CUA Students React to the 2024 Starbucks Fall Drink Menu -

By Anthony Curioso

As a self-proclaimed Starbucks enthusiast and a student at the Catholic University of America, I eagerly counted down the days until the fall menu items returned. This launch date occurred on August 22, earlier than Starbucks had released its fall menu in previous years. I am thrilled to share my take on each fall drink for 2024 and the opinions of my fellow students, just as I did for the Starbucks 2023 holiday menu last December.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

This drink is a decent option for people who enjoy espresso-based lattes and want a fall drink. I rate the Pumpkin Spice Latte an eight out of ten.

Charles Bruce IV, a sophomore philosophy major, gave his thoughts on the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

“The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a classic way to enter into the fall, and I love it,” Bruce said. “I rate it an eight and a half out of ten.”

Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte

Starbucks’s first launch of the Pumpkin Cream Chai was a delightful surprise which I instantly fell in love with last year. Its perfect fall vibe is something I can’t get enough of, and I rate it a resounding ten out of ten.

Senior theology major Andrea Suarez said, “I tried the Pumpkin Cream Chai on the first day it was released this year, and I was mind-blown by how good it was. I rate it ten out of ten.”

Apple Crisp Non-dairy Cream Chai Latte

The Apple Crisp Non-dairy Cream Chai Latte is a new addition to Starbucks’ fall menu this year, and I love it almost as much as I love the Pumpkin Cream Chai. I rate the Apple Crisp Non-dairy Cream Chai a nine out of ten, but only because I am not the biggest fan of apples and apple-flavored items.

Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Despite the name of this drink, I could not taste any apple crisp flavor for the life of me, even though I requested (and received) the apple crisp foam on top of the drink when I ordered it. To receive such a flavorless drink was a disappointing experience, so I rate the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso a four out of ten.

Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato

In my previous experience, I did not enjoy the Starbucks macchiatos very much, so I was hesitant to try this item because I imagined it wouldn’t be much different from the other macchiato drinks that Starbucks offers.

Caitlin Farley, a freshman politics major, commented on what she thought of the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato.

“I don’t feel comfortable rating a drink ten out of ten unless it’s perfect,” Farley said. “However, the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato is still delicious. I give it eight and a half out of ten.”

It’s fair to say that some of this year’s fall Starbucks drinks have gotten decent reviews while others have not. If you are looking for a drink you are almost sure to enjoy, I recommend the Pumpkin Cream Chai.