Pumpkin Spice Lattes Return To Missoula

Get ready to get basic! The wait for the fall-favorite dessert coffee in Missoula is almost over...or did it ever leave?

We confirmed with several coffee shops in Missoula about their offerings for pumpkin spice lattes, and it may surprise some to learn that the drink is offered year-round in most places. However, what's in the drink has the competition stirring.

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There are two popular methods for making PSL at coffee stands, and they both come with pros and cons, not just for the business but for the customer:

The syrup is on the left. It's easy to manufacture and distribute because once you look beyond the label and taste, it's really nothing more than sugar and water with flavoring (simple syrup). It has a long shelf life which makes it easier for coffee stands to stock it year-round.

The puree sauce on the right made by Torani is twice as expensive as a simple syrup, $0.50/oz to be exact. Why the price hike? It's a puree of actual pumpkins blended with natural ingredients - spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg for that blissful autumn taste. However, it's also harder to keep in stock as PSL-mania overtakes us; many customers favor the consistency and taste of puree.

When it comes to taste, opinions vary (duh!) The end product depends on the roast of the coffee beans and use of other ingredients like whipped cream and cinnamon sticks. We're not saying one or the other is better, we're just saying they're different.

Lighthouse Espresso

We confirmed with management that pumpkin spice lattees are offered year-round with a pumpkin spice syrup. They have no plans to offer a puree. The price for a 12oz PSL: $3.75

City Brew Coffee

Their syrup-based PSL can be ordered anytime of the year. A 12oz (short) PSL costs $4.95

Florence Coffee Co

The most popular coffee stands in Western Montana stock a pumpkin spice syrup all year long, and their owner Rachel Tamblyn reached out to us with this statement:

Our Pumpkin Spiced Flavoring is made special for us out of Bend, OR.  It's all natural and no preservatives or food coloring are added.  It's made with pure sugar cane and has over 7 different real aromatic spices in it.  We carry it year round!

Starting in September we offer Real Pumpkin Lattes, Chais and Smoothies.  This is made with Real Pumpkin Puree and our Spicy Chai Mix (made by the same flavor guru with all the same spices).  We serve this until Thanksgiving or while supplies last.  It literally is a Slice of Pumpkin Pie in a drink!