It’s officially fall, which means it’s time to bring out what is arguably the best seasonal drink: pumpkin chai. Most chain coffee shops and cafes roll out their fall menus in late August or early September, which means that it is high time we find out who does it best. For the sake of consistency, I ordered an iced pumpkin chai with oat milk.
- Dutch Bros
The flavor was balanced very well and the pumpkin was prominent without being overbearing. A perfect, on-the-go grab without sacrificing quality.
- Yukon Coffee
This one would have been first, as the flavor was amazing, but it was just too sweet. In my experience, chai lattes tend to be on the sweeter side but this one was like a sugar-punch to the face. Overall, great drink, close second.
- 7 Brew
Another sweet one, 7 Brew’s pumpkin chai was my staple for the first few weeks of September. The flavor was great but not astoundingly so. I find that this one works well for shopping trips, when you need something that will last a few stores.
- Starbucks
A classic, with its cold foam top, Starbucks’s Pumpkin Chai has become a fall menu favorite. Personally, I don’t care for Starbucks as the ice-to-drink ratio is infamously unbalanced and the flavor leaves something to be desired. However, it is a solid option especially if paired with their Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf.
- Silver Grizzly
Finally, we have the downtown favorite, Silver Grizzly. Maybe I’m not cut-out for the Hipster Cafe life, because this one was just not the best. It was almost like cinnamon water. It was bitter and thin. I’m assuming they added espresso (even though that is technically a Dirty Chai) which I would not have minded had the tea itself been good. The cozy reading atmosphere makes up for the subpar drink.
In short, Dutch Bros takes the cake (or pumpkin pie if you’re feeling seasonal). Regardless of where you go or whether you order it hot or iced, Pumpkin Chai is the drink to fall in love with this autumn.