Savoring the season: Fall drinks

When fall begins, it brings with it a complete palooza of beverages. Hot, cold, iced, spiced, you name it. Having a drink in one’s hand at all times is almost part of the “fall” look. Nevertheless, there are definitely some autumnal drinks that are not worth the hype. So, here is my take on the traditional sips of the season. 

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Let us start with the self-proclaimed ruler of all fall beverages, the PSL. I can’t lie, I am not its biggest fan. I can hear the collective gasps of all the PSL lovers out there. Hang on a second, let me explain myself. I do like it, I just don’t think it is as amazing as everyone says it is. However, after saying that, I must admit that there is a half-drank PSL beside me, so . . . 

Hot Chocolate

Is there anything that brings you straight back to your childhood more than a warm cup of hot chocolate? For me, hot chocolate is more of a “happy memory” drink. I usually make it more for the sentimental value than for the taste. However, sometimes it really does hit the spot. Of course, marshmallows are essential. 

Apple Cider

This is hands down the drink I get most excited about each year. If you are lucky enough to live near an apple orchard, you know how amazing it is to get it fresh. The store stuff is good, but nothing compares to getting it from the actual orchard. Maybe it is just the atmosphere or something, but I don’t really care. Paired with a spicy sugared apple cider donut, it is about as close to heaven as you can get. 

Hot Apple Cider

Hot Apple Cider needs its own section, being vastly different from the previously discussed apple cider. The quality of this beverage is directly tied to where it comes from. If you are drinking it from those little packets, I am sorry, we cannot be friends. That stuff is nasty. If you get it from a coffee shop, such as the Mill, or simply make it yourself, then you are doing it right. 

While there are many other fall drinks out there, like Starbucks new Apple Crisp drinks (I hear they are kind of meh) and pumpkin spice hot chocolate (which sounds horrible), these are the traditional drinks I think of around this time of year. Whether or not you agree with me, I hope you grab yourself a cup of whichever one you like best and enjoy the season!

By Hannah Olin