This year, we’re spotting a few enterprising brands who have unabashedly embraced the PSL vibe
Every autumn, without doubt, there will be talk of warm sweaters, hotpot and, for some, the return of pumpkin spice lattes. The seasonal treat of a hot, spiced pumpkin flavoured coffee topped with lashings of cream became a thing in the early noughties, catapulted into the mainstream thanks to Starbucks—while they were not the first to create the combination of pumpkin spice and coffee, there’s no doubt that it has become one of their most marketable signature drinks. Fun facts: the ubiquitous coffee chain has sold more than 424 million PSLs in the US since its launch in 2003, and real pumpkin wasn’t introduced into the recipe until as recently as 2015.
While PSL may not be sung about as loudly in Asia, there is certainly a contingent of fans who look forward to the occasion every year. Naturally, the last few years have seen plenty of creative takes on the recipe cropping up at cafes, bars and shops around Hong Kong, with many going beyond just lattes. Check out the list below for the blink-and-you’ll-miss-them seasonal PSL specials.
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1. Winston’s Coffee: Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini
Widely known for their coffee and espresso martinis, Winston’s has bravely hopped on the pumpkin spice trail with their autumnal offering. The Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini is a mix of house-spiced rum with Mr Black coffee liqueur, Allpress coffee, and a splash of Baileys. The cocktail is only available until November 30, so the team encourage you to "embrace your inner 'basic'" and enjoy. Winston's will also be launching a new gingerbread martini for the Christmas holidays.
Winston's, Shop 4, 213 Queen's Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Winston's, Shop 8, The Hudson, 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
