Natalie King
 Publisher

It’s fall y’all. Everyone one knows what that means; it’s time for the only drink famous enough to have its own Twitter account to make its obnoxious debut, again.

That’s right. Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte. The seasonal drink made its first appearance way back in 2003, feel old yet? It is served from September 1st of every year through late December.

The latte is an unbelievable success as they have sold over 200 million Pumpkin Spice Lattes over the past 11 years.

I can proudly say that I will not contribute one dime to the 80 million dollars that the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte will bring in this year.

I’ll surely make up for it with my daily trips to get an iced caramel mocha, but that’s beside the point. Bluntly, I do not understand the fascination that is of the pumpkin spice.

Although there are an array of things that represent the beginning of fall, I have heard so many people say: “Is it really fall without a pumpkin spice latte?” I am here to stand against the odds and say; yes, yes fall goes on even if you lack a taste for pumpkin and all its spices.

Those of us who have never once tasted the scorching goodness of fall all wrapped up into one “tall” cup do still find a way to enjoy the season and all of it’s traditions.

Let us pause to remember a simpler time before good ol’ pumpkin spice took over the beautiful season.

When you heard the word “pumpkin”, you thought of jack-o-lanterns, pies, and an awkward pet name your grandma uses. Now, “pumpkin” and “spice” are basically synonyms.

What does this leave for we who love fall, coffee, and Starbucks but happen to loath the taste of pumpkin? Should we not get a seasonal drink to be embarrassingly excited about as well? It’s an idea worth consideration.

The last subtle complaint I have to make about the pumpkin spice latte is the fact that it is considered a “basic girl” drink. I know plenty of women whom do not hold a special place in their September for pumpkin spice; our Starbucks addiction extends far deeper than that.

Similarly, latte loving men should not have to be ashamed of their seasonal purchases. Say your order loud and proud, guys. Coffee lovers, both men and women have the right to love or hate the pumpkin spice latte this fall.