It’s that time of year again — pumpkin spice latte season. Starbucks might have the monopoly on the PSL but we can do better. Like soooo much better. Here are 10 seasonal local cuppa's to satisfy that cozy fall craving.
The Coffee Bar: Cardamom Latte
This has to be D.C.’s most raved-about seasonal coffee. Classic latte with a dust of cardamom spice.
Colada Shop: Maduro Foam Cold Brew
It’s all in the name. Colada shop’s classic cold brew with a caramelized maduro (sweet plantain) flavored foam on top? *Chefs kiss *
Ellē: Gourd Spice Latte
This less sweet and more spicy version of a pumpkin spice latte goes perfectly with their house made scones.
Yellow: Golden Date Cappuccino
Made with medjool dates and date molasses, this cappuccino is earthy and sweet and hits all the right fall notes. They also have a baklawa hot chocolate with walnut oil and rose water that’s to die for.
Little Hat Coffee: Hojicha Latte
We’ve raved about their matcha, but Little Hat now has hojicha, matcha’s nuttier, less-caffinated cousin. Rumor is they are also working on a seasonal miso caramel cold foam to top it all off.
Ellē coffee shop in Mt. Pleasant. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
Grounded: Clove Matcha
This Anacostia cafe specializes in matcha. Their seasonal clove matcha has clove, black pepper, bourbon vanilla syrup, and your choice of milk. It’s earthy, spiced, and works surprisingly well.
La Betty: Bonbon Latte
A Baked Joint is now operating out of La Betty during the day and whipping up seasonal lattes like a bonbon latte with condensed milk and cinnamon and an ube blackberry latte.
Cameo Coffee: Panela Latte
This latte is made with espresso with panela sugar syrup that gives it a smokey dark brown sugar flavor. Cameo also has a classic (but homemade) pumpkin spice latte if you just need that fix.
Grace Street Coffee: Miso Soy Flat White
Only available at their Georgetown location, this savory flat white is rich and filled with umami. I love Grace Street, and this is one of the best things I’ve had from there.
The Royal: Arequipe Latte
This Latin American restaurant/cafe serves the best coffee creations in D.C. IMO. Right now, the Arequipe Latte is my favorite, with dulce de leche and Counter Culture espresso.
