Seattle Maison

Fall 2017

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THE SUREST SIGN that fall has arrived is the sudden nationwide exuberance over the return of the pumpkin spic latte. The espresso-based drink was created by Starbucks but is now available at almost every major coffee chain, plus gas stations and fast food restaurants and even in pods for home coffeemakers. During the high season fans post nearly 300 tweets a day about their love for the so called "PSL"—and their despair when the drink disappears. Here's how it all went down... 2003 The pumpkin spice latte is born... in a lab. Starbucks developed it by tasting espresso with pumpkin pies. 2004 Starbucks debuts the drink in September. The company isn't sure pumpkin will be as popular as other fall flavors, but it's an instant hit. 2005 Good reports the first spike in searches for "pumpkin spice latte." By 2010, searches are up 200 percent. 2006 Pod People need PSLs, too: Green Mountain Coffee debuts Pumpkin Spice K-Cups for home brewers. 2007 Dunkin' Donuts gets into the game by lauding its own version, along with fellow chains Panera Bread, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Cos. 2009 The first #PSL tweets pop up on Twitter and consumers start referring to the drink by its acronym. 2012 PSL panic! Some Starbucks stores run out of the special sauce used to make PSLs. According to the Wall Street Journal, baristas go hunting for stashes at other stores. 2013 McDonald's debuts a pumpkin spice latte. 2013 On The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon writes a "Thank-You Note" to the PSL. Then Saturday Night Live features the PSL skit. 2014 Dunkin' Donuts introduces an even sweeter Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Latte. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PSL DIY PSL Combine 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar, 2 1/2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon vanilla, a heaping 1/4 teaspoon each of cinnamon and ginger, and 1/4 tea- spoon nutmeg in a small saucepan. Whisk in 2 1/4 cups milk and 1/4 cup espresso (or strong brewed coffee) and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Pour into 2 mugs and top with whipped cream and more nutmeg if desired.

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