‘Tis the season for pumpkin spice.

It’s been cloudy and periodically dark without rain. The skies have been teasing us with its seemingly gloomy mood, yet it eventually radiates brightness. The Pumpkin Spice Latte’s (PSL’s) annual debut couldn’t have been at a more fitting time. As Singapore doesn’t experience 4 seasons, it’s either sunny or rainy. Rain doesn’t sound exciting, but wait until you experience tropical rain. When the heavens open, gushing winds and roaring thunder make their presence felt. Trees swaying to the wind’s rhythm as the sky darkens, it’s the closest we get to sweater weather and candle season. Thankfully, it’s sunny right now. I’m enjoying the summer-ish days while we’ve still got them!

The PSL is a trademark of my favorite season: autumn. Its vibrant orange color is reminiscent to orange leaves that crunch when you step on them. Autumn’s my favorite time of the year because it isn’t as hot as summer, neither is it freezing cold like winter. It’s also when fuzzy jumpers and boots make their debut and remain as wardrobe/fashion staples for the coming months.

Autumn’s arrival marks a step closer to the beginning of the year’s end (for Australia, it’s the financial year), hence reminding everyone that new beginnings will arise soon.

It isn’t autumn if I miss a PSL-related post on the blog. I ordered a pumpkin spice frappe without coffee, to experience pumpkin pie as a frappe. Traditional pumpkin pies that you’d find in North America aren’t commonly found in Asia. They do exist, but not to the extent of being a staple dessert during the season. The PSL is probably the closest item you’d find to it that’s available everywhere right now.

When I collected my PSL from the barista, I recognized the orange hue instantly. It looked the part – like a pumpkin. The spice mix sprinkled on top had an aromatic touch to the drink. I identified notes of cinnamon and nutmeg simply from its scent.

I’m not huge on pumpkin, and I have a long-standing love-hate relationship with cinnamon (leaning more towards the latter than the former) but I was looking forward to having a sweet pumpkin treat for autumn 2019. After a year filled with the ambition of expanding my flavor picks and trying something new, I may love the PSL. Having warmed up to the chestnut frappe in the middle of this year, anything is possible.

When I had my first sip, my tastebuds were instantly greeted by a pleasant medley of pumpkin and spices, which felt like a celebration of autumn to my palate. Wow, never did I ever imagine loving this frappe. A lovely sweet pumpkin flavor mingles with spices, particularly cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. I was expecting the spices to explode in flavor, but they were gentle and light. Considering my history with cinnamon and pumpkin, I was glad that the drink isn’t too strong flavor-wise. I was surprised. As a believer in miracles, a miracle certainly happened!

Will I grow to love cinnamon and pumpkin beyond the PSL? Like I mentioned in my chestnut frappe post – Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is my warmth towards cinnamon and pumpkin.

The PSL is filled with pumpkin, spice and everything nice! It’s my favorite autumn drink from Starbucks thus far.