There's no denying that the Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte has become an autumnal fixture in the last few years. It almost seems as if the release date for the PSL is more of an official starting date for fall than the fall equinox.
Of course, the pumpkin spice craze has spanned farther than Starbucks to-go cups.
Enter almost any supermarket and you can find products ranging from protein powders to tampons that have jumped on the PSL train. We wish we were kidding.
In our humble opinions, pumpkin spice (aka cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg) belongs in food and beverages. The scent of a baking pumpkin pie wafting through the streets of the city as the leaves change and inevitably fall...that's what the PSL craze should be about.
If you're looking to eat and drink as much pumpkin spice before the winter hits, we've got the goods for you.
1. Art Bar (52 8th Avenue)
thebiancalopez #ArtBar #Pumpkin #Martinis Tis the season. #Mixology #Cocktails #nyc dive #bar hidden gems.
If you've ever wanted an alcoholic version of the PSL, you have to hit up Art Bar to try their "Pumpkin Pie Martini". We think it would be Karen Walker's go to day drink if they PSL craze happened in the Will & Grace days.
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Pumpkin spice liqueur, coffee liqueur, Buttershots, and half & half. That's what it takes to make an adult pumpkin spice latte.
2. Sweet Revenge (62 Carmine Street)
lablogueuse_ Loved the name😏. #nyc #cntraveler #travel_captures #streetview #igtravel #travels #vscocam #instatravel #TLPicks
We've talked about Sweet Revenge before. Booze and baked goods. We're kind of big fans. Especially when it comes to their "Pumpkin Spice Cake."
What's not to love about pumpkin cake topped with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting? If you're looking to fatten up before a winter hibernation, this would be our first stop.
Still lookin' to booze? Follow up with a "Spiked Spice Cider."
3. Lady M Confections (41 East 78th Street)
arieloriel116 This place is quite sophisticated and posh with minimal design. The shop is tiny with a narrow aisle between the cake displays and the row of tables/chairs. It is better to order takeaway instead of dining in. Btw, I don't like the name of the shop as it contains the letter I hate the most LOL #ladym #travel #traveller #foodie #decor #cake #newyork #nyc
Want to know what happens when a pumpkin pie and cheesecake get together to have a baby? We'd imagine it would be something along the lines of Lady M's "Pumpkin Nuage."
This decadent pie/cheesecake hybrid is fall encapsulated in a dessert. Its whipped cream cheese, pumpkin puree, and cinnamon invokes thoughts of sweater weather, football, and hayrides. Or in our opinion, the best parts of fall.
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Be warned, however, that this smooth indulgence comes at a price. So we recommend bringing it to your mother-in-law's for dinner to receive instant brownie points...unless she's allergic to pumpkin. That'll just get you in boatloads of trouble.
4. Brooklyn Brewery (79 North 11th Street - Brooklyn)
brooklynbrewery We're happy to say that our recipe has always included real pumpkin - more than a hundred pounds in each batch. #psl
Fall is a time for beer and football. If you want to take it up a notch, stock up on Brooklyn Brewery's "Post Road Pumpkin Ale."
We're all for seasonal beers, especially this fall-flavored ale. We plan on picking up some to enjoy (responsibly, of course) while we're carving our jack-o-lanterns this year. We'd recommend you do the same.
,5. Duck's Eatery (351 East 12th Street)
One of the best thing about being a kid was getting to eat Belgian waffles without the inevitable guilt that follows. Sometimes, they just aren't as healthy as the egg white omelet. But just hear us out.
The "Pumpkin Waffle" from Duck's Eatery has heaps of healthy aspects. It has pumpkin (vegetable); pecan (nuts); whipped cream (dairy); and has the option of adding buttermilk fried duck (protein). See? Healthy.
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When you're eating this healthy you surely don't have to feel guilty about adding on loads of praline syrup. Its a win win.
6. Dumpling Man (100 Saint Marks Place)
"Pumpkin dumplings" sounds so wrong they're right. While many places create almost inedible foods in the attempts to capitalize on the pumpkin spice craze, the Dumpling Man has definitely done it right.
These sweet dumplings are filled with pumpkin pie filling, goji berries, and honey. They're topped with condensed milk and cinnamon.
Its the quintessential fall asian food.
7. Blythe Ann's (516 East 6th Street)
We're pretty stoked about some "Pumpkin Ice Cream." We're pretty jazzed up with the option of pumpkin flavored soft serve. But when you add in the fact that this amazing frosty treat is vegan? We're highly intrigued.
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For all of you vegans, we're sure that you haven't been able to enjoy the blessed PSL from Starbz. We feel your pain.
So this listing is for you. Head on over to Blythe Ann's and get yourself some "Pumpkin Ice Cream."
Check out 6 Best Day Trips for Apple Picking Just Outside of NYC This Fall.
[Feature Image Courtesy: Instagram]