As autumn rolls around it is easy for one to notice the abundance of pumpkins. Pumpkin flavored foods, drinks, colors, decorations, and pumpkins themselves are most prevalent during the fall months of October and November. Thanksgiving is undoubtedly associated with pumpkin pie, and Halloween with jack-o-lanterns. October has become widely populated with pumpkin bread and everybody’s favorite; Pumpkin spice lattes.
Since the release of this pined after beverage on September 4th, there has been a significant increase in the demand for pumpkin spice syrup, followed by a decrease in the supply for this ingredient used in Starbucks’ every day addiction prone recipe. Because of this, the Starbucks franchise is now experiencing a shortage.
Returning back to the topic of addiction, my field hockey teammates and I are convinced that Pumpkin spice lattes are the best thing since sliced bread. The majority of us are hooked on the Wawa latte machine. Excitement builds after practice as few of us conjure a plan to head to the nearest distributor of this delicious treat. Junior player Jamie Robertson spoke very highly of pumpkin spiced lattes exclaiming “They’re soooo good”, with emphasis on the so. On many occasions Jamie has been seen trolling the halls during morning classes, latte in hand. Team mate Francesca Benitez and I even went as far as to send pictures to each other via smart phone, exploiting the fact that we had just purchased the 26 oz. Pangs of jealousy were mutually shared.
Exclusivity makes these drinks so desirable. Pumpkin spice lattes are only available for a limited time; the craze lasts from their introduction in early September to their unfortunate discontinuation after Thanksgiving. With that, however, there is a killer do it yourself recipe provided by Good Morning America’s Stephanie O’Dea, that allows people to get their hands on one out of season. The recipe calls for 1/2 cup brewed espresso or 3/4 cup strong coffee, 2 cups milk, 2 tablespoons canned puréed pumpkin, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon cloves, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, a tiny pinch of ginger, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons vanilla and whipped cream to add the perfect accent to an already beautifully crafted drink. Although baking time is long, avid latte lovers will put in the necessary time and effort.
Pumpkin spice lattes are huge amongst many crowds, including teenagers and soccer moms who enjoy a hot beverage during the chilling 40 minute halves. If the rumored shortage stands true, hearts will break in coffee shops worldwide.