As autumn arrives, many coffee lovers eagerly await the return of pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks. This popular fall drink has become a cult favorite over the years. So when do the pumpkin spice lattes make their annual return? Here’s a look at what we know so far about the return of pumpkin spice coffee at Starbucks this year.
What is the pumpkin spice latte?
The pumpkin spice latte, often just called a PSL, is Starbucks’ take on a fall-flavored coffee drink. It features espresso and steamed milk combined with the spices associated with pumpkin pie – cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. The drink is also topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.
The PSL was introduced by Starbucks in 2003 and has grown into one of their most popular seasonal drinks. It often signals the unofficial start of fall for many coffee enthusiasts.
When does Starbucks bring back pumpkin spice lattes each year?
Starbucks usually brings back its pumpkin spice latte in late August or early September each year. This coincides with the end of summer and start of fall.
Here is a look at when pumpkin spice lattes have returned in previous years:
| Year | Pumpkin Spice Latte Return Date |
|---|---|
| 2022 | August 30 |
| 2021 | August 24 |
| 2020 | August 25 |
| 2019 | August 27 |
| 2018 | August 28 |
| 2017 | September 1 |
As you can see, the pumpkin spice latte returns in late August or early September each year at Starbucks. The earliest return date was August 24 in 2021, while the latest was September 1 in 2017. But most years, it has come back between August 25 and August 30.
Has Starbucks announced when pumpkin spice lattes are coming back in 2022?
As of mid-August 2022, Starbucks has not yet officially announced the return date for its pumpkin spice latte this year. However, based on past history, we can expect the PSL to return sometime in the last week of August or first week of September.
Starbucks sometimes announces the PSL return date through press releases or social media posts in mid to late August. Other times, customers just start reporting sightings of pumpkin spice syrup or drinks in stores indicating their local shop has started serving them unofficially.
Some key points about the likely PSL return date in 2022:
- The earliest return date ever was August 24 last year, so it won’t be back any earlier than that.
- Based on the last 5 years, the most likely window is August 25 to September 1.
- Given the supply chain issues many restaurants have faced in 2022, it may come a little later than normal.
- Once Starbucks stores receive the pumpkin spice syrup delivery, they can start serving PSL’s anytime without a corporate announcement.
- In the next couple weeks, check your local stores for return announcements or sightings as the earliest indicator.
So while we don’t have an exact date yet, based on historical patterns, expect the PSL to return to Starbucks in the last week of August or first week of September. It’s likely just a matter of days or weeks before we get the official announcement.
How long will pumpkin spice lattes be available?
Once it returns, Starbucks usually offers the pumpkin spice latte for a limited time only. In recent years, it has been available from late August through most of November.
For example in 2021, the PSL was available from August 24 to November 4. In 2020, it was sold from August 25 to November 6.
So if historical trends continue, we can expect pumpkin spice lattes to be offered at participating Starbucks locations for about 10-12 weeks once it returns this year. That availability window usually covers the entire autumn season from late summer through early winter.
This limited-time seasonal offering helps drive anticipation and excitement among loyal pumpkin spice latte drinkers who look forward to its return each fall. Once November hits, the drink disappears from menus until next August.
What other pumpkin coffee drinks does Starbucks offer?
Beyond the iconic pumpkin spice latte, Starbucks often introduces other pumpkin flavored coffee drinks for the fall season. These tend to return around the same time as the PSL each year.
Some other pumpkin coffee options at Starbucks may include:
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew – Sweetened cold brew with pumpkin cream foam
- Pumpkin Cream Nitro Cold Brew – Nitro cold brew with pumpkin cream foam
- Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino – Blended coffee drink with pumpkin flavoring
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin – Studded with pumpkin seeds
- Pumpkin Scone – With real pumpkin
- Pumpkin Bread
Not all locations carry every pumpkin item each year. But expect to see several returning favorites and possibly new options alongside the signature latte.
Does the pumpkin spice latte really contain pumpkin?
One of the most frequently asked questions about Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte is: Does it actually contain real pumpkin?
The answer is – not exactly. The distinctive pumpkin spice flavor comes from a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. But the drink does not include any actual pumpkin or pumpkin puree.
So while the name implies pumpkin, the flavor profile is more reminiscent of pumpkin pie spices. However, some of the baked goods and other menu items do contain actual pumpkin like pumpkin scones or pumpkin cream cheese muffins.
Why do people love pumpkin spice lattes?
The pumpkin spice latte has taken on an almost cult-like following. Why do people go so crazy over this coffee drink every fall? There are several reasons it has become a seasonal phenomenon:
- Comforting flavor – The spices evoke cozy feelings of fall and Thanksgiving desserts.
- Nostalgia – Reminds people of pumpkin picking, crunchy leaves, and other hallmarks of autumn.
- Limited time – Having just from late summer through November builds excitement and demand.
- Trendiness – Popularity has made it something people want to participate in.
- Variety – Options beyond just the latte allow for customization.
The pumpkin spice latte has become an iconic harbinger of autumn. For many fans of fall flavors, it signals the start of the cozy season.
Has the pumpkin spice latte changed over the years?
When it first launched in 2003, the pumpkin spice latte made quite a splash. And in the nearly 20 years since then, Starbucks has tweaked the recipe slightly over time.
Some of the changes have included:
- Using real pumpkin – In 2015, they added real pumpkin puree to the espresso for a time before removing it again.
- New sizes – Offering larger cold cup sizes like the venti and trenta.
- Non-dairy milk – Now available to be made with soy, coconut, oat, and other plant-based milks.
- New flavors – Introducing alternatives like the PSL cream cold brew in 2019.
But the core spice recipe and concept of the original hot PSL has stayed largely the same, with just minor variations. It’s still coffee flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove topped with whipped cream.
Do customers wish it was available year-round?
Because the pumpkin spice latte has such a passionate following, some superfans wish it was on menus all year long. However, limiting its availability from August through November helps Starbucks maintain the drink’s novelty status.
Having it for just a few months in the fall allows anticipation to build up throughout the rest of the year. Then when pumpkin spice latte season rolls around, customers are thrilled to finally get their hands on one again.
If the drink was available 12 months a year, it could lose some of its specialty cachet. People may not get as excited about it or view it as a special seasonal treat.
So for now, Starbucks keeps the PSL as an autumn exclusive. This probably helps increase excitement and satisfaction when it becomes available each year for a short window of time.
How can you make your own pumpkin spice latte?
While waiting for the restaurant version to return, you can also whip up a homemade PSL with just a few ingredients:
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee
- 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend
- Whipped cream, optional
Instructions:
- Brew 2 cups of strong coffee or espresso and let cool slightly.
- In a blender, combine the coffee, pumpkin puree, condensed milk and pie spice.
- Blend until frothy, about 10 seconds.
- Pour into your favorite mug and top with whipped cream if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade PSL!
This 5-minute homemade version lets you get your pumpkin fix anytime. Play around with the ingredients to match your preferences.
The bottom line on pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks
Starbucks’ famous pumpkin spice latte is expected to return in late August or early September, as it has for many years now. While an official 2022 return date has not been announced yet, based on previous years we should expect to see it back by early September at the latest.
Once it arrives for its limited fall run, PSL fans will be able to enjoy their favorite coffee drink for around 10-12 weeks until early November. Then the beloved beverage disappears for another year, making its short availability each autumn even more special.
So get ready pumpkin spice lovers – it’s just about time for fall’s most famous coffee drink to make its annual return! Be on the lookout late this August and into September for the drink we’ve all been waiting for.