pumpkin spice added a bit of flavor to the otherwise watery Starbucks Chai, making it near perfection. The Pumpkin Chai is the perfect segue into the colder months, as a drink warmed with spice. But get it only with oat milk, because with regular milk the beverage is overpowered by the flavor of the milk. This 460-calorie drink was the perfect staple, but my bank account began crying because I was draining almost six dollars per week on a cup of ice with a splash of drink. 

It is finally the season of Starbucks’ best drinks, the winter drinks. Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee, Chestnut Praline, Iced Sugar Cookie, and Gingerbread Chai are unhealthy and sugary drinks in most Starbucks locations. November 2 marked the fateful day when Starbucks’ income jumped 12% solely because of its love for winter drinks. As Olivia D’Ambrosia (‘24) states, “Peppermint is just the better flavor,” which is entirely accurate. Peppermint is soothing and distinguishable, unlike the questionable additives in the Pumpkin Spice latte. And she is not alone. Chloe Miles (‘24), Anne Southworth (‘24), Chloe Webb (‘24), and Walker Smith (‘24) all agree. 

A double venti Strawberry Acai Lemonade with no berries and added Strawberry Puree. Photo credit: Chloe Miles.

But is it worth spending $5.50-$7.50 on the seasonal drinks? With a calorie range of 180-510 in the hot seasonal beverages alone, the winter season can take a massive toll on a person’s money and body. Webb remarks, “I try to limit my consumption of Starbucks because it doesn’t align with my values.” D’Ambrosia also states, “Did you know if you don’t go to Starbucks every day and save that money, invest in stocks, and you could maybe even make a million dollars?” Even if you do not choose to invest that money, that can be $1,980- $2,700 you save annually if you forego a daily Starbucks run. Nonetheless, Miles states that she will “pay the $6” without shame “at a minimum three or four times per week.”

A grande Caramel Brulée Latte with Oatmilk and extra topping. Photo credit: Sanjum Sandhu.

On a recent visit, Miles took a selfie with two beverages, but she stated very emphatically, “I did not get two drinks in the last picture; they gave me an extra by accident.” ‘Tis the season of giving, so she was just blessed with an early Christmas present of free Starbucks. 

Despite Starbucks’ distasteful espresso, I love the Caramel Brulee latte with all my heart. Hot or iced, this drink is pure comfort to me. My staple winter drink is a sweet, buttery caramel latte that can mask the taste of the espresso, topped with smooth whipped cream and crunchy caramel pieces. While my parents scold me every time I spend more money at Starbucks, this drink is too perfect to miss out on, whether to survive through exam season or stay awake during school after getting no sleep the night before due to hours’ worth of procrastinating homework.

A teenage girl addicted to their staple drink: Venti Strawberry Acai Lemonade with no berries and added Strawberry Puree. Photo credit: Chloe Miles.

I have been to Starbucks more than I would like to admit recently and feel a slight scream in my heart every time I see the total of my order since the release of the winter drinks. My most frequently purchased drinks are the Caramel Brulée Latte and the White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha. Even my friend and Tucker High School senior Krishi Chand exclaimed, “This is the best drink I have ever had; write it down so I can remember it.” Chand then went to drink almost the entirety of my drink, leaving me with no more than three sips left. 

At least drinking this coffee motivates me to go to the gym even more throughout the winter, because a grande is 410 calories that I do not need, adding up to my caloric intake going into the holiday season.