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Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. I notice the crunch of leaves first, then the smell of pumpkin patches, and by the time I’m inside with a coffee, I’m already thinking about fall flavors.
The pumpkin spice latte is still the drink I associate most with fall, but once the weather starts to drop I usually start rotating through a few others.
I pulled together 13 fall coffee drinks I keep coming back to, whether I’m making them at home or ordering them out.
13 Fall coffee drinks to try at-home & out
These are the drinks I want when I’m reading on a chilly afternoon or heading out for a fall event. They make the season feel a little more deliberate.
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkin Spice Latte Nutritional Breakdown (Hot - Without Modification) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nutrients | Short (8 fl oz) | Tall (12 fl oz) | Grande (16 fl oz) | Venti (20-24 fl oz) |
Calories | 210 | 300 | 390 | 470 |
Total Fat | 9 g | 12 g | 14 g | 16 g |
Cholesterol | 30 mg | 40 mg | 50 mg | 60 mg |
Sodium | 120 mg | 180 mg | 230 mg | 300 mg |
Total Carbs | 26 g | 39 g | 52 g | 65 g |
Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
Sugar | 25 g | 38 g | 50 g | 63 g |
Protein | 7 g | 11 g | 14 g | 18 g |
Caffeine | 75 mg | 75 mg | 150 mg | 150 mg |
Ah, yes, pumpkin spice latte, the drink that usually marks the start of fall for me.
Every year, I start looking for one as soon as September hits. If I order it too often, I remember why I only want it in phases.
This beautiful concoction of pumpkin syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove with whipped cream topping has a bigger grip on my life than I’d like to believe.
This pumpkin drink from Starbucks is a must-try for anyone, trust me!
Tips From a Barista:
- While 2% milk is the default, it works well with soy, almond, oat, or coconut milk, too.
- It’s also possible to make it a pumpkin cream cold brew by using cold brew coffee instead of regular espresso.
What You Need To Make Pumpkin Spice Latte At Home
- Two espresso shots
- 2% steamed milk
- A combination of pumpkin flavoring, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove
- Topped with whipped cream
2. Caramel Apple Steamer
The first time I had a Caramel Apple Steamer, I expected it to taste like a caramel apple in drink form.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that it actually tasted more like warm apple pie, with velvety steamed milk, rich caramel, and a hint of apple orchard nostalgia.
I know not everyone wants pumpkin all season, and I get there too if I drink it too often.
This is a good alternative, made with steamed apple juice, cinnamon syrup, caramel sauce, and whipped cream.
I can almost pretend it counts as fruit, which is mostly a joke, but the apple does make it feel lighter than a milk-based drink.
What You Need To Make Caramel Apple Steamer At Home
- Steamed apple juice
- Cinnamon syrup
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
3. Hazelnut Mocha
As someone who still says yes to Nutella whenever it shows up, the Hazelnut Mocha is an easy sell for me.
With rich espresso underneath, it turns into a rounded drink that feels comforting without tasting flat or overly sweet.
Made with hazelnut syrup, espresso, mocha sauce, milk, and whipped cream, it’s simple yet effective.
Tips From a Barista:
- Making a hazelnut mocha at home is simple and the coffee recipe is easy to follow; just grab the ingredients and combine in a glass, then top with some chocolate syrup or shavings as a garnish.
What You Need To Make Hazelnut Mocha At Home
- Sweet hazelnut syrup
- Milk
- An espresso shot
- Topped off with a yummy mocha sauce drizzle atop whipped cream.
4. Peppermint Hot Cocoa
Peppermint Hot Cocoa is a little more interesting than regular hot chocolate.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa usually feels more like a winter drink, but I’m happy to start it early when the weather cools.
Made with a perfectly-balanced blend of heavy cream, brown sugar, dark chocolate, peppermint oil, and whip, it’s a dream combo for when I have a sweet craving.
The thing I like most is how the mint shows up after the first sip, not all at once. The cocoa stays familiar, and then the peppermint gives the cup a colder, sharper finish.
Tips From a Barista:
- There are several methods and ingredients to make peppermint hot cocoa, but here’s a popular recipe from the Food Network I really enjoy
What You Need To Make Peppermint Hot Cocoa At Home
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Brown sugar
- Bittersweet chocolate
- Peppermint oil
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
5. Salted Caramel Latte
The Salted Caramel Latte is the delicious result of what happens when sweet and savory seamlessly collide.
The steamed milk and caramel syrup make this feel richer than an everyday coffee, so I usually want it in a smaller serving.
At home, the easiest latte texture usually comes from a milk frother or steamer. I’ve also shaken milk or cream in a jar when I wanted a quick fix, and it works in a pinch, even if the foam is less tidy.
I’ve tried a few frothing methods, and the main thing I look for is texture rather than perfect foam. If I’m not making it at home, I usually keep the order simple and add something like caramel syrup or sea salt.
What You Need To Make Salted Caramel Latte At Home
- 1 cup of your favorite milk
- 1 ounce of espresso roast coffee
- Caramel syrup
- Sea salt
- Sugar
- Whipped cream (optional)
BaristaHQ Tip: For a chocolatey version of this delicious autumn coffee treat, order a salted caramel mocha latte from a local coffee shop. This has all the same ingredients, but uses chocolate sauce to flavor the milk.
6. Vanilla Biscotti Latte
I love dipping biscotti into coffee, so this drink made sense to me right away.
It’s sweet, aromatic, and even a little bit zesty, but somehow the Biscotti Latte goes perfectly with autumn.
Made with espresso, any type of milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and lemon zest, it’s one of the more aromatic drinks on my list.
It has the same sweet, bakery-like smell I want around fall, but in a cup instead of a candle.
What You Need To Make Vanilla Biscotti Latte At Home
- 1 shot of espresso
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon zest
- Sugar
BaristaHQ Tip: To make it even better add vanilla syrup on top with a sprinkling of powdered biscotti.
7. Maple Spice Iced Coffee
This one is still cozy to me even though it’s iced. The cold milk and espresso keep it refreshing, but the maple flavor gives it enough warmth to feel seasonal.
I love the way the maple syrup and spices complement each other, making it a fantastic choice for a warmer fall day.
It reminds me of warm pancakes on a cold morning, which is probably why I keep coming back to it.
I like adding a pinch of ground cloves for extra earthiness, along with whipped cream on top.
What You Need To Make Maple Spice Iced Coffee At Home
- Maple syrup
- Iced coffee or cold brew
- Your choice of milk
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
BaristaHQ Tip: You can also sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice for an additional fall flavor, add whipped cream or pour in extra maple syrup for a distinct maple flavor.
8. Butter Pecan Frappuccino
This rich, nutty treat is more of an occasional choice for me, but there are days when only a frap will do.
The Butter Pecan Frappuccino is creamy with a kind of rustic charm that just reminds me of that crisp, fall air on a hayride.
It reminds me of pecan pie, and there isn’t one default way to order this Starbucks secret menu item.
I’ve tested a few versions of that butter pecan flavor, and this one gets closest for me.
How To Order Butter Pecan Frappuccino At Starbucks
- Ask for a grande cafe vanilla Frappuccino with almond milk. Add 2 pumps of hazelnut syrup, whipped cream or vanilla cold foam, and caramel crunch topping.
9. Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew
I still get a little excited when I see this one, mostly because the first sip surprised me.
The Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew is another Starbucks secret menu item, and I can see why people treat it like it belongs on a seasonal menu.
The sweet cream makes it heavier than a plain cold brew, but the espresso still cuts through.
The pillowy softness of the cold foam reminds me of the doughiness of an actual cinnamon roll, and I simply can’t get enough!
How To Order Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew At Starbucks
- Ask for a Venti cold brew. Add 4 pumps of white mocha syrup, sweet cream and 2 pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup in the foam.
10. Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino
Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Nutritional Breakdown (Blended - Without Modification) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Nutrients | Tall (12 fl oz) | Grande (16 fl oz) | Venti (20-24 fl oz) |
Calories | 290 | 420 | 510 |
Total Fat | 11 g | 15 g | 17 g |
Cholesterol | 35 mg | 50 mg | 55 mg |
Sodium | 200 mg | 280 mg | 370 mg |
Total Carbs | 45 g | 66 g | 82 g |
Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
Sugar | 44 g | 65 g | 80 g |
Protein | 4 g | 6 g | 7 g |
Caffeine | 70 mg | 100 mg | 135 mg |
The pumpkin spice latte is usually the first fall drink I think of, but it is not the one I want on warmer autumn afternoons.
The pumpkin spice frappuccino is super similar in taste to its latte counterpart, albeit a bit more luxurious in taste and texture.
The thicker Frappuccino feels a bit more decadent, thanks to the whipped cream and the extra sweetness.
Most fall drinks are hot, so I like having the same seasonal flavors in a colder form.
What You Need To Make Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino At Home
- Blended pre ground coffee and milk
- Blended ice (but you can add more ice cubes if you like)
- Whipped cream
- Pumpkin pie spice
11. Pumpkin Chai Latte
Pumpkin and chai work better together than I expected. The spice blend smells warm and a little herbal, with just enough sweetness to keep it from feeling sharp.
The Pumpkin Chai Latte is one of those drinks I came around to quickly because it feels warmer and spicier than pumpkin alone.
Chai and pumpkin are both amazing on their own, but together, they seamlessly combine to bring out the subtle nutty flavors and spiciness that both are known for.
I like it both iced and hot, and I’ve gone through phases where I preferred one over the other.
Tips From a Barista:
- For a non-dairy alternative, almond milk tastes fabulous, with its nutty taste.
- Either honey or maple syrup can be used as a sweetener, though I find the latter jives better.
What You Need To Make Pumpkin Chai Latte At Home
- 1 tea bag of spiced chai
- 1 cup of milk, or your favorite dairy-free alternative
- A little bit of pumpkin puree,
- Maple syrup or honey for sweetening
- Pumpkin pie spices
- A dash of salt
BaristaHQ Tip: You can even add in some vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick to enhance the flavor.
12. Spiced Apple Cider
Spiced apple cider is just as quintessentially “fall” as a sweater, a pair of Uggs, and a bonfire.
It does feel underrated next to coffee-based fall drinks, but I keep coming back to it anyway.
It’s also easy to make at home, which helps when I want to dial the spice or sweetness up a little.
Premade spiced apple cider is fine, but homemade usually tastes brighter to me, especially with whipped cream and cinnamon on top.
What You Need To Make Spiced Apple Cider At Home
13. Gingerbread Spiced Coffee
Gingerbread usually feels more like a December flavor, but I’m happy to stretch it into fall.
I’m all for giving myself a few extra weeks to drink it.
I actually prefer the Gingerbread Spiced Coffee because it gives me the same bakery spice without the crunch.
Made with espresso, steamed milk, gingerbread flavors, brown sugar, and whipped cream, it’s also a lovely balance of spicy and decadent.
What You Need To Make Gingerbread Spiced Coffee At Home
- An espresso shot
- Steamed milk
- Gingerbread flavors
- Brown sugar
- Whipped cream
- A little bit of nutmeg
How to make fall coffee drinks at home?
Ordering coffee drinks at a café adds up fast, especially once I start customizing them.
Making fall coffee drinks at home is a lot easier than it used to be, and a good recipe can save a surprising amount.
Equipment needed to make fall drinks at home
- Coffee brewer for espresso (an espresso machine, Nespresso, moka pot, or anything that can make the base for cozy coffee drinks)
- Milk frother for making foamed milk
Ingredients needed to make fall drinks at home
- Good quality coffee beans or pre ground coffee
- Syrups (maple for a maple pecan latte, caramel for salted caramel latte etc.)
- Flavors (pumpkin flavor for pumpkin spiced latte, chai spices for a chai latte etc.)
- Milk (or dairy free alternative milk)
- Cold brew (for the pumpkin cream cold brew or other cold fall drinks)
- Sugar (white sugar is ok but brown sugar is a better option)
What fall drinks at Starbucks are without coffee?
I may still hesitate when a drink skips coffee, but the list below is full of fall beverages I actually enjoy once the temperature drops:
1. Caramel Apple Spice
One of the most popular Starbucks fall drinks without coffee is Caramel Apple Spice, made with apple juice, cinnamon dolce syrup, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle.
Unlike pumpkin spice drinks, this one is easy to enjoy whenever I want something sweeter and more cider-like.
2. Classic Hot Chocolate
Another good no-coffee option is classic hot chocolate. It has that darker chocolate taste that feels right on a cold day.
For a more autumn feel, I like a sprinkle of pumpkin spice or cinnamon on top.
3. Chai Tea Latte
You can also order a chai tea latte. The sweet spice profile makes it a popular fall choice, just watch out for a dirty chai if you do not want espresso.
Keep in mind that you can order any of the Starbucks fall coffee drinks without coffee.
If I want a Starbucks seasonal drink without coffee, I ask for the version without coffee or espresso directly.
FAQs
Are fall coffee drinks still available in other seasons?
Most fall drinks are seasonal, and pumpkin is the one I think of first when the menus start changing.
How do you order fall coffee drinks at Starbucks?
Ordering fall coffee drinks at Starbucks is pretty easy. Some are on the regular menu, and with secret menu drinks I usually explain the build.
Order it by name first. If the barista needs more detail, I explain the build.
How much are fall coffee drinks in cafes?
Fall coffee drinks at cafes like Starbucks can add up quickly, especially once you start customizing them.
Conclusion
Fall coffee drinks are one of the reasons I look forward to autumn, and these 13 are the ones I keep coming back to.
My personal favorites are pumpkin chai coffees and spiced apple cider. Those are the ones I order first, but I’d still make room to try the others at home.
