By Brooke Brinker, Social Media Manager
Fall is known for its delicious pumpkin drinks. As the season changes, pumpkin arrives at Starbucks, Dunkin, and even local coffee shops. Pumpkin is loved during fall and is a fan favorite. But for the people who don’t love pumpkin in their drinks, here are some drinks you can try that still give you that fall vibe!
Starbucks released some new fall flavors this year besides pumpkin! This year they have “Pecan Cortado,” which is, blonde espresso, pecan syrup, whole milk, and pecan crunch toppings. Starbucks also has a “Pecan Crunch Latte,” which is similar to the cortado, just a latte! It tastes just like a sweet pecan pie on Thanksgiving. Pecans have the perfect fall taste. The pecan drinks give the perfect cozy vibes! It is truly delicious and a great addition to the Starbucks menu.
Alumna of Saint Leo University, Faith Skierkowski works at Starbucks. She graduated in Spring 2026 with a Bachelor’s in English.
“From my four years of barista experience, I’d have to say that pecan flavors are one of my absolute favorites,” said Skierkowski.
Starbucks also just released banana bread-flavored coffee! Many people were very excited about this announcement. Starbucks has an “Iced Banana Bread latte,” which has blonde espresso, banana syrup, and milk. They also added to the menu a “Banana Bread Chai” and a “Banana Bread Matcha.”
If you are not a coffee lover, Starbucks also added a unique fall drink called the “Iced Chaider” which is a chai with strawberry acai. For the non-pumpkin people who love fall, try these drinks out; they may become your new fall favorite selections this season.
Dunkin Donuts has released many pumpkin drinks this year, but they did come out with one non-pumpkin fall drink. It is called “Tiramisu Cloud Latte.” Dunkin also released a lot more coffee drinks with tiramisu as well. Such as “Tiramisu Shakin’ Espresso,” “Tiramisu Marshmallow Matcha,” and a “Tiramisu Protein Latte.”
The Haven Café, located in San Antonio, five minutes away from campus, is very creative with their fall drinks! For example, they have drinks named “Salted Maple Brown Sugar,” “Caramel Apple,” “Butter Pecan,” “Cookie Butter,” and “Apple Pie Chai.” The drinks are so fun for the season and, of course, delicious.
Skierkowski said, “If you aren’t a pumpkin spice fan, I’d recommend an apple croissant if you’re hungry, or a classic white mocha with salted pecan cream cold foam.”
Pumpkin is often known as the fall drink, but if you are not a big pumpkin fan, try some of Starbucks ‘, Dunkin’s, or your local coffee shops’ fall-flavored beverages!
Choose your fall drink of choice as you shop for fall décor, read a book, or while cozying up to watch a fall movie. These fall drinks are the perfect substitute for pumpkin!
