Pumpkin spice may be the quintessential flavor of fall. But, let's face it, sometimes you just need a break from all that gourd-y goodness ... and (gasp!) some people don't even like pumpkin anyway.
So what's a lover of fall-flavored foods to do? For those who are just not that into pumpkin spice lattes, TODAY Food has rounded up some amazingly delicious and incredibly cozy beverages that are totally pumpkin free.
Peet's Vanilla Cardamom Latte
This sweet latte gets its distinct scent and flavor from cardamom, and it's made with hand-pulled espresso and freshly steamed milk. Cardamom is a versatile spice that is used in savory dishes like curries as well as sweet desserts like puddings and pastries. It's uniquely zesty, slightly minty and herbaceous flavor makes it a great foil for smooth vanilla. This fall beverage will be available at Peet’s coffee shops from Aug. 29 through early November.
Caffè Umbria’s Caffè al Pepe
This new latte features an unexpected mix of honey, black pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg created with espresso and topped with steamed milk. It's mildly sweet (that’s what hits you first) then the spicy pepper gets into the mix, complementing the undertones of cinnamon and nutmeg. Caffè Umbria is a small, but growing, chain with locations mostly in the Pacific Northwest.
La Colombe Caramel Draft Latte
Finally! A caramel coffee that isn't cloyingly sweet. Crafted with cold-pressed Nizza espresso, fresh milk and real caramel, this drink tastes “as if salt water taffy and dulce de leche had a love child," according to Todd Carmichael, co-founder and CEO of La Colombe. La Colombe has locations in Philadelphia, New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles — but you can also find these cans in grocery stores nationwide.
Dunkin' Donuts Maple Pecan Coffee
Sure, Dunkin’ has lots of pumpkin flavors going on this time year (they even debuted their fall beverages a full day before Starbucks!), but they also have sweet and nutty maple-pecan flavored beverages that are available hot or iced, in coffee or espresso beverages. If you've ever wanted to drink a pecan pie, this is probably your best bet.
DavidsTea S’mores Chai
S'mores may be a super summer treat but we'd love to enjoy this gooey indulgence year-round! Now you can ... sort of. Instead of a sugary coffee drink, this specially-blended pu'erh tea, which goes through a natural fermentation process before it is dried, has just 5 calories per cup. Adding milk and other sweeteners will up the calories here, but it's comforting all on its known. In the spice blend, this tea also has a dash of cinnamon, creating a spicy, more mature campfire flavor.
Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha
Released on the same day as the infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte is Starbucks' other fall favorite: the Salted Caramel Mocha. Salt does something magical to caramel in this decadent seasonal drink. It's simple (no crazy spices here, folks!) but utterly satisfying. The drink is made with mocha sauce and toffee nut syrup combined with espresso and milk, then topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle and a blend of turbinado sugar and sea salt.