I tried Starbucks’ entire fall menu – how the new Apple Crisp Macchiato compares to classic Pumpkin Spice Latte

FALL is here and that means Starbucks has released its long-awaited autumn menu once more.

This year, the coffee giant has graced long-time fans with a new flavor, the Apple Crisp Macchiato, which comes in iced and hot form.

I went ahead and purchased four of its five staples (the frappucino was out of stock at my nearest Starbuck) to figure out which one is worth your money, just so you wouldn’t have to.

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

Rating: 5 stars

4

Credit: The US Sun

In my opinion, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is still the best coffee from Starbucks’ fall menu.

The original fall drink mixes cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and pumpkin for one of the coziest coffees out there.

Unlike the drink presented on the website, mine came with orange foam on top and plenty of cinnamon – although it’s meant to have whipped cream.

I, however, didn’t mind the change and will definitely purchase more than 50 times before the end of the year.

ICED APPLE CRISP MACCHIATO

Rating: 4 stars

4

Credit: The US Sun

The Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato was actually surprising because I was expecting to not like any of the new additions, but I wouldn’t mind ordering it again.

The product description claimed that “the flavors of a gooey apple pie swirled into espresso, milk, and ice, while topped with a caramelized spiced apple drizzle.” And it positively delivered.

The scent of apples was not overwhelming and once properly mixed, the taste was pretty good. It even had a good kick of caffeine.

I’m a fan of caramel in my drinks so this felt right up my alley, but it still wasn’t as good as the Pumpkin Spice Latte in my opinion.

PUMPKIN CREAM COLD BREW

Rating: 3 stars

4

Credit: The US Sun

I will preface this by saying that the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has been my go-to since it first came out, but that might change this year.

In previous years, it wasn’t as sweet as the PSL and had the right kick of caffeine, but this time, it disappointed me.

Unlike the PSL, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew features “Starbucks’ signature cold brew sweetened with vanilla-flavored syrup and topped with pumpkin cream cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin pie spices.”

In this drink, the pumpkin was not present at all when sipping it but it added a strange aftertaste after.

The cold brew was also too watered down for me, so if you prefer a stronger kick to your coffee, try asking for a nitro cold brew instead.

APPLE CRISP MACCHIATO

Rating: 1 star

4

Credit: The US Sun

To be honest, I was disappointed with this one because it did not reach the same level of deliciousness as its cold version.

It also tasted nothing like the iced version, which was remarkably sweeter.

The first thing I noticed about this drink was the smell – it was like walking straight into a Bath and Body Works store during fall, not necessarily a bad thing just not something I’d want from my morning coffee.

As for the taste? It just tasted like apple water to me.

I couldn’t taste the caffeine or the brown sugar, despite the website describing it as “notes of apple and brown sugar coming together with espresso, steamed milk and a caramelized spiced apple drizzle in the new Apple Crisp Macchiato.”

Sadly, I got none of that.

Watch Starbucks’ classic pumpkin spice commercial

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