As the weather begins to drop, leaves gracefully fall off trees onto the fields and sidewalks of Boise. Passing by the orange and brown hues, the first few leaves of autumn act as a symbol. Pumpkin Spice, a fun fall tradition, cultivates a cozy vibe, perfect for this time of year.
I visited four different cafes local to Boise to find my favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte. To ensure fair evaluation, I ordered a 16-ounce hot Pumpkin Spice Latte made with whole milk and whipped cream at each shop. The metrics I used to judge these lattes are based on criteria that immediately jump out to a drinker: sweetness, creaminess, spice-level, espresso quality and price.
As a college student on a limited budget, finding an autumn staple that makes you feel like you just stepped out of “Gilmore Girls” sets the tone for the rest of the season.
4. Slick Rock – $5.63
Slick Rock’s PSL disappointed me. The lack of actual Pumpkin Spice flavor drew me out of the experience, even if the spice level initially made me optimistic. As I kept drinking, I wouldn’t have guessed Pumpkin Spice was what I ordered if I didn’t read “PSL” on the cup. The espresso shots didn’t taste burnt, but I felt like the overall quality could’ve been better, as there were sips of acidity during my tasting. This eclectic and millennial-decorated space lacked in its Pumpkin Spice department, sadly.
3. Hyde Perk – $5.50
I have conflicting feelings over this Pumpkin Spice latte, mainly due to the fact that the spice level was void. This super creamy and espresso-rich latte hits in all aspects except for the target — those adored cinnamon and nutmeg flavors. I appreciated the price and the polite barista made me root for Hyde Perk! They slightly missed the mark on the main assignment, but this cute study spot located in Hyde Park makes me hopeful for a better experience in the future.
2. Zero Six Coffee Fix $7.02
I would absolutely recommend Zero Six’s PSL. This perfectly sweet and spice-sprinkled latte was truly the best latte I could’ve asked for. However, the ridiculously high price turned me off! When the barista said that my total was $7.02, my wallet wept. This amazing drink might turn into a once-in-a-while treat, though I can’t imagine getting this on my way to the office for a pick-me-up. I definitely paid for quality at this cluttered and warmly-lit cafe.
1. Jitters by Jayne – $5.49
I had high hopes for Jitters by Jayne. As I’ve heard plenty of praise, I knew I had to check out their PSL. Their sweet and cinnamony syrup as well as their espresso-shot quality for $5.49 — gratifying! The barista even asked if I wanted a chocolate-covered espresso bean on top of my latte. I declined her offer for this trial, but it really showed the attention to detail and quality they invested into making my latte. I give this cafe an autumn-glowing review!
