Starbucks officially announced the return of its legendary Pumpkin Spice Latte this week, set for August 26… which is roughly six weeks before a single crunchy leaf dares to fall. It’s the coffee equivalent of someone showing up to a Halloween party in early September — overly enthusiastic, slightly confusing, but undeniably the life of the party. Summer’s still in full swing, but Starbucks wants to know if you’ve picked out your Thanksgiving centerpiece.
This year marks the PSL’s 21st birthday, which means it can now legally pair with a shot of espresso and question its life choices. There are a few other new additions to the drink menu to enjoy…They’re offering cold versions for those of us who want to pretend it’s fall without sweating through our cardigans. The new Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is basically the PSL’s cool cousin who listens to indie music and doesn’t believe in hot drinks unless there’s a chill advisory.
But let’s be real: at this point, pumpkin spice is less a flavor and more a marketing juggernaut. Starbucks could probably release a Pumpkin Spice Burrito and people would try it at least once. But you have to respect the hustle — when a seasonal drink can inspire candle lines, cereal crossovers, and emotionally-charged debates, it’s not just a beverage, it’s a lifestyle. One that starts in August, apparently.
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