A gust of wind rushes through the summer air, and suddenly, it’s that time of the year again. Starbucks’ most anticipated seasonal beverage, which offers blends of spices warming your tongue and making you pull out your sweaters, has made its way back onto center stage: Pumpkin Spice.

Pumpkin spice celebrates the beginning of fall by mixing pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, topped with whipped cream to evoke the creamy texture of pumpkin pie. This seasonal drink has become a pop culture phenomenon, making its way on social media, inspiring candles and soaps, and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in sales. Since its launch in 2003, Starbucks has sold about 20 million Pumpkin Spice Lattes a year, charging $6.25 per latte, increasing its sales by 8%.

But have consumerism and demand affected the quality of this fan favorite?

​“The taste, the flavor isn’t very rich, and the texture of the actual beverage is completely off from another one,” said Pete Canepa, former Starbucks employee and now Shift Manager of Propaganda Coffee.

Propaganda is one of many cafés in Lakewood taking an original spin on the seasonal favorite. Inspired by pumpkin spice, condensed coconut milk, and cinnamon, this fall latte is unique and specifically sourced to offer a high-quality and delicious product.

“If you’re working for a corporation, the corporation’s interests come first, not the baristas,” said Canepa. Propaganda’s Pumpkin Roll Latte is unique to each barista and customer, making it customizable without following corporate guidelines, creating a homier and cozier fall favorite.

Propaganda’s Pumpkin Roll Latte draws in experience and human connections by inviting different clubs, hosting knitting events, trivia, and live music. Sandwiched between two bars on Detroit Road, Propaganda offers a social aspect for those who don’t drink alcohol and provides a safe space for people to meet and gather, which is unique and special to this local business.

Another coffee shop, inspired by the spices and flavors of fall, is up the road on Madison: Goodkind Coffee.

Goodkind releases new seasonal flavors each year. This season features the Harvest Foam, Cinnamon Apple, and Black Sesame lattes. Inspired by pumpkin spice, the Harvest Foam Latte showcases fall spices, adding chai and sweet pumpkin cold foam to the classic coffee drink.

“I’ve had so many people come in and say, ‘We saw you drop the fall menu, so we came in,’” said Andrea Garcia, barista at Goodkind (and major pumpkin spice fan).

Goodkind prides itself on listening to customer feedback.

​“We try to please them, try to listen to what they want, listen to their complaints or just things that they think we could do better here,” said Garcia.

Goodkind puts their words into action by catering to Lakewood’s vegan and vegetarian community, offering completely vegan pumpkin cold foam for every type of consumer eager to taste the sweet and spicy Harvest Latte.

“[It] brings out more spicy flavors and seasonal spice that you just wouldn’t get anywhere else in town,” said Garcia.

Down the street is The Blue Café , offering pumpkin spice year-round for the die-hard fans craving a taste of fall all season. This year, they are introducing five new fall flavors: Pumpkin Roll Latte, Pecan Crumble Cold Brew, Salted Caramel Matcha, Apple Crisp Chai, and the Turtle Frappe.

“We take that classic flavor and we’ve made something a little bit different, but you can still order the classic pumpkin spice if you’d like,” said Nicole Hopsecger, barista at The Blue Café.

The Blue Café released its fall menu in August to stay ahead of the anticipation and competition from Starbucks. But by adding their own unique pumpkin roll twist, they are able to attract new customers and satisfy those who want regular pumpkin spice year-round.

So what are you waiting for?

Propaganda, Good Kind, and The Blue Café are each unique and special to Lakewood, and all value quality, taste, and connections. So don’t be late to the trend.

Fall in love with a new pumpkin spice—and make it local.