This Starbucks Drink Deserves Our Attention

What is it about fall that has us all so obsessed with pumpkin spice lattes? Sure, the PSL is a delicious way to add a little spice to fall’s festivities, but if you ask me, there’s another seasonal beverage that’s even better when it comes to warming our hearts with its cozy goodness: I’m obviously talking about the wondrously mind-blowing creation known as the salted caramel mocha, a.k.a. the most underrated drink on the Starbucks menu.

Yes, contrary to popular belief, the pumpkin spice latte isn’t the end-all be-all of fall beverages. Not even close. In fact, there are plenty of Starbucks drinks that don’t get nearly enough love this time of year. The peppermint mocha, for instance, is a year-round menu option that gets completely overlooked in autumn, when our PSL addictions start to spiral. But while the peppermint mocha will get its due soon enough (red cup season is right around the corner), its poor, salted caramel counterpart too often remains overlooked.

I'm here to turn that around. Because even though the salted caramel mocha doesn’t have any seasonal-specific flavor to it like pumpkin or peppermint, it is still by far one of the most amazing drinks Starbucks has to offer, and it deserves our undivided attention. So listen up, everybody, because the salted caramel mocha is about to get its moment in the spotlight, and if you aren’t a salty drink convert yet, you will be. Here are 10 reasons why the salted caramel mocha is the most underrated drink on the Starbucks menu — and why it’s worthy of your affection.

1. IT SEEMS LIKE A SEASONAL DELICACY...

Things always taste better when you think they're only going to be around for a limited time...

2. BUT YOU CAN GET IT YEAR ROUND

Which means you can cherish this baby ALL. THE. TIME. Although Starbucks's supply of sea salt tends to run out after the holiday season, feel free to order a caramel mocha and add a dash of salt yourself. The recipe for the seasonal version is slightly different, but this modification will get you your sweet and salty fix any time of year.

3. BECAUSE SALT MAKES SWEET THINGS INFINITELY BETTER

Salted chocolate is pretty much one of the most amazing desserts in the world, and the salted caramel mocha is basically the caffeinated drink form of that dessert.

4. ITS INGREDIENTS AREN'T MISLEADING

Coffee, salt, caramel, chocolate. The salted caramel mocha doesn't have any questionable mystery ingredients like the notorious PSL.

5. IT HAS LESS HYPE, SO IT'S INSTANTLY COOLER

Because as much as we deny it, doesn't it always make you feel a little cooler when you order something less "mainstream?"

6. IT TASTES LIKE A CANDY BAR

Caramel and chocolate is one of the most classic candy combinations. With the salted caramel mocha, you're basically drinking a salty Twix bar. Amazing.

7. YOU CAN EASILY DIY IT

You don't have to get your hands on some canned pumpkin or PSL syrup to make this autumn drink. Just pour in some caramel, chocolate syrup, and add a dash of salt.

8. IT'S A COMBINATION OF TWO OF THE BEST DRINKS

Why get a caramel latte or a mocha when you can combine the two into one super awesome drink?

9. IT SOUNDS SUPER GOURMET

Just say it out loud: "salted caramel mocha." Doesn't it sound elegant? You won't have to blush in embarrassment like you do when you order one of those special occasion Frappuccinos.

10. IT'S NOT A PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

Let's face the facts — as delicious as the PSL may be, it's always going to feel a little basic. The salted caramel mocha may be living in the shadow of its fellow fall drink, but it will always have a superior place in our hearts.

Image: travelstar/Flickr, Giphy (10)