You know it’s fall when every food includes pumpkin. And nothing says autumn like a PSL—Starbucks’ infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte. Whether it popped up in your Instagram feed or slipped into your hand at the drive-thru, chances are you haven’t escaped the allure of this enduring trend. But this is Santa Cruz, where the Starbucks on Pacific Avenue is now a vegan donut shop. And our local coffee culture has its own take on the pumpkin spice craze.
Sure, Starbucks may have put the PSL on the map, but that doesn’t mean Santa Cruz coffee shops have to follow suit. After all, Santa Cruz had been named “the best coffee city in America.” With the most independent shops per capita and the highest score for coffee fanatic factors.
But is ignoring the PSL trend altogether the best choice for local coffee shops and the customers who love them? It depends on who you ask.
On one hand, the pumpkin spice craze is here for a reason. Comfort food makes us happy. So why let the big chains corner the market for hitting the sweet spot? On the other hand, does anyone need the extra 50 grams or 7½ teaspoons of added sugar in their Starbucks Grande?
Curious, I turned to our local experts, starting with a visit to Pacific Coffee Roasters, where I met the resident barista. Since Tom and wife Dena have been running their Aptos café for 36 years, they’ve seen many a trend come and go. He looked skeptical when I asked whether he had a PSL plan in place and then explained he has a unique take on the drink. PCR’s contains pumpkin puree and a blend of secret spices that sounded delicious. You can look for it on the menu later this fall.
It was a sunny 75 degrees when I walked into Cat and Cloud, where the bright and bubbly atmosphere, including the menu, said anything but fall. The barista looked at me in surprise when I asked about a PSL. I’m sure I imagined the slight smirk that came with the news of no pumpkin drinks on the near horizon. He did make an offer to get the manager, which I politely declined.
Two weeks passed before I made my way down to Santa Cruz. My first stop was 11th Hour on Center Street, a spot known for serving up a mean oat milk turmeric latte. With their remodel still underway, it took circling the building to the back patio for that first PSL sighting.
I asked the friendly barista for a description: two ounces of espresso blended with specialty organic pumpkin spice syrup with a dash of cinnamon on top. Enticed, I broke my afternoon coffee drink rule and ordered it. It was then I realized I’m not sure I’ve ever had a PSL. This one was rich, spicy and not too sweet. Guessing it’s nothing like Starbucks.
My next stop on the PSL tour was close by: Verve on Mission. Even at 1:30pm the line was going strong, and between the freshly roasted coffee and baked treats, the store smelled amazing. With no version of pumpkin coffee listed on the hand-printed menu board, I stepped up to the counter for the PSL news. The guy behind the register lit up at the question but turned to the manager for the answer. It was short and sweet: not yet; come back in October.
They were too busy to say more, but judging by the quality overall, I’d call it a safe bet for a satisfying PSL experience. I walked across the street to Lulu Carpenter’s, where it took 2 seconds to learn there is no PSL, no version, no option, just no.
Moving on. In a town of too many great coffee shops to put a dent in, I made one final stop at Java Junction. The barrister there assured me that yes, they do make a seasonal pumpkin latte. He pointed to the Torani pumpkin syrup, which is blended with espresso and your choice of milk for a tried-and-true flavored coffee drink. Since Torani has been making flavored syrup since 1925, I’m pretty sure this recipe was in place before the PSL trend took off.
So, what’s the verdict on the PSL Santa Cruz? Well, it’s a mixed bag of tradition, rebellion and maybe just a little too cool for school. Some shops are embracing it with their own twist, while others are saying ‘pumpkin spice, what?’ But hey, that’s what makes Santa Cruz unique. Whether you’re sipping on a turmeric latte or indulging in a low-key PSL that doesn’t taste like a sugar bomb, you’re getting a true local experience—because around here, we like to do things our own way, one hot, spicy cup at a time.
