It’s the golden window between Halloween and December when no one can agree on whether it’s time to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas yet, and it’s officially one of my favorite stretches of autumn. And as the biggest fan of October to November 60 degree Fahrenheit weather on the planet, I can definitively say I am the authority on what drinks are the best to enjoy it with. Non-exhaustive list to follow; disagreement welcome except on matters of No. 5.
1. Hot apple cider
It’s like a warm hug. It’s like tucking yourself into a warm blanket in bed. It’s like lying in the leaves with your friends in between classes. It’s a lifestyle. I could curl up with a cup of piping hot cider anywhere, any time, and be satisfied. Plus, it’s incredibly hard to find BAD cider.
2. Chai latte
A classic any time of the year, hot or iced. I’ve moved into the time of year where I often need two coffees to get through the day, but on mornings when I feel a caffeine overload, I default to this as my pick me up of choice. I’ll also amend this to include chai in general — catch me brewing infinite cups of Bigelow vanilla chai in my room.
3. Other versions of apple cider
I hesitate to rank this as a separate entity, but cider cold and warm are very different drinks. Cold cider is crisp, refreshing, and delicious — and even better sparkling.
4. DeFer Fall Spice Latte
This is one of the DeFer seasonal drinks I’ve looked forward to seeing again since the fall of my first year. I thoroughly enjoy this drink, though I do mourn their lemon blueberry latte from that semester on the regular. It’s just a delightful blend of sweetness and gentle spices, and I think nutmeg should be included in EVERYTHING.
5. Pumpkin anything, especially Pumpkin Spice Lattes
I fear it just doesn’t hit. I know this is a shot to the heart for every person I personally know who has a countdown on their phone down to the minute Starbucks releases the PSL for the season (and you’d be surprised, there are multiple), but pumpkin shouldn’t go in a drink. I don’t even dislike pumpkin! Just leave it in loafs.