Every fall, a mysterious force grips the nation. Leaves change, sweaters appear (usually), and otherwise reasonable people begin whispering the letters that launch a thousand Instagram stories: “P-S-L”.
If you’re new here, PSL stands for “pumpkin spice latte” – the cozy icon that tastes like crisp air, cute boots, and making questionable decisions at HomeSense. Legend says it was dreamed up in a coffee lab in the early 2000s by folks who asked, “What if autumn was drinkable?” The rest is history. Or cinnamon. Same vibe.
We love a PSL as much as the next cozy human, but dropping it before September… really? While certain green-apron friends sprint to pumpkin season, we’re savoring the slow roll. Warm up with this little gem, then keep scrolling for our Grove-approved PSL guide.
So, what exactly is “pumpkin spice”? There’s usually no pumpkin in the cup. It’s a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and sometimes allspice – the same team that makes your pies sing. Add espresso, milk, a touch of sweetness, and suddenly September & October makes sense.
How to order like a pro at JOE. Hot+Cold
- Choose your temperature: “Hot” if you’re leaning into sweater weather, “iced” if you’re still in denial (or living in a climate crisis like we are), blended if you’re feeling extra.
- Pick your milk: Dairy, oat, almond – or the house barista suggestion of the week. Oat makes the spices dance. We don’t make the rules.
- Sweetness control: Ask for “light sweet” if you prefer the spices to shine. Want dessert-in-a-cup energy? Say “full send.”
- Make it yours: Add a shot of espresso for pep, dusting of cinnamon on top for drama, sub maple syrup for a Canadian twist. Sorry-not-sorry, it slaps.
DIY moment for the home baristas
- Warm milk on the stove.
- Whisk in pumpkin pie spice and a little brown sugar or maple.
- Pull a shot (or strong coffee), pour, stir, and top with a tiny cloud of whipped cream.
- Sip while staring out a window like the main character you are.
PSL Pairing Guide
- With our Breaky Burrito: go “light sweet.”
- Afternoon pick-me-up: iced PSL and a cookie.
- Fireside vibes: hot PSL and our charcuterie add-on when you’re back at The Grove Motel. Cozy unlocked.
Team Pumpkin Spice vs Team Apple Cider? We’re a hospitality group, so we love both kids equally. But the fall can be long. Why not do an Apple Cider Spritz by day and a PSL by morning-after? Balance, baby.
Consider this your official permission to feel things about a beverage. If the first sip of a PSL makes you want to buy a candle, reorganize a closet, and text your bestie about a wine tour, you’re doing autumn right.
Swing by JOE. Hot+Cold this week to try our PSL fall lineup. Tag us with your order @joe.coffeeco and we’ll crown you “The Spice Monarch” (cape optional, bragging rights included).
