Fall is here! It is hard to believe, but all signs point to the season. Trees have begun their gradual transition from green to earthy tones, jackets are buttoned up a little closer to our collars, and the sun’s rays have grown hazy.
As we step back to take in our newly transformed surroundings, our attention is distracted by a mechanical whine. Most people assume that the sound is being issued from a nearby leaf blower but us foodies know better. The frenzied whir is a blender churning out a limited edition brew, a pre-Halloween monster known as the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
People are CRAZY about Pumpkin Spice Lattes. During a period which has become known as “The Pumpkin Spice Latte Shortage of ’12,” Starbucks suppliers made the mistake of not properly supplying shelves with enough of the ingredients necessary to make the drink. Customers took to Twitter, offering to sell their first born child/puppy/stock options in exchange for a sip.
Starbucks has since learned from the sales disaster. There have been no reports of patrons being turned away by baristas this year, and the overall marketing strategy surrounding the drink is being praised by the likes of Forbes.
Now that the panic has subsided, there is room for rational thinking. Fans have begun to question the contents of the recipe and have discovered that there is no actual pumpkin included. If you prefer a treat flavored with authenticity, you have two options.
- Many a blogger has offered homemade alternatives to Starbucks’ artificial syrup.
- Another option is to turn to other pumpkin spice concoctions – which include real pumpkin puree – to get your fix.
Those who prefer their lattes topped with whip cream and syrup will transition easily to Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake With Salted Caramel Sauce. Fans that relate to the latte’s savory mouth feel can enjoy Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispies. Followers invested in the idea of an ‘original’ should bake up a batch of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.
And if DYI isn’t your thing, we’re happy to bring some pumpkin spice flavor directly to your office. Our talented chef partners can bring to life the pumpkin spice item of your dreams.
