Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte steals the show every time fall rolls around. What people may not know about the famed drink is the various ways one can order it or even recreate it to save money.
Here are six alternatives to the traditional latte:
1. The Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
Not the "hot drink" type? That’s okay, order the PSL iced. This drink is essentially identical to the traditional PSL besides the temperature.
Life hack: It has 10 fewer calories than the original. Want to cut back on even more calories? Skip the whipped cream, which adds a whopping 120 extra calories.
2. The Pumpkin Spice Latte Frappuccino
For all of those out there opposed to the traditional PSL, the Frappuccino is a popular variation that still gives you your pumpkin fix.
Life hack: This drink can be ordered three different ways — the traditional Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, the Crème Frappuccino (which doesn't have coffee in it) or the Pumpkin Spice Light Frappuccino. The latter is 250 fewer calories than the original. But who cares? Bikini season is over, friends.
3. Regular coffee with Pumpkin Spice Sauce
Want to save a couple dollars? Order a regular coffee with pumpkin spice sauce and add cream to taste. This is a great option if you are balling on a budget this fall — and who's not in college? A regular tall PSL is over $4 with tax. Cue your cringe face. However, a regular grande coffee coasts $2.45 and the Pumpkin Spice Sauce costs 60 cents for a grande. That's a lot more coffee and a much cheaper price.
Life Hack: If you are a green level Starbucks reward card member, you can get free regular coffee refills. What does this mean? At the green level you can sit in Starbucks for hours and enjoy this drink over and over and only pay the 60 cents extra for the sauce. In the words of Amy Poehler, “YES PLEASE!”
4. Same as number 3, but iced
5. Flavored Steamed Milk with Pumpkin Spice Sauce
If for some reason you can’t have caffeine try flavored steam milk with pumpkin spice sauce. It is just steamed milk with whatever flavor or sauce your heart desires. Yum.
6. DIY Pumpkin Spice
If you aren’t up for spending money or leaving the house try making your own Pumpkin Spice Latte at home! First, brew your favorite brand of coffee. In a separate bowl combine pumpkin puree, half a cup of milk, brown sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk milk mixture and heat in microwave. Combine coffee with milk mixture and voilà!
Life Hack: For more detailed instructions, click here.
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