The long-awaited PSL season kicked off a little early this year, and we couldn’t have been more excited. Ever since, plenty of brands have been incorporating the spiciest flavor of fall in all kinds of seasonal goodies. But the most underrated autumn specialty by far is the gooey, tart taste of caramel apple.
Starbucks lovers have officially cracked the code for fall’s best beverage. The Caramel Apple Pumpkin Spice is the ultimate seasonal sipper, and your autumn won’t be complete without one. Here’s how to order yours!
What’s in a Caramel Apple Pumpkin Spice?
To get your hands on this secret menu item, you’ll need to know what you’re ordering. The Caramel Apple Spice is actually a regular on the menu—it’s even listed on the Starbucks website. Believe it or not, you can get the Caramel Apple Spice at any point in the year, since Starbucks has all the ingredients on an average day. It’s made up of spicy-sweet cinnamon syrup and steamed apple juice, all topped off with a healthy dose of whipped cream drizzled in caramel. Most baristas add a final dusting of cinnamon sugar, too. By itself, the Caramel Apple Spice is a universally beloved treat, but you can always amp up the flavor by adding a little bit of pumpkin.
Most baristas won’t know what a Caramel Apple Pumpkin Spice is, since they aren’t trained on secret menu drinks. You’ll want to include the ingredients in your order. Just ask for a Caramel Apple Spice with a couple pumps of pumpkin, more or less depending on how strong your sweet tooth is. Now, the Caramel Apple Pumpkin Spice is seasonal, because Starbucks only has pumpkin syrup for one season per year.
It’s Budget-Friendly, Too!
Since the Caramel Apple Spice doesn’t include steamed milk or espresso, it’s one of the cheaper items on the menu. You can usually snag one for around $3 depending on the size, and it’ll be the best $3 you’ll ever spend. Adding pumpkin does cost an upcharge, though it’s only around 60 cents on average. The Caramel Apple Pumpkin Spice is all the fall flavors you love in one cup, so make sure to stop by the ‘Bucks and grab yours, ASAP.
And if you’re looking for a little more cozy pumpkin in your life, give these secret menu fall Starbucks drinks a try.
Make Your Own Fall-Inspired Starbucks Recipes at Home
Pumpkin Spice LatteEach sip of this spiced-just-right beverage from our very own baristas tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Bacon & Swiss Chicken SandwichesI created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake BarsEnjoy this holiday dessert without worrying about calories. Plus it is so luscious that no one will guess that it is light! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
Cheesecake Pumpkin MuffinsMy mother-in-law came up with these tender treats by combining a few of her favorite muffin recipes. Chock-full of pumpkin, they feature both a sweet cream cheese filling and crunchy praline topping. —Lisa Powelson, Scott City, Kansas
Rotisserie Chicken PaniniThis ooey-gooey, melty delight is packed with bacon, chicken, cheese and just enough lemon to tickle your taste buds. Other chicken panini recipes don't compare!—Terri McCarty, Oro Grande, California
Moist Pumpkin SconesAfter trying a pumpkin scone at a coffee house, I was inspired to look for a recipe to try at home. The glaze nicely complements the pumpkin flavor.
Caramelized Apple Hand PiesCaramelized apples are tucked into these apple hand pies that no one expects you to share! — Edwina Gadsby, Hayden, Idaho
Inspired by: Starbucks Egg BitesYou can substitute Gruyere cheese for the Swiss and ham for the bacon, or add in small-cut veggies to these copycat Starbucks egg bites. I also like to bake these in small Mason jars for fun single-portion presentations. Serve with avocado slices and fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast. —Maria Morelli, West Kelowna, British Columbia
Creamy Caramel MochaYou can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Halloween Sugar CookiesI've been making these Halloween sugar cookies for about 40 years—first for my children and now my grandchildren and all their friends, too. I make about 20 trays a year to give away to trick-or-treaters. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Dutch Apple CakeMy husband and I came to Canada from Holland more than 40 years ago. This traditional Dutch recipe is a family favorite and has frequently gone along with me to potluck suppers and other get-togethers. —Elizabeth Peters, Martintown, Ontario
Spiced Pumpkin Coffee ShakesThe winter holidays are my favorite time of year, and this spiced pumpkin drink is one reason I love the season so much. If you don't have a coffee maker, it's OK to use instant coffee—just make it stronger. —Kathie Perez, East Peoria, Illinois
Updated: Oct. 13, 2020
