12 Best Starbucks Fall Drinks to Try in 2026
Nothing says fall quite like the return of Starbucks’ seasonal menu. From the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte to refreshing cold brews and cozy chai creations, Starbucks offers plenty of delicious drinks to welcome sweater weather.
Whether you’re a pumpkin spice fan or looking to try something new this year, this guide covers the best Starbucks fall drinks expected for the 2026 season, what they taste like, and who they’re best for.
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL)
The Pumpkin Spice Latte remains Starbucks’ most popular fall drink for a reason. Made with espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin spice sauce, whipped cream, and pumpkin pie spices, it’s rich, creamy, and full of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove flavors.
Best for: Pumpkin spice lovers who enjoy a classic hot coffee.
Try this customization:
- Blonde Espresso for a smoother taste
- Oat milk for a creamier dairy-free option
- One less pump of pumpkin sauce for a less sweet drink
2. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
If you prefer iced coffee year-round, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is one of the best seasonal drinks Starbucks offers.
Smooth cold brew is topped with pumpkin cream cold foam and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice topping, creating a balanced drink that’s creamy without being overly sweet.
Best for: Cold coffee fans.
Try this customization:
- Add one pump of vanilla
- Ask for light pumpkin foam if you prefer less sweetness
3. Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai
One of the most talked-about seasonal drinks in recent years, this combines iced chai tea with pumpkin cream cold foam.
The spicy chai pairs surprisingly well with the sweet pumpkin topping, creating a drink that’s flavorful without tasting like coffee.
Best for: Anyone who doesn’t drink coffee but still wants a fall Starbucks beverage.
4. Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino®
If the weather is still warm, the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino delivers the same pumpkin spice flavor in a frozen blended drink.
It’s topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices for the complete fall experience.
Best for: Warm fall afternoons.
5. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato
This seasonal favorite combines espresso with apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar flavors, finished with oat milk for a smooth, creamy texture.
Instead of pumpkin, it delivers flavors similar to warm apple pie.
Best for: People looking for something different than pumpkin spice.
6. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
If you enjoy Starbucks’ shaken espresso drinks, the seasonal apple crisp version is worth trying.
It has a lighter texture than a latte while still delivering sweet apple and brown sugar flavors.
Best for: Espresso lovers who prefer less milk.
7. Pumpkin Chai Latte
This cozy combination blends chai spices with pumpkin flavors for a drink that’s warm, creamy, and full of cinnamon and clove.
Since it doesn’t contain espresso, it’s a great option if you’re avoiding coffee.
Best for: Tea drinkers.
8. Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte
Nutty flavors continue to grow in popularity during fall, and a pecan-inspired latte offers toasted, buttery notes that pair beautifully with espresso.
The oat milk adds natural sweetness while complementing the roasted pecan flavor.
Best for: Fans of rich, nutty coffee drinks.
9. Maple Brown Sugar Latte
Maple and brown sugar create one of the coziest flavor combinations of the season.
This drink balances espresso with warm maple sweetness without becoming overly sugary.
Best for: Coffee drinkers who enjoy caramel-like flavors.
10. Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Although available beyond fall, the Cinnamon Dolce Latte becomes especially popular during cooler months.
Sweet cinnamon syrup, espresso, steamed milk, and cinnamon topping make it taste like a comforting bakery treat.
Best for: Anyone who loves cinnamon.
11. Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
Sweet caramel paired with lightly salted cream creates an excellent transition from summer into fall.
The cold brew keeps it refreshing while the salted caramel foam adds richness.
Best for: Fans of sweet iced coffee.
12. Hot Chocolate with Pumpkin Sauce
If you’re not a coffee drinker, consider customizing Starbucks’ Hot Chocolate by adding pumpkin sauce.
It delivers many of the same cozy flavors as the Pumpkin Spice Latte without the espresso.
Best for: Kids and anyone avoiding caffeine.
Which Starbucks Fall Drink Is Best?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose.
| Drink | Coffee? | Served | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Spice Latte | Yes | Hot | Classic pumpkin spice |
| Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew | Yes | Cold | Smooth, creamy pumpkin |
| Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai | No coffee | Cold | Spiced chai with pumpkin |
| Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino | Yes | Frozen | Sweet pumpkin dessert |
| Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato | Yes | Hot or iced | Apple pie flavors |
| Apple Crisp Shaken Espresso | Yes | Iced | Espresso with apple notes |
| Pumpkin Chai Latte | No coffee | Hot | Pumpkin and chai spices |
| Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte | Yes | Hot | Toasted pecan |
| Maple Brown Sugar Latte | Yes | Hot | Maple sweetness |
| Cinnamon Dolce Latte | Yes | Hot | Cinnamon bakery flavor |
| Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew | Yes | Cold | Sweet caramel |
| Pumpkin Hot Chocolate | No coffee | Hot | Pumpkin chocolate |
Tips for Ordering Starbucks Fall Drinks
- Blonde Espresso creates a smoother coffee flavor.
- Oat milk pairs especially well with pumpkin and apple flavors.
- Reducing the number of syrup pumps makes most seasonal drinks noticeably less sweet.
- Cold foam can be added to many espresso drinks for extra creaminess.
- If you’re sensitive to caffeine, chai and hot chocolate are great alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Starbucks fall drinks usually return?
Starbucks typically launches its fall menu in late August, although the exact date can vary each year.
Which Starbucks fall drink has the most pumpkin flavor?
The Pumpkin Spice Latte offers the strongest pumpkin spice flavor, while the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew provides a lighter, creamier version.
What’s the best iced Starbucks fall drink?
The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso are two of the most popular iced seasonal choices.
Can I order Starbucks fall drinks with non-dairy milk?
Yes. Oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk are available at most Starbucks locations.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks’ fall menu offers something for nearly every coffee lover, whether you enjoy classic pumpkin spice, crisp apple flavors, creamy cold brews, or comforting chai drinks. Trying different seasonal beverages is part of the fun, and simple customizations can help you find your perfect order.
If you’re planning to visit Starbucks this fall, start with the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew or the Pumpkin Spice Latte, then branch out into apple, maple, and pecan flavors for a cozy coffee experience all season long.
