Illustrations by Amelia Curry

Fall drinks to try at campus coffee shops

With autumn in full swing, a few on-campus coffee shops have released drinks to emphasize the fall spirit. If you are looking for seasonal drinks but don’t want to break the bank, Talisman writer Sarah Horn has created a list of fall drinks you can buy with Meal Plan Dollars. Give them a try before they’re gone!

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Great Pumpkin Latte  

Java City is located in Regents Hall. The shop has an item on its fall menu called the “great pumpkin” latte.  

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This warm and inviting beverage features a smooth latte made with hand-roasted espresso beans. It is then mixed with sweet pumpkin syrup and topped with cinnamon to create the perfect fall drink. The “great pumpkin” brings a simple but refreshing approach to the plethora of fall drinks. 

This drink is perfect for espresso lovers who are looking for a coffee-focused drink. 

Price: $4.39 with Meal Plan, Big Red, Flex and Dining Dollars.

Hours: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hooded Sweatshirt

Spencer’s Coffee, located in the Commons at Helm Library, offers a variety of drinks year-round. 

While not a seasonal drink, the Hooded Sweatshirt brings the classic flavors of fall. The drink has a latte base with pumpkin spice, toasted marshmallows and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The added flavor makes this a sweeter drink, which may be great for people who don’t enjoy a strong coffee taste.

Price: $4.25 with Meal Plan, Big Red, Flex and Dining Dollars.

Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

The pumpkin spice latte has been a staple on the Starbucks fall menu for over 20 years and created the well-known autumn latte. This drink is a latte with pumpkin syrup, topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon powder.  It can be served iced or hot and makes for the perfect fall drink. 

Price: $5.95 with Meal Plan, Big Red, Flex and Dining Dollars.

Hours: Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte

If you want a drink similar to a pumpkin spice latte but without the espresso, try the iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte at Starbucks. The drink base is a smooth iced chai tea mixed with milk and topped with cold foam blended with pumpkin sauce and sprinkled with cinnamon powder. 

For extra sweetness, add brown sugar syrup to change it up. 

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This drink is fantastic for someone who does not typically go for coffee. Despite the incorporation of different flavors, this tea is sweet. 

Price: $5.95 with Meal Plan, Big Red, Flex and Dining Dollars.

Hours: Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spiced Apple Chai

The spiced apple chai has been part of Spencer’s seasonal menu for over five years. The drink mixes the flavors of caramel apple cider with Spencer’s spiced masala chai tea. 

While not a likely combination, the variety of flavors tastes like all things fall. I like that this drink is served hot, like a traditional apple cider, but it’s also available iced. The spiced apple chai is perfect for someone who typically gets a tea or prefers a sweeter drink.

Price: $3.07 with Meal Plan, Big Red, Flex and Dining Dollars.

Hours:  Open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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