The Starbucks Fall Drink That Was More Popular Than The Pumpkin Spice Latte

As the last few days of August wind down, we are rapidly approaching the era of changing leaf colors and plummeting temperatures that we all love: the fall season. Or, as the most dedicated Starbucks stans would refer to it: Pumpkin Spice Latte season. 

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is arguably one of the best drinks on Starbucks' seasonal menu. In 2021, Ad Age estimated that Starbucks has sold about 500 million Pumpkin Spice Lattes since its introduction in 2003 (via Yahoo Sports). With the sweet and spicy flavor, creamy foamy texture, and festive cup designs, it's no wonder the Pumpkin Spice Latte has won so many hearts.

Though countless renditions of the beverage have been offered by competing companies like Dunkin' Donuts, nothing beats the classic Starbucks PSL. Or so we thought. As it turns out, only Starbucks could beat itself at its own game. Another fall beverage released by the company surpassed the Pumpkin Spice Latte in sales in 2020. 

Though the Pumpkin Spice Latte is one of the most iconic seasonal drinks at Starbucks, it is not the only item that the company has infused with the Pumpkin Spice fall flavor, nor is it the only beverage that has been a company success. Another one of Starbucks' creations, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, made its debut on the fall menu in 2020. As described on the Starbucks website, the cold brew coffee beverage is "sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with a pumpkin cream cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin spice topping." As it turns out, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew outsold the legendary Pumpkin Spice Latte by the end of Starbucks' 2020 fall cycle (via Insider). 

Whether Starbucks customers preferred the taste of the cold pumpkin drink or just simply wanted to give the novel beverage a try, the instant success of the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew shows that Starbucks is far from a one-trick pony. There is always something sweet on the horizon at the world's biggest coffeehouse chain (via Britannica).