When I saw the girl writing your name on the chalkboard at the Target Starbucks, my heart began to dance and sing. I knew it wouldn’t be long. As much as I tried to wait until the temperature dropped to at least below 80 degrees, I cannot wait any longer.
Hello, my love. Hello my cinnamon friend, my autumn companion, my cup of frothy October. Your presence is a promise of fall, your steam whispers sweaters, football and bonfires. You are 16 ounces of liquid pie. And even though you are small, you bring so much joy and happiness to all who meet you.
I am sorry I tried to replace you with the International Delight impostor. True, he is more financially savvy than you. And he is willing to live in the midst of harsh conditions on the door of my fridge: the constant opening and closing; the blinking lights; the leftovers inches away. Although he is always available to me, standing tall between the ketchup and the Italian dressing…he is not you.
I love you, Pumpkin Spice Latte. I am so glad you are back.
Emily
*An appropriate re-post from September 2008 because, you know, it is that time of year. Hallelujah and Amen.
julie says
September 10, 2009 at 1:34 PMI also LOVE the pumpkin spice latte. It’s my fav. I have the imposter too..not the same. I hope you enjoyed it this morning!
Mrs Decker says
September 10, 2009 at 1:41 PMAbsolutely love this post!!! I partaked of the lovely pumpkininess (pumpkinyness? I’m sure that isn’t even a word, but it works…)this very morning. It’s like pie for breakfast…who doesn’t like pie?
Jenny Lynn says
September 10, 2009 at 1:48 PMThese are my FAVORITE too! I can’t wait to get my first one this year 🙂 I also tried to use the creamer but it just wasn’t the same 🙂
Rebekah says
September 10, 2009 at 1:54 PMAlright, if it deserves a post containing such magnificent praise as this I’m going to have to try it. All my coffee-loving friends are just as enamored with this little beverage.
Emily says
September 10, 2009 at 1:59 PMMy only advice in ordering this drink is to be sure they serve it extra hot. Lukewarm pumpkin is not my favorite.
Jess Hopper says
September 10, 2009 at 2:03 PMDearest Darling Drink,
I share you willingly with Emily. It seems she understands your beauty in a way that few appreciate.
Love,
Jess
dolly says
September 10, 2009 at 2:12 PMYou had me giggling from the beginning. Autumn is the best time of the year!
Corinne says
September 10, 2009 at 2:23 PMI cannot tell you how much I feel the exact same way about pumpkin spice lattes. I almost jumped up and down while in the Starbucks drive thru last week!!
Elizabeth says
September 10, 2009 at 2:39 PMDefinitely extra hot, and I don’t know how you stick to a tall. I have to get a grande!
I have to admit, peppermint mocha creamer is a close second.
duchess says
September 10, 2009 at 2:44 PMI’ve been waiting all year for it to return. I think I may enjoy one this afternoon.
Katherine says
September 10, 2009 at 2:53 PMI think I whispered similar sweet nothings to my pumpkin lover yesterday in the TARGET STARBUCKS WHEN I SAW HIS NAME ON THE CHALKBOARD. You are reading my mail, as they say!
The Nester says
September 10, 2009 at 3:01 PMI don’t even like that drink and you are making me lust after one so badly. Fantastic writing–one of my favorite posts!
living with lindsay says
September 10, 2009 at 3:06 PMHilarious! And oh, so true. It’s my favorite drink evah.
Moriah @ Please Pass the Salt says
September 10, 2009 at 3:08 PMMmm, I had one this morning.
Candy says
September 10, 2009 at 3:26 PMOhhhh, I do love the Pumpkin Spiced Latte.
jordan says
September 10, 2009 at 3:32 PMi had my first one ever 4 years. i’ve been addicted ever since. it isn’t fall until its in my hands.
jodi @ back40life says
September 10, 2009 at 3:54 PMlove it!
Sue says
September 10, 2009 at 3:57 PMYum!! Always a favorite…and now I must have one!
Erin says
September 10, 2009 at 4:21 PMI feel exactly the same way. Did you know you can make them at home? I posted it here – http://homewiththeboysrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/09/pumpkin-spice-lattes-in-crockpot.html
Tastes SO good! But I still get the ones at Starbucks when I have the money too 🙂
||| laura frantz ||| says
September 10, 2009 at 4:22 PMYou are so *very* silly. Isn’t this almost-fall exciting?? xxoo
Cara says
September 10, 2009 at 4:54 PMYes! It’s not just The Pumpkin Latte, it’s the MEANING OF The Pumpkin Latte. Ah, autumn! I love you so much…unfortunately, this Southern California girl is doomed to at least 6 more weeks of hot, smokey, dusty weather. Did you know they make a Pumpkin Frappuccino too?
Tee says
September 10, 2009 at 5:11 PMA hearty amen, and an extra Woot Woot for good measure.
Sandee says
September 10, 2009 at 5:29 PMcinnamon dolce was my sin. 🙂 Now that I am counting points (ww), alas….starbucks is a distant memory….except for that occasional skinny vanilla latte.
Sue, The HomeAholic says
September 10, 2009 at 5:43 PMThank you for a delicious and delightful post. Don’t tell the Starbucks execs but I’d gladly pay $10 on some days for a cup of their joe.
elaine @ peace for the journey says
September 10, 2009 at 7:49 PMI’m on it; been waiting for it; didn’t know it had arrived, but I’m all about it…
tomorrow after dropping off the kids for school.
Doesn’t take much to make this girl smile.
peace~elaine
The Scooper says
September 10, 2009 at 7:58 PMI just saw its name on the board this week and whispered a hallelujah myself. I’m so glad you reposted this…good things just bear repeating.
Mrs. Noonzie says
September 10, 2009 at 8:03 PMThe high today was 75. This morning it was only 64 and overcast. We were on our way to the park, and I needed something to warm my hands and my soul. I swung into Starbucks, and bought the first pumpkin pie latte of the season. It was heaven on a tongue.
Queen Bee says
September 10, 2009 at 8:52 PMOh The Magic Of Fall….so many delights…pumpkin spice latte….right at the top of my list too!
vicki says
September 10, 2009 at 9:24 PMGreat post! The way you write just makes me want one…too bad I don’t like coffee! I will go and get a Chai Tea Latte….pure delight!
Remodeling Guy says
September 10, 2009 at 9:57 PMHi Emily!!!! Long time no see (or read, comment, ESP, whatever).
I wish there was a buzzer. Like who knows what you’re going to say earliest in the post! I stopped after a couple of lines and told Kim…I think the Pumpkin Spice Latter is back… she of-course had already been here and new that. But I was proud nonetheless.
I agree with your sister… great writing.
Thanks for welcoming me back!
Tim
Remodeling Guy says
September 10, 2009 at 9:59 PMOOPS!!! You can take the contractor out of the construction site, but… He still calls a Latte a Latter. Is that the one we use to get on the roof in the afternoon?
How stupid was THAT joke? Did you even get it? Wow, I missed this comment stuff!
Erin says
September 10, 2009 at 10:01 PMI have always thought those sounded kind of yucky but your lovely word picture has made me want to try one. 🙂
Jessica says
September 10, 2009 at 10:24 PMYou took the words right out of my mouth! When I pulled up to Starbucks last week and seen that the Pumpkin Spice Latte was back I wanted to do a happy jig 🙂 I knew fall was here! Aaahhhh 🙂
Victoria says
September 10, 2009 at 11:02 PMSqueal! I love the Pumpkin Spice Latte!!!! Oooooh I can’t wait to head to my local Starbucks to get one. It speaks all things fall to me. 🙂
greedygrace says
September 10, 2009 at 11:14 PMAmen! I believe this is the best part of fall!
his girl amber says
September 11, 2009 at 12:18 AMhallelujah and amen, indeed!
Kristen @ Beautifully Imperfect says
September 11, 2009 at 7:49 AMYes! The pumpkin spice is back! Last Tuesday I called my local Starbucks and asked when they were going to start serving the lattes again. The lady on the phone laughed a little, told me I was the umpteenth caller and assured me that they are always served on September 1. Let’s just say Hubby and I had an impromptu coffee date that night. 🙂
Melissa says
September 11, 2009 at 9:06 AMthe other day, i went in and ordered a “pike place tall”. i was looking forward to my treat that seemed like a fun little luxury for my mundane grocery store trip. i paid and was happy.
then i looked up, and i saw the writing…
“Pumpkin Spice Latte is back!”
and i hated my plain old coffee.
Jessica Washburn says
September 11, 2009 at 9:35 AMI don’t drink coffee/lattes and yet I’m foaming at the mouth. Not to mention I’m dying for fall now which is still a few months away here in AZ. Now I’m even more homesick for Utah, where the fall is glorious! I agree w/ your sis…fantastic writing.
Julie says
September 11, 2009 at 10:12 AMWow. I just have to say, in one single post I’ve been so excited and then so let down!! I can’t believe the Nester said she doesn’t like Pumpkin Latte!!! I don’t think she can be my hero/idol any more…
Poor Nester, she doesn’t know what she’s missing!! Here I come, Pumpkin Spice!
Leah says
September 11, 2009 at 11:20 AMAlthough I am not a pumpkin spicer, I only drink chai in the fall and winter. And, I know that I can buy it (the same stuff) at my local grocers, when I make it, it just isn’t the same.
amy says
September 11, 2009 at 11:20 AMI have one 2 days ago and smiled with every sip. And I have been craving another one since . . .
Hopefull says
September 11, 2009 at 11:22 AMI saw the sign at starbucks and SMILED thinking of you and your post from last Fall – I agree lukewarm pumpkin=yuckville
Rachel says
September 11, 2009 at 11:58 AMHooray for the Pumpkin Spice Latte!
The Nester says
September 11, 2009 at 11:59 AMNot to worry. I am going to take out a loan and try one. I’ll let you know the outcome.
The Nester says
September 11, 2009 at 12:08 PMRG called it a “latter” I’m going to laugh all day at that one.
do it yourselfer says
September 11, 2009 at 1:27 PMi laughed at this last year…and must agree…not a fan of the pumpkin pie spice. i, will, however turn backflips for the peppermint mocha at christmas…mmmm good!
Becky says
September 11, 2009 at 2:27 PMI’ve recently stumbled on to your blog and love, love, love this post! YUM!
Hannah says
September 11, 2009 at 3:47 PMThis morning I bought a pumpkin spice latte (soy, no whip) *and* the International Delight impostor, so funny to see this as your post. It’s so autumny outside today, I just couldn’t help myself!
Nom nom. Happy drinking!
Hannah says
September 11, 2009 at 3:51 PM@Leah, it’s actually NOT the same!! I worked at Starbucks once upon a time. The tazo chai we use behind the counter is more concentrated than the kind you can buy out on the floor, or at the grocery store. Your chai at starbucks is made with the chai concentrate, hot water, and steamed milk (except I get mine with no water b/c it’s sooo yummy!) The kind you buy in the store, you just add milk. If you’re tight with your local Sbux, they may sell you one of their boxes of chai, but ring it up as the one on the floor.
Mrs. Blue says
September 11, 2009 at 5:04 PMI can say, yes, I am a PSL lover, and fall is my most favorite time of the year, so your post made my day and gave me a HUGE smile! 🙂
Audra Lynn says
September 11, 2009 at 5:21 PMI am so with you. It’s still a balmy 90 degrees here in Louisiana, but I had to rush over for some pumpkin spice as soon as it was available.
Elyse says
September 11, 2009 at 5:39 PMi wrote about my love affair with this little darling last week too!! loooooveee this coffee! 🙂
Nancy says
September 11, 2009 at 7:37 PMI know.. the heaven’s gates opened and there was the Pumpkin Spice Latte. I just need its compadre… the Pumpkin Scone. So delicious an and naughty with the icing on the top that you just can’t get enough of. I think my date with the scone will be in November???? Not soon enough!
Cassandra Frear says
September 12, 2009 at 11:44 AMDelightful!
I’d like to share this wonderful post with my readers. With your permission, I am putting a link to it in my side bar this week.
Kelly says
September 13, 2009 at 10:46 AMA little known secret….there are quite a few Starbucks here in the Houston area who serve this yummy drink year around! I discovered this early this year. You just have to ask them for it.
Granted, a Pumpkin Spice Latte isn’t that appealing when its 102 degrees outside….but, it can make a bad day MUCH better! Yum!
Happy Fall Ya’ll!
K says
September 13, 2009 at 11:28 AMwhat a lovely blog – found you from Robot tea – and laughed out loud at your description of the coffee
I am such a coffee person – my blog address is actually dry cappuccino -which is my Starbucks order
Kelly says
September 13, 2009 at 7:52 PMI think it’s great and hilarious that I have seen posts about the return of the pumpkin spice latte all over blogland! Do you know if the salted caramel hot chocolate is back yet? That’s my preference. Kelly
My First Kitchen says
September 14, 2009 at 12:36 PMWho’s that fuzzy person in the background? 🙂
Jenifer says
September 14, 2009 at 11:14 PMI hope you don’t mind…I linked to this post on my blog. You summed up so eloquently my exact feelings for their hot chocolate with caramel. My sweet fall/winter treat. I. CAN. NOT. WAIT!!
Southern Gal says
October 19, 2011 at 6:50 AMKristi linked here. I missed this the first and second time around. Or maybe it’s because I didn’t like coffee as much back then, but now I’m on the pumpkin latte bandwagon. Love it and this post!