When we think of the quintessential fall beverage, we usually think of the Pumpkin Spice Latte — and when we think of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, we usually think of Starbucks. But the ‘Bux isn’t the only place around to grab a cup of delightfully spiced deliciousness, so if you’ve been wondering when you can get a McDonald's Pumpkin Spice Latte, good news: The answer is soon. Probably sooner than anywhere else, actually.
The McCafe Pumpkin Spice Latte is something of a rarity; it first appeared in 2013, but hasn’t graced the House of the Golden Arches’ menu again since. Until, of course, now — because the date for the hallowed cup of fall-flavored wonder is Aug. 31. Given that today is Aug. 11, that’s just a little less than three weeks away. It’s so close, you guys.
Is August a little early to be breaking out the autumnal specialties? Maybe; although Starbucks — the inventor of the PSL — hasn’t announced a release date for its cinnamon-spiced fan favorite, the coffee giant typically waits until after Labor Day to unleash it upon the world. (In 2015, the Starbucks PSL was released on Sept. 8, and in 2014, the date was Sept. 2; Labor Day during those years, meanwhile, occurred on Sept. 7 and Sept. 1, respectively.) It’s sort of become an unofficial “rule,” not unlike the idea of when we’re allowed to wear white: Don’t wear white after Labor Day; do release the Pumpkin Spice Latte after Labor Day.
Then again, some rules were meant to be broken (seriously, wear white whenever you want, regardless as to when Labor Day is) — and indeed, Starbucks also has a history of creating fun little early access programs that bestow upon us the PSL a week or so prior to its official date, as long as you’re willing to work a little bit for it. In that regard, McDonald’s McCafe Pumpkin Spice Latte is right on schedule: Labor Day 2016 is on Sept. 5, so an Aug. 31 release date falls directly within that week leading up to the holiday. Well played, McD’s. Well played, indeed.
Made with hints of pumpkin and cinnamon flavors, the McCafe Pumpkin Spice Latte brews up espresso and combines it with steamed milk (your options are whole milk or nonfat where available); it will be available as a hot beverage option in more than 14,000 McDonald’s locations nationwide and as an iced option at select restaurants. And honestly, I can’t wait to snuggle up in a giant, oversized sweater while sipping one of these suckers. Even if it’s still a zillion degrees out. I am ready for you, Fall.
Images: McDonald's; Giphy
