Head to Head: Pumpkin Spice Not-tes

September is officially here, so that means pumpkin spice lattes are back earlier than ever. The summer heat may not have retreated to crisp fall days yet, but that has not stopped Starbucks from rolling out their seasonal fall drink. Unfortunately, I have already seen posts on Snapchat and Instagram. For the stereotypical ‘basic white girl’ who frequents the Starbucks drive-thru, it is a time of jubilation, but for me, it is “whatever.”

I love coffee, don’t get me wrong. It is the only thing that gets me through the day. I am not ashamed to say that I am addicted to caffeine, as well as Starbucks. They have some great drinks, so I can’t judge those white girls too harshly for their Starbs addiction. However, I refuse to join the PSL cult. 

Pumpkin spice lattes are only around for a season, and this has manufactured an artificial frenzy that otherwise would not exist. This mediocre drink would not be hyped up if it remained on the menu throughout the year. 

Some say that PSLs are the perfect hot drink to accompany a lazy day on the couch. I am all for having a lounge day. Spending time reading a good book or watching Netflix with a blanket on my lap, some sort of hot beverage and a sweet treat is an ideal way to spend a brisk fall afternoon. I refuse to let a PSL be that hot beverage I sip to decompress after a long week of classes. 

The aesthetic of a flannel and down vest, walking down the mall with earbuds in, listening to Taylor Swift’s new album “Folklore” with a pumpkin spice latte in hand just is not it for me. Save yourself the money and make yourself some coffee at home. Support a local mom and pop coffee shop that is not as mainstream or globally dominant as Starbucks, and, at all costs, avoid the temptation to order that venti pumpkin spice latte. You’ll thank me in December.