For the first time since Starbucks released its iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2003, the coffee chain is adding a new pumpkin drink to the menu — and this one’s on ice.
Starbucks announced today that when its much-anticipated Pumpkin Spice Latte makes its annual debut on August 27, it will be joined by a new Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew.
The cool, foam-topped drink will provide an alternative for customers who aren’t ready to move past summer into autumn just yet.
New drink: Starbucks announced the release of a Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew on August 27
Joining an icon: The cold brew drink will join the release of its iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte on August 27 to make for a coffee fall beverage for all
The new fall beverage mixes Starbucks’ Cold Brew with vanilla, and is then finished with a ‘pumpkin cream cold foam’ and pumpkin spice topping — giving customers who prefer cold coffee a new option.
The introduction of the new menu item seems to be in response to criticism that Starbucks debuts the PSL earlier and earlier each year, setting the fall-friendly drink out when summer still has several weeks left and temperatures are still fairly high.
Of course, customers will also see the return of the iconic PSL on Tuesday, with Starbucks celebrating its 16th anniversary of the fall beverage.
The PSL — which Starbucks revealed has sold more than 424 million cups in the U.S. since it first launched in 2003 — combines real pumpkin with a mixture of fall spices that include cinnamon, clove and nutmeg.
It is then mixed with espresso and steam milk to warm anyone up during a cool fall day.
Starbucks is further capitalizing on the pumpkin-spice trend by also releasing an array of pastries people can purchase that will pair well with the PSL.
While the August 27 PSL release date is the earliest one yet, it’s actually later than rival Dunkin’ is embracing fall.
Dunkin’ released the Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin latte on August 21 — and it has left some fans wondering why both companies are pushing for fall so early.
Surprise! The Pumpkin Spice Latte release has been happening earlier and earlier every year, with 2018 proving to be the earliest date yet – until this year
Competing: Dunkin’ Donuts released its own pumpkin-inspired fall beverage, and it will officially launch on August 21
Not happy: People online had mixed reviews about the early release of the drinks
Should wait: There were some who thought it was way too early for the fall-themed beverage
Hilarious: Other people used the announcement of the fall beverages to crack their own jokes
‘Too soon…let’s get a chill in the air first before dropping some PSL,’ one person wrote as most cities are still experiencing summer heat.
Another person had a different recommendation on the date, writing: ‘WAY too early. October 1st is when it should start. Definitely after Labor Day.’
The drink will often appear on the Starbucks menu right around Labor Day, and it launched last year on August 28.
One person joked that pushing ahead the PSL season will only inspire other restaurants to push up their own signature items.
‘Next will be the Shamrock Shake from McDs in January,’ a Twitter user wrote, referencing the infamous Saint Patrick’s Day drink from McDonald’s.
Concerning: One consumer thought the early release would inspire other companies to release their own seasonal items early
Clever: Someone compared the return of PSL season early to climate change
Funny: The climate change comment inspired other people to joke about the early release
Ready for it: Other consumers were ready for PSL season and expressed their excitement online about the early release
The arrival of PSL season early also inspired some people to joke about how it relates to climate change.
‘If climate change isn’t real how come PSL season comes earlier every year,’ one person hilariously wrote.
This encouraged another Twitter user to call it ‘Basic Science’ behind the reasoning PSL season keeps getting moved up.
Although there were specific consumers who were not pleased by the early release date, other fans were excited to purchase the beverage this month.
‘I’ve already changed my Bitmoji outfit for autumn, pass me the pumpkin spiced lattes,’ one consumer wrote.
Another customer was in agreement because PSL season meant colder weather was (potentially) coming soon.
‘You know, I’m really not the girl to talk about fall and how excited I am for leggings and pumpkin spiced everything. But with the heat index getting up to 108 today, I can confidently say I am beyond ready for colder weather,’ the woman wrote.
The release of the PSL officially this week, along with the new cold brew beverage, will allow customers to enjoy their favorite fall flavors even if the weather stays warm for the coming weeks.
