I’m basic but I’ve never been PSL basic.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
The cloyingly sweet, orange-hued hot seasonal beverage that ushers in autumn earlier and earlier every year, has never been my Buxie (not Starbs or ‘Bux, mind you) drink of choice.
I own a pair of Uggs and multiple Kylie Lip Kits but when it comes to coffee, I’m relatively tame. An iced almond milk (or oat if you have it) latte please. Hot, if it’s below 50 degrees outside.
Black, if I’m hungover.
When I saw that Starbucks had released a seasonal cold brew, my interest was piqued. Cold brew tastes like jet fuel to me (in a fun way) and I wondered how they were going to add pumpkin spiciness to that. I texted my best friend Andrew about it and he told me to “shut my mouth.”
I meditated on the idea of this coffee concoction for a day or so. I talked to other friends about it, none of which had tried it–but suggested I do…for science.
What tipped me over the edge was the fact that Andrew (aforementioned friend) later tried it and LIKED it. Armed with the knowledge that he and I like almost all the same things, I entered Starbucks this morning and ordered one.
First surprise: The drink itself is a light brown color, topped with an orange-y foam that is sprinkled with cinnamon.
It’s more like a nitro cold brew than an actual cold brew with ice and stuff.
Second surprise: It’s not very sweet. It’s a neutral taste with a hint of pumpkin.
It’s more milky than coffee. I wish it was more coffee-forward. Also, as someone who only drinks alternative milks (LOL THERE IS NO DENYING MY BASIC-NESS IT PERMEATES ME) I am worried about how this will effect my tummy/skin.
Third (not-so) surprise: I don’t like it.
I wish it was sweeter!! Which is weird for me, someone who isn’t huge on sweet coffee drinks. It’s like a pumpkin milk but not in a dessert-y way. That’s the best way to sum it up. I could see this being the milk left behind after a bowl of pumpkin granola. Kind of bland and not nearly as cold as I would like it to be with a smattering of scent and flavor.
1/5 stars. Would not drink it from a cereal bowl or a Buxie cup.
Very glad I only opted for a “tall.”
Venmo me for this quality research…I’ll be grabbing an iced latte to go around noon.
xx
Lately 