By Laura West
The long-awaited Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks made its return on August 22, marking what many view as the unofficial beginning of the fall season. In fact, Starbucks ushered in its fall menu a whole month before the first official day of fall—September 22.
Starbucks introduced their Pumpkin Spice Latte over twenty years ago, and it still remains the favorite seasonal beverage from this company. It is estimated that Starbucks will bring in somewhere in the ballpark of $500 million dollars just from selling Pumpkin Spice Lattes this season. Although we have much cooler temperatures now than we did a month ago, the heat lingers and yet many are making a Pumpkin Spice Latte stop at their favorite coffee shops every day. What’s the hype?
Other Fall Favorites
While Starbucks knows what’s up with their Pumpkin Spice flavored beverages, they have also brought their apple flavors back with the fall menu. Should we expect a seasonal trend with apples in the future?
Seasonal Spices
I know for me at least, the smell of pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg awakens my senses to the slight chill in the air and reminds me of warm nights cozied up by the fire. The taste of pumpkin spice flavored treats brings with it memories of the slower seasons, of grandma’s pumpkin pie, or of life settling back into a routine after a lively summer. Perhaps what we really long for is the sweet nostalgia of the beverage rather than the taste itself—although the taste is delicious.
Cinnamon is a flavor we use all year round. (Think cinnamon rolls and French toast! Yum…) But pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, ginger, and other spices aren’t used quite as consistently. We especially don’t see these flavors on mainstream coffee shop menus until late August comes around. But when they do, the coffee shops get even cozier as the warm and inviting scent of each of these memory- evoking spices fills the air.
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice
Whether you choose to purchase a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks, support your local coffee shop, or make your own at home, we can’t deny the delicious flavor of the spices mixing with the irresistible taste of a complimentary blend of coffee nor the memories that flash across our minds of orange and yellow leaves, fireplaces filled with light, and our families gathering together as the air grows colder. The saying “pumpkin spice and everything nice” really is true—pumpkin spice brings with it nice memories that warm our hearts as the lattes warm our tongues.
So, this Pumpkin Spice Season, how can we take hold of the welcome that these flavors bring us and use them for good? We have to slow down and enjoy these precious moments with family, the brief moments of being in-between seasons, and the lifestyle and natural changes this time brings. As you sip your pumpkin spice beverage, take time to notice the world. Thank God for it. Be intentional with your time and live a life worthy of Him.
With school starting back, schedules becoming more routine, and the air getting chillier, it’s easy to get whisked away in the hype of the fall season drawing near. Don’t neglect daily time spent with God in prayer and the study of Scripture. Be purposeful in the time and energy you spend with your family, friends, and others around you. Even in this busy season, people will notice how your actions line up with your words if you profess to be a Christian—don’t lead them astray. But more
importantly, don’t dishonor your heavenly Father by living for yourself, for memories, or even for your family instead of living for the One who created, saved, and sustains you. By no means do I mean you should neglect your family and friends. Honoring God means being intentional with your relationships with people on this earth, especially those in your family. Focusing your mind on God and His saving work in your life will change your perspective and help you to see ways to enjoy time with your family and friends in a God-honoring way.
Drink your Pumpkin Spice Latte and live for Him!
Laura West is a wife, homemaker, and writer seeking to make Christ known through her words. You can find her on Instagram @lauraewest_ and @pleasureinagoodnovel.