Starbucks and Dutch Bros are back in full swing with the classic fall beverages we anxiously await all year. Last winter, we reviewed the holiday drinks offered at both locations and agreed they were pretty evenly matched. We are curious to see how the fall drinks will compare. Let’s find out who will offer the better drinks this season. 

Starbucks:

• Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: 8/10

This beverage is always a good option if you are looking for the perfect ratio of coffee to pumpkin flavor. The pumpkin cold foam is the perfect addition to spice up your everyday cold brew. 

• Apple Crisp Oat Milk Macchiato: 7.5/10

This drink is back and better than ever. With the new addition of oatmilk, the apple flavor is subtle and smooth to the taste. This is a great choice if you are feeling spontaneous and are looking for something new and fun to try. 

• Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte: 9/10

You can simply never go wrong with Starbucks’ iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte. Whether it be hot or iced, this drink tastes like fall in a cup. The hints of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves make for an exciting rollercoaster of flavors in your mouth. The PSL is a classic and definitely a fall go-to every year. 

Dutch Bros: 

• Sweater Weather Chai with White Coffee: 4/10

The Sweater Weather Chai is garnished very nicely with cinnamon and nutmeg, sprinkled over Dutch Bros’ signature soft top. Though this drink is pleasing to the eye and has a super cute name, we were ultimately underwhelmed. The flavor of the drink doesn’t match the description, and has a very distinct, tangy aftertaste that we were not expecting, leaving us disappointed. 

• Iced Caramel Pumpkin Brulee Breve: 6.5/10

This drink has a very bold espresso flavor, which is ideal for those who enjoy a strong coffee flavor. Surprisingly, the boldness balances out the sweetness in this drink, making the coffee quite enjoyable. The consistency is a little thick for our liking and leaves a slight film in your throat with every sip.  

• Iced Caramel Pumpkin Brulee Cold Brew: 8/10

Ending on a high note, the Caramel Pumpkin Cold Brew is a drink we guarantee you will fall for this season. It’s topped with a delectable pumpkin drizzle along with sugar sprinkles, which make for a delightful surprise with each sip.

Overall, we prefer the flavor of the fall drinks offered at Starbucks this season, but when it comes to the presentation of the drinks, Dutch Bros definitely comes out on top. If you want to compare opinions, make sure to go try the drinks for yourself!