Starbucks’ well-known Pumpkin Spice Latte (nicknamed PSL by social media) made its annual comeback in August, with this particular return being its 20th year anniversary.

 In 2003, this seasonal drink was established as a test to see what beverages Starbucks would include in their autumn drink lineup. Held in a survey with other popular drink flavors, such as chocolate and caramel, customers noted that pumpkin spice was different from the other flavors in that it was unique and not at all what you would expect during fall at the time. The team behind the PSL tested the drink with 100 stores in Washington, D.C. and Vancouver, Canada, with all stores receiving positive reviews on the drink. The following fall, the Pumpkin Spice Latte eventually made its way to the US market, selling over 200 million units from 2003 to 2015. 

 The drink is still loved by many today, like Robert Weatherly, math teacher at Riordan, who remarks that, “The pumpkin spice latte tastes like Bolt’s victory, because it’s orange.” The Starbucks pumpkin spice latte has made the pumpkin a staple in autumn festivities, featuring in soaps, candles, candy, and even meat!