The technical start of autumn is irrelevant compared to the spiritual beginning of the season: the release of the Starbucks fall drinks menu. Dropping on August 26th, the taste of an iced pumpkin cream chai latte was enough to soothe the sting of school starting. Sure, summer was over, but I could taste Halloween on my lips.

     Apparently, I wasn’t alone in this feeling. Every spooky-season enthusiast makes the Starbucks rounds this time of year. After polling my Instagram followers on their favorite Starbucks fall drink, 33 people (66%) voted for the Pumpkin Cream Chai. And honestly, it’s no surprise; it hits you with a rush of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and enough sugar to carry you through the 7:30 a.m. start time and crash by 9:00 a.m.

     The pumpkin spice latte, while arguably the most iconic fall drink, pulled in just 13 votes (25%). Still, it remains a strong seasonal choice. As Kelley McCormack (’26) put it, her fall motto is “pumpkin spice and everything nice.” This sentiment seems to be shared by many. When the Pumpkin Spice Latte first launched in 2003, it racked up record-breaking sales and essentially rebranded fall.

     The Pecan drinks and Pumpkin Cold Brew were the ultimate losers of my poll, snagging a mere seven votes between them. This is not to say, however, that we should count out these drinks entirely. As I sit here writing this, I’m sipping on a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew myself (for research purposes, of course), and I must say, I’m enjoying myself thoroughly.

     All in all, the entire menu- from the best (the Pumpkin Cream Chai) to the slightly less inspired (you’re misguided if you voted for the Pecan Cortado)- is here to welcome us into the new season joyously.