It’s the season of pumpkin spice lattes, the drink that’s become synonymous with knit sweaters, fall leaves, and Starbucks. Luckily, Starbucks isn’t the cream of the crop. Local coffee shops have plenty of options vying to become your new favorite autumnal drink.
Form & Function’s Harvest Latte
This latte, hot or iced, has made a big splash on my fall drink roster. It lightly features warm spices like a pumpkin spice latte (hereafter PSL), but its main notes are pear and sage, which take it in a rounder, slightly savory direction. For your sweet tooth, a latte with their apple pie syrup is also delicious.
Certified’s Maple Pumpkin Latte
Boise’s perfect summer iced coffee (a coconut mint latte) has sadly been put to rest, but the maple pumpkin latte that replaced it makes up for that loss. Maple offers fragrance and flavorful sweetness, and the pumpkin adds a bit of savoriness. Again, though: If you want something sweeter, try the apple pie latte, or skip the caffeine with a spiced apple cider.
Bombay Grill’s Chai
I don’t have the credentials to be a purist, but chai tea has been re-created in so many forms that it can be easy to forget what it should taste like. For that, I love Bombay Grill’s chai, especially alongside their slightly sweet kashmiri naan.
Slow by Slow’s Chai Tea Latte
For a chai tea latte (barista edition), Slow by Slow’s version has a perfectly potent mix of spices that aren’t too sweet. It feels medicinal, in a good way!
The bright orange truck of French Press Express is unmistakable. (Lindsay Van Allen / City Cast Boise)
French Press Express’ Pumpkin Cold Brew
This coffee truck is Meridianite and City Cast Boise podcast host Lindsay Van Allen’s new quick coffee obsession. Their chai is also great, and the coffee ice cubes make for a perfect on-the-go drink.
Common Ground’s Obligatory PSL
We at City Cast Boise are fans of the Common Ground folks on the West Bench and their top-tier signature beverages. This PSL might take home the all-around gold among local shops, and their baked apple pie tea is worth a try too.
Good Times Bagels’ Cardamom Latte
You either love or hate cardamom, but I suggest even haters (or anyone sensitive to it) try this latte at half flavor. Cardamom is often left out of the pumpkin spice profile, but it shines alone here.
Broadcast Coffee’s Borgia
For anyone who wants to fast forward to even colder months and the nostalgia of a Christmas chocolate orange, this is that in a cup.
