-Background image by Lauren Wasserman-
Click below to see a video review of all the Pumpkin Spice Drinks
As fall rolls around the corner, pumpkin spice products are being added to many menus around town. Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts are the two main coffee chains ready to make this spooky season pumpkin-spiced. Although on average, retailers charge 7.98 percent more for pumpkin spice products, we found that this year's selection is (almost) totally worth it.
The first place we went to was Starbucks located in downtown Westport. Starbucks offers a variety of pumpkin spice products, including a pumpkin spice frappuccino and a pumpkin spice latte.
The pumpkin spice frappuccino (left) was $4.25 for a small, which was very reasonable for the delicious combination the drink was. This drink was almost like a milkshake and was topped with whipped cream and actual pumpkin spice. The notes of nutmeg and cinnamon complemented the icy texture perfectly. We would give it a 10 out of 10.
The pumpkin spice latte (right) was delicious as well. The drink cost $4.25 for a small. It was hot, making it perfect for the crisp fall weather. The whipped cream on top created a nice contrast to the hot drink. It tasted extremely sweet, with only hints of the traditional coffee taste. The classic pumpkin spice taste of nutmeg and the cinnamon was very prevalent in the latte, making it the perfect pumpkin spice product. This drink had a smooth texture and gives a fun twist to a regular coffee. This drink deserves a 10 out of 10.
- photo by Kevin Ludy-
The next location we went to was Dunkin’ Donuts located on Post Road East. Dunkin’ has a fall menu of its own, with many drinks like a pumpkin spice coffee coolatta and a pumpkin spice latte. Taking inspiration from its name, Dunkin’ serves pumpkin donuts as well.
The pumpkin spice coffee coolatta (left) was $2.99 for a small, and was similar in some ways to the frappuccino. The icy texture made it good for a warm fall day, but the pumpkin flavor was extremely sweet and overpowered the drink. It was good, but we wouldn’t get it again. The drink is a 6.5/10.
The pumpkin spice latte (right) from Dunkin' Donuts was quite frankly, disappointing. Although it was less expensive than starbucks, a small being $2.69, the size was significantly smaller than starbucks cups. In addition to this, it was completely bitter. The drink was served so hot, it hurt to sip. It honestly tasted more like traditional coffee, with only a hint of pumpkin spice flavor. This drink is the last resort, it deserves a 4/10.
A saving grace from Dunkin’ was the pumpkin spice donut, which was something unique only they offer this year. The donut had great texture like that of an apple cider donut, and with the pumpkin flavor it was a fantastic combination. The donut is a 9/10, making it a much better option than any of the pumpkin drinks Dunkin’ offers.
-photo by Kevin Ludy-