Autumn is definitely one of my favorite seasons, filled with the sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet, the smell of the pumpkin patch, and the taste of amazing fall coffee drinks.
While the reigning fall coffee drink is undoubtedly the pumpkin spice latte, there are plenty more I enjoy when temperatures start dropping.
I’ve decided to detail my favorite 13 fall coffee drinks to try both at home and out on the town, so everyone else can enjoy them, too!
13 Fall Coffee Drinks To Try At-Home & Out
Whether I’m curling up with a nice book on a chilly fall day or am out at a haunted house, sipping on one of these 13 coffee drinks instantly enhance the experience!
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 reigning ‘fall drink’.
Every year, I find myself looking forward to September just so I can enjoy one (or 30).
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! [1].
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 one of the Caramel Apple Steamers, I thought that it was going to taste like a caramel apple.
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 is a pumpkin fan, and even I can grow a bit tired of it if I drink it too often.
This is a fantastic alternative, comprised of steamed apple juice, cinnamon syrup, caramel sauce, and whipped cream.
I like to think of it like I’m getting my daily serving of fruit in.
What You Need To Make Caramel Apple Steamer At Home
- Steamed apple juice
- Cinnamon syrup
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
3. Hazelnut Mocha
As a huge fan of Nutella on literally everything, the Hazelnut Mocha really hits the spot on any day.
Combine that, with the rich espresso flavor, and it’s a well-rounded, robust drink that just feels comforting.
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
This isn’t some regular, old hot chocolate.
The Peppermint Hot Cocoa may traditionally be more geared towards Christmastime, but why not start things early?
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 contrast of the bittersweet cocoa and minty bite of the peppermint makes for an invigorating, indulgent cup that I love during the colder seasons.
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 [2].
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.
Between the velvety steamed milk and buttery caramel syrup, this decadent treat is best consumed in smaller quantities at a time.
Making any type of latte at home is easiest with a milk frother or steamer, though I’ve also tried shaking cream or milk before and that also works!
There are several ways to froth milk, so don’t be afraid to try something new. Or, just head to a local coffee shop and ask for a latte with additions like caramel syrup and 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 a good biscotti dipped into my coffee, but I was thinking - what if I could combine both into one tasty drink?
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.
Instead of lighting my normal vanilla candle around fall, this drink ramps it up a notch and fills my entire home with a lightly sweet scent!
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
As refreshing as it is cozy, the Maple Spice Iced Coffee combines cold and creamy with a robust kick of espresso.
I love the way the maple syrup and spices complement each other, making it a fantastic choice for a warmer fall day.
It also reminds me of eating warm, fluffy pancakes on a cold morning, and who doesn’t love that?!
I love adding a pinch of ground cloves for that earthy spiciness, along with a comforting 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 and nutty treat isn’t normally what I’d recommend during the cold season, but sometimes you just crave a frap.
The Butter Pecan Frappuccino is creamy with a kind of rustic charm that just reminds me of that crisp, fall air on a hayride.
Reminiscent of pecan pie, there’s no ‘default’ way to order this Starbucks’ secret menu item.
There are a few different ways to get close to that authentic ‘butter pecan’ taste, but I think I’ve come the closest with this one in the tips below.
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
Just seeing this drink come into view makes my heart race - it’s that good!
The Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew is yet another Starbucks secret menu item, but I feel like it’s just a matter of time before they add it to their regular seasonal drink menu.
The chilled drink has a heavier milkiness thanks to the sweet cream, but the robust espresso taste still stands out.
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 start of the show, but what about for those 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 is a bit more decadent, thanks to the whipped cream and slight increase in sweetness.
While most fall drinks tend to be hot, it’s nice to enjoy these traditional autumnal flavors in a different 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
This duo of perhaps the most autumnal drink flavors comes together to form an aromatic blend of herbs and spices, with a hint of sweetness.
The Pumpkin Chai Latte warms the soul and satisfies the stomach, and has quickly made its way onto my list of favorites.
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.
This latte is fantastic both iced and hot.
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.
I feel like it’s an underrated drink with many preferring coffee-based drinks, but it’s still one of my go-tos.
Not to mention, it’s super easy to make at home and adjust the ingredients perfectly to my liking.
Buying premade spiced apple cider is nothing in comparison to this recipe - bonus points for whip with cinnamon sprinkled on top!
What You Need To Make Spiced Apple Cider At Home
13. Gingerbread Spiced Coffee
Kind of like the peppermint hot chocolate, gingerbread is often recognized as more of a December treat.
However, I’m an advocate for expanding the timeframe in which I can enjoy this sweet and spicy baked good.
Okay, I actually prefer the Gingerbread Spiced Coffee a million times more because I don’t have to worry about breaking a tooth on it like I do the actual gingerbread.
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 any drink from a coffee shop can be pricey, especially when drinking them every day.
However, it’s easier now than ever to make incredibly delicious fall coffee drinks right from home!
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?
While I may occasionally balk at the idea of a caffeine-free drink, the truth is the following are some of my favorite beverages when the leaves start changing colors:
1. Caramel Apple Spice
One of the most popular Starbucks fall drinks without coffee is the caramel apple spice, an autumn favorite made from apple juice, cinnamon dolce syrup, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle.
Unlike the pumpkin spice drinks, this one is available year-round, so I enjoy it during any season.
2. Classic Hot Chocolate
Another great option that has no coffee is the classic hot chocolate. The Starbucks hot chocolate is made with mocha and vanilla syrups, and there is no caffeine in the mocha syrup, which is what gives the beverage its dark chocolate flavor.
For an autumn boost, ask the barista for a sprinkle of pumpkin spice or cinnamon on top.
3. Chai Tea Latte
You can also order a chai tea latte. The combination of sweet and spicy flavorings in this drink make it a popular fall choice in any Starbucks coffee shop. Just make sure not to accidentally order a dirty chai because that does contain espresso.
Keep in mind that you can order any of the Starbucks fall coffee drinks without coffee.
Any Starbucks seasonal drink can be made without coffee, and there’s even a button on the register to accommodate this option and omit coffee from a beverage when asked by a customer.
Frequently Asked Fall Coffee Drink Questions
Are fall coffee drinks still available in other seasons?
Almost every fall drink is available in other seasons. There may be ingredients like pumpkin that are harder to find outside the harvest season, but not impossible.
How do you order fall coffee drinks at Starbucks?
Ordering fall coffee drinks at Starbucks is quite easy. Some are on the regular menu, but even secret menu drinks are commonly-known by most baristas.
Order it by name first. If the barista doesn’t know of it, there is always a way to make it.
How much are fall coffee drinks in cafes?
Fall coffee drinks in cafes like Starbucks, are around $4.25 for a tall or small.
Conclusion
Delicious fall coffee drinks are some of the best things about autumn, and these 13 drinks are the stars of the show.
My personal favorites are pumpkin chai coffees and the spiced apple cider, but they’re all amazing.
I’d recommend trying them before the others, or making them at home!
References:
1.https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/418/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes
2.https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/peppermint-hot-chocolate-recipe-1913057
3.https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/417/hot?parent=%252Fdrinks%252Fhot-coffees%252Flattes
4.https://www.starbucks.com/menu
