Craving that first sip of pumpkin spice? You’re not alone. Every year, the release of Starbucks’ fall drinks marks a highly anticipated ritual for coffee lovers everywhere. Whether you’re a devoted PSL (that’s Pumpkin Spice Latte) fan or find yourself tempted by new autumn-inspired creations, the 2023 Starbucks fall launch is an event worth marking on your calendar.
This blog will cover exactly when to expect the 2023 Starbucks fall drinks release date, introduce the featured drinks and treats you can look forward to, and offer tips for making the most of the season. By the end, you’ll be fully prepped and ready to welcome sweater weather with your favorite fall beverage in hand.
When Is the Starbucks Fall Drinks 2023 Release Date?
History shows that Starbucks tends to launch its fall menu during the last week of August. For 2023, Starbucks officially dropped its fall lineup on August 24, 2023. This release date follows the pattern set in previous years, confirming that summer’s end brings with it a fresh batch of cozy, spiced favorites.
Marking your calendar for late August ensures you never miss the arrival of autumn’s most sippable stars.
Starbucks Fall Drinks 2023 Lineup
Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) Returns
No fall menu is complete without the Pumpkin Spice Latte. First introduced in 2003, this iconic blend of espresso, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023. The PSL’s annual return is a sure sign autumn is near, with many fans considering it the ultimate fall coffee drink.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Back by customer demand, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew combines smooth cold brew coffee with vanilla syrup and a dreamy pumpkin cream cold foam. Finished with pumpkin spice topping, it’s a refreshing twist for those warm September afternoons before the chill fully sets in.
Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato
If pumpkin isn’t your thing (or if you want to mix it up), the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato blends layers of oatmilk, espresso, and a brown sugar apple syrup, then finishes things off with a spiced apple drizzle. This dairy-free option nods to classic apple desserts and cozy orchard days.
New and Returning Treats
Starbucks keeps fans on their toes by sometimes adding new limited-time offerings or returning cult favorites. For 2023, check for:
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin: A sweet, spiced muffin with a tangy cream cheese center.
- Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf: Moist pumpkin bread topped with crunchy pepitas.
- Owl Cake Pop: A whimsically-decorated treat sure to delight both kids and adults.
Local stores may receive unique items, so always check your nearby Starbucks for exclusive regional specials.
What Makes Starbucks Fall Drinks Stand Out?
Seasonal Ingredients and Nostalgic Flavors
Fall beverages from Starbucks are crafted to evoke the feeling of crisp weather, colorful leaves, and the comfort of home-baked treats. Signature spices like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and pumpkin are blended with rich coffee or smooth cold brew for a taste that’s instantly nostalgic.
Customization for Every Palate
One reason for Starbucks’ enduring popularity is customization. Want your PSL with almond milk and half the syrup? Prefer an extra shot in your Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato? You’re in luck. Fall drinks can be adjusted for non-dairy, vegan, or low-sugar diets by swapping out milks or requesting fewer pumps of syrup.
Trendsetting Flavors
Starbucks often inspires broader food trends. The long reign of the Pumpkin Spice Latte popularized “pumpkin everything” and encouraged competitors to release their own autumn flavors. Each year, new fall drinks refresh the lineup, keeping tastes current and customers intrigued.
How Long Do Starbucks Fall Drinks Stay On the Menu?
While the exact end date can vary by location, Starbucks fall drinks typically hang around through Thanksgiving, while supplies last. Some popular treats may sell out before others. If there’s something on the menu you’re dying to try (or can’t live without), snag it early.
Pro tip: Check the Starbucks app to see your local menu or to order ahead before the morning rush wipes out your pumpkin dreams.
Pro Tips for Savoring the 2023 Fall Menu
1. Try Limited Editions Early
Some items, especially bakery treats and new drink recipes, are released in smaller quantities and may not be restocked once sold out. Get to your local Starbucks during the first weeks of the launch to maximize your options.
2. Use the App for Early Access
The Starbucks app occasionally offers special early access or exclusive deals for Rewards members. Check your notifications or the “What’s New” section leading up to and during launch week.
3. Customize Your Order
Ask for customizations to match your taste or dietary needs. Swap in plant-based milk, request fewer syrup pumps, or try your favorite fall drink iced or hot. Baristas are happy to help you make your perfect drink.
4. Snap a Photo for Social
From autumnal latte art to cleverly decorated cake pops, Starbucks fall treats are tailor-made for Instagram. Don’t forget to use popular hashtags like #PSL, #StarbucksFall, and #PumpkinSpiceLatte to share the love (and maybe get featured by Starbucks themselves).
Looking Ahead: Will There Be More Surprises in 2023?
Starbucks has been known to drop mid-season surprises, especially if a certain drink goes viral on social media. Stay tuned (and keep your app updated) for the possibility of secret menu items, unique regional specials, or limited-time collaborations during the fall season.
Starbucks also sometimes extends fall favorites into the winter holidays, or introduces new drinks that bridge the gap between autumn and Christmas. Fans of gingerbread, chestnut, and caramel enjoy a seamless transition into the next round of cozy beverages.
Savor Every Sip of Autumn
The yearly return of Starbucks’ fall menu is more than a selection of drinks and treats; it’s a much-celebrated ritual that brings people together, sparks joy, and marks the start of a season filled with flavor.
With the 2023 Starbucks fall drinks released on August 24, there’s plenty of time to work your way through the menu, rediscover your favorite flavors, and maybe try something new. Whether you’re satisfying a pumpkin craving, testing out an apple-inspired creation, or grabbing a treat for your next meeting, this fall’s lineup promises something for everyone.
For updates on new releases, insider tips, and the full list of fall offerings, download the Starbucks app or visit your local store. And don’t be shy about experimenting with drink customizations—your perfect autumn order could be only one adjustment away.