Skip the Starbucks PSL Run and Try These Local Alternatives

Each year, the release of Starbucks’ signature fall drink, the pumpkin spice latte, seems to come earlier and earlier. This year, it was August 24 — almost a month ahead of the actual beginning of autumn.

But no matter when it comes out, the beverage’s appeal is undeniable — especially locally. Google Trends data compiled by BonusFinder reveals that among all U.S. states, Colorado is the most PSL-obsessed, with “pumpkin spice latte” receiving a Google Trends score of 100 out of 100. Alaska, Arizona and Starbucks' home state of Washington followed Colorado’s ranking, which was determined by average monthly search volumes between August 2022 and August 2023.

But Starbucks isn't the only place making seasonal drinks that are perfect for pairing with cool days and crisp air. If you'd rather keep it local, sip your way through this list of coffee shops in Denver that offer their own alternatives to the PSL and other fall flavors:

The Bardo Coffee House
238 South Broadway
303-629-8331
6150 West 38th Avenue, Wheat Ridge
720-485-3508
bardocoffee.com
All natural and crafted in-house, the pumpkin spice latte at the Bardo Coffee House can be sweetened to your liking — and unlike Starbucks’ version, it can be made vegan. In addition to this seasonal classic, this late-night coffee shop is serving the “Sam,” a former barista’s signature blend of local peppermint tea, Colorado honey, oat milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Either drink will pair well with Bardo's selection of autumn-inspired pastries.
Doppio Coffee
1245 East Colfax Avenue
303-537-7794 doppiodenver.com
Doppio is serving several seasonal lattes with flavors such as s’mores, English toffee, brown sugar maple and pumpkin pie. Warm up with these beverages, or opt for iced creations like the Woodland, a frothy nitro cold brew capped with flavorful pumpkin cream. The whipped topping can also be added to its iced chai, which features spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Huckleberry Roasters
Multiple locations
huckleberryroasters.com
All four Huckleberry Roasters cafes, including the recently opened Tennyson and Baker locations, are serving its popular sweet potato spiced latte, or SPSL. Made in-house, this tasty twist on the traditional PSL features warm spices and real sweet potatoes — a staple in many autumn dishes, but one that's seldom seen in coffee shops.

Jubilee Roasting Co.
1452 Kenton Street, Aurora
1075 Park Avenue West
jubileeroastingco.com
Celebrated as one of the best coffee shops in metro Denver, Jubilee Roasting Co. makes all of its syrups from scratch and aims to innovate. Sip on options like the Tree's Knees, a brown sugar maple latte infused with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, clove and nutmeg; or the Spiced Hojicha, a matcha-based version of the beverage with spices complementing the roasted tea’s caramel profile. Additionally, there is an autumn-inspired espresso tonic on the menu, as will the Pumpkin Whoop: nitro cold brew topped with pumpkin oat milk foam.

MOB Coffee
3937 Tennyson Street
instagram.com/mobcoffeedenver
A recent addition to Tennyson Street, MOB Coffee's fall offerings include its pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin chai latte and pumpkin cream cold brew. All feature housemade syrup made with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and — unlike the version at Starbucks — real pumpkin purée. The cafe is also serving a maple orange mocha and maple orange latte using Vermont maple syrup and fresh citrus. A cinnamon apple cider further pays homage to co-owner André Brown’s Northeastern roots, where he grew up next to apple orchards and his grandfather tapped maple trees.
Pinwheel Coffee
3659 Navajo Street
720-733-0823
pinwheelcoffee.com
Pinwheel Coffee's autumn selections include iced specialties like a chai-spiced pumpkin cold brew and iced ginger-spiced apple cider. Add a frothy texture to these and other beverages with its pumpkin, pistachio or brown sugar cold foam. Fall-inspired lattes, including pumpkin, brown sugar oat milk, pumpkin chai and pistachio matcha, can also be made iced or served hot.

Weathervane Cafe
1725 East 17th Avenue
303-355-5863
weathervanecafe.com
Weathervane Cafe also elevates the PSL, offering a version made with real pumpkin, brown sugar, lemon, orange and a variety of spices, including ginger, nutmeg and a heavy dose of cardamom; it also contains a shot of espresso and your choice of milk.