I Tried 7 Different Fall Coffee Drinks (And Yes, Pumpkin Spice Is Still King)

Fall is here, and you know what that means—cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, and of course, all the seasonal coffee drinks. But this year, I wanted to know: Is pumpkin spice really the undisputed king of fall beverages, or are there other contenders in the race? To find out, I spent a week taste-testing as many fall-inspired coffee drinks as I could find. From maple lattes to chai spiced cold brews, here’s my official ranking of the best (and the not-so-great) fall coffees you should try this season.

Day 1: Pumpkin Spice Latte

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Still the GOAT)

I had to start with the classic—Pumpkin Spice Latte, aka the PSL. It’s the drink that launched a thousand memes and has pretty much defined autumn for the past decade. I went for the traditional PSL, complete with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Verdict? It’s a classic for a reason. The warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove instantly transports you into the heart of fall. It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and the espresso gives it just the right kick. Every sip felt like a cozy sweater hug. Call me basic, but I’m still obsessed.

Day 2: Maple Latte

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Underrated and Delicious)

Next up, I ventured into the world of maple lattes. I was curious about this one because maple screams fall, and I’d never thought of it as a coffee flavor before. I ordered it hot, with oat milk to add a little extra creaminess.

Surprisingly, this drink was amazing. The maple syrup added a rich, earthy sweetness that was distinct but not overpowering. It wasn’t as spiced as the PSL, but the maple made it feel like fall in a different, more subtle way. Plus, it wasn’t overly sugary, which made it super sippable. Definitely a top contender!

Day 3: Cinnamon Dolce Latte

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (Spicy, but Missing That Fall Spark)

On day three, I decided to try the Cinnamon Dolce Latte, which seemed like a fall drink without the flashy branding. It’s got cinnamon in the name, so it has to be cozy, right?

Well, it was... fine. The cinnamon flavor was there, but it was a little too subtle for my taste. It felt like a regular latte with a dash of cinnamon sugar on top, but it lacked the depth of flavor I was hoping for. Don’t get me wrong—it was a nice drink, but it didn’t give me that full-on autumn vibe that I wanted.

Day 4: Chai Spiced Cold Brew

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Unexpected Favorite)

This one was a wild card. I wasn’t sure how chai and cold brew would mix, but I’m a sucker for trying anything chai-spiced, so I gave it a go. And wow—this might be the dark horse winner of the entire experiment.

The cold brew’s strong, bold coffee flavor paired perfectly with the spicy, sweet chai syrup. It wasn’t overly creamy or sweet like some lattes can be, and the cold brew gave it a refreshing twist for those warmer fall days. Plus, the chai spices made it taste like fall in a cup. I was hooked after the first sip.

Day 5: Salted Caramel Mocha

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (Delicious, But Overwhelming)

This drink had me curious because who doesn’t love caramel in the fall? I opted for a salted caramel mocha with whipped cream on top because I was going all out. The first sip was deliciously sweet, with the caramel adding a rich depth and the sea salt giving it that perfect balance.

But after a few more sips, the drink started to feel heavy. It was incredibly rich, and the mocha mixed with caramel made it feel more like dessert than coffee. If you’ve got a major sweet tooth, this one is for you—but it was a bit much for me.

Day 6: Toasted Marshmallow Latte

Rating: ⭐⭐ (Good Concept, Poor Execution)

I was excited about this one—who wouldn’t love the idea of a toasted marshmallow latte? I imagined it tasting like a campfire in a cup, all smoky and sweet. But in reality, it was a bit of a letdown.

The toasted marshmallow flavor was too artificial and overly sweet, almost like a sugary syrup dumped into a regular latte. I wanted that subtle, smoky flavor you get when roasting marshmallows, but this drink just didn’t deliver. It was drinkable, but I won’t be ordering it again anytime soon.

Day 7: Apple Crisp Macchiato

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Fall in a Cup, with a Fruity Twist)

I saved the Apple Crisp Macchiato for last because I was curious how apple would work in a coffee drink. Apple pie and coffee, sure—but apple in the actual coffee? Let’s just say I was pleasantly surprised.

The apple syrup was sweet but paired well with the espresso, giving the drink a unique balance of fruity and bitter. The caramelized apple drizzle on top was a nice touch, adding a cozy sweetness to the whole experience. It didn’t knock the PSL off its throne, but it was definitely a refreshing take on a fall drink.

PSL Still Reigns Supreme, But There Are Contenders

After a week of fall coffee indulgence, one thing’s clear: the Pumpkin Spice Latte is still king, but there are some seriously strong challengers. The Maple Latte and Chai Spiced Cold Brew were unexpected hits, bringing their own unique flavors to the table without overwhelming sweetness. The Apple Crisp Macchiato was a fun twist if you want something more refreshing.

But if you’re in the mood for classic fall coziness in a cup? The PSL is still where it’s at. Basic? Maybe. But there’s a reason it’s iconic.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a detox from all that sugar (but definitely not from the PSL).

#FallDrinks #CoffeeLover #PSLSeason #PumpkinSpiceEverything #ChaiLatte