By Halle Runyan,
Staff Writer.
Coffee enthusiasts all over Santa Rosa rave and rival over the seasonal releases at Starbucks and Dutch Bros this fall. Every year at the end of August, the popular coffee chains bring back the iconic fall beverages we all know, but not everyone loves.
The excitement around these launches has stores overflowing with people who are eager for their first taste of autumn. “Launch days for fall and for Christmastime are the craziest,’’ said Santa Rosa High School graduate, Starbucks barista and Dutch Bros enthusiast Makenna Runyan.
Pumpkin spice is known to spark some controversy. Some love it and some hate it. “I think that, specifically, pumpkin spice is not my favorite flavor. . . There are just so many different pumpkin spice things, like not even just drinks,’’ said Runyan. “It’s not that it’s not good; it’s just too hyped.’’
For some, the pumpkin hype can be overwhelming. As pumpkin spice continues to divide opinions, other seasonal beverages take off and gain popularity.
The return of Butter Pecan at Starbucks and Cookie Butter at Dutch Bros keep loyal customers running back for more. They might not be as popular or promoted as pumpkin spice, but they are still fan favorites worth hyping up. Dutch has also introduced the new Candied Cherry Rebel, adding a fruity alternative to the other classic fall menu items.
The timing of these launches has also become a talking point. “I feel like we should wait till mid-September to release drinks. . . We get it and it’s, like, too hot to enjoy,’’ said Runyan. The hot weather in late August makes fall drinks feel out of place. No one wants to order a hot fall beverage if it’s 80 degrees and sunny outside.
This year, fall items came out on Aug. 26 at Starbucks and Aug. 22 at Dutch Bros. Autumn doesn’t officially start until Sept. 22, yet these drinks are out for weeks in advance and stay on the menu through October and November.
For some, the early release relieves anticipation and sparks the holiday spirit, while for others, it feels rushed. Either way, the fall beverage debate will continue to persevere.
