Story by Anna-JO Stuart, Opinion Editor
Photos by Anna-JO Stuart

It’s that time of the year where we enjoy all the amazing things that come with fall. There’s hayrides, apple orchards, pumpkin carving, scarves and boots, and of course yummy fall drinks. As a barista at Biggby, I hold a special place in my heart for anything coffee-related. So, of course, I have taken up the opportunity to taste test some various fall drinks this season. These are my thoughts! 

Caramel Apple Cider at Biggby

Caramel Apple Cider—Biggby

I was already a big fan of apple cider, cold or hot, before this drink, but I had no idea that this was the twist that I needed in my life. It’s hot apple cider mixed with caramel, and it tastes like a day at the apple orchard. I’m in love with this drink. It’s sweet, tangy, and spicy all at the same time. On a cold Autumn day, it definitely hits the spot. I give it 5 out of 5 pumpkins.

The classic Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks

Pumpkin Spice Latte—Starbucks

I felt a bit hesitant about this drink, as I’ve never had their pumpkin spice latte, and am not really a fan of pumpkin spice anything. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this latte. I would definitely have it again. It wasn’t overpowering with spices like other pumpkin spice things I’ve had in the past and had a nice subtle sweetness to it. I give this drink 5 out of 5 pumpkins.

Vampire Cream Freeze—Biggby

Biggby renamed their Freedom Freeze the “Vampire Freeze” for Halloween. It’s a milk-based white chocolate freeze with strawberry drizzle. I was pleasantly surprised by this drink, it was very sweet but if you have a sweet tooth, this will definitely hit the spot. The drizzled strawberry is also a nice touch as it is a fun and spooky look for a drink on Halloween. I give this spooky drink 4 out of  5 pumpkins.

Chaider— The Sparrows

I had never been to The Sparrows before, but someone suggested that I try their “Chaider “for this article. So I went…and was not a fan. If you can imagine what Christmas potpourri (the smelly pinecone stuff) would taste like in liquid form, it would be this drink. It was way too strong with spices for me. I think it would have been better if there had been less chai, so that the cider could have been tasted more. Overall, I give this drink 1 out of 5 pumpkins. 

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew-Starbucks

I have mixed feelings about this drink. The cream on the top of the cold brew was really yummy; it was sweet with a bit of spice. The cold brew under the cream was less impressive. It tasted somewhat watered-down and was definitely not the best cold brew I have ever had—which was disappointing, because I really enjoy a good cold brew. Therefore, I only give this drink 3 out of 5 pumpkins.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte from The Moose

Pumpkin Spice Latte-The Moose

After drinking the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, the equivalent drink at The Moose could not compare. I thought it lacked any flavor, and it’s difficult to review a drink that doesn’t have a taste. So, unfortunately, it gets 1 out of 5 pumpkins.

Maple Spice Latte—The Sparrow

I was expecting this drink to be sickly sweet, instead, it was really good. You could taste just a subtle hint of maple syrup, mixed with a bit of cinnamon. I was really happy with this drink, and think that it would be a good alternative for anyone who is not a fan of pumpkin spice. I give it a 4 out of 5 pumpkins.

Biggby’s Chumpkin

Chumpkin—Biggby

This is a mix of Biggby’s pumpkin spice and chai syrups, with no espresso in the drink. I’m not a big fan of the pumpkin spice at Biggby, but mixed with the chai it’s a really good mix of spice. This is the ideal drink for a frosty Fall afternoon, as it is a drink meant to warm you up. I give this drink 4 out of 5 pumpkins.

It may have already snowed in October, but it is still fall! I am going to enjoy these yummy Autumn-inspired drinks until fall is officially over and the snow is sticking to the ground.