October is here and so is ever-so-slightly colder weather. Ring in PSL-sweater-football season with some fall drink highlights to check out between pumpkin carving and costume plotting. The list, though not exhaustive, includes coffee, alcohol, coffee with alcohol, and yes, a pumpkin spice margarita.
CocoAndré Chocolatier and Horchateria
The Bishop Arts favorite for special chocolate treats recently spun off a horchateria inside its shop. Now, alongside chocolate witches and pumpkins and Día de los Muertos sugar skulls, find rich horchata drinks in flavors like pumpkin pie and matcha.
CRUDE
The mother-son duo behind CRUDE craft coffee bar in Fort Worth have rolled out their specialty fall drinks and we are not disappointed. Corey and Teresa Bloodworth opened the small spot on South Main in 2018 with Corey at the coffee helm and Teresa manning a rotating menu of freshly baked desserts. If the moody, cigar-lounge-esque atmosphere doesn’t get you in the mood to wear a turtle neck, their PSL (that’s pear spiced latte) will. Other autumnal latte options include a sweet potato latte and ginger spiced latte, all concocted with house-made syrups. Though it’s not seasonal, honorable mention goes to the Crude and Stormy, a masterpiece made with cold brew concentrate, fire water bitters, lime juice, house made syrup and ginger beer. Think: if a cold brew and a Moscow mule had a baby.
Roots Coffeehouse
Roots’ version of a pumpkin spiced latte involves cookie butter. Though we’ve seen enough spins on the PSL to last five lifetimes, how can we not get behind cookie butter blended into a latte? Roots has two locations, one in North Richland Hills and the other in Fort Worth. Both are serving up three fall specialty drinks. The aforementioned Smashing Pumpkins latte blends cookie butter with house-made pumpkin sauce and cinnamon, while the Citrus and Spice latte offers a lighter autumnal palette of orange and cardamom. For a non-espresso option, check out the Golden Apple Creme, a blended drink with apple cider, chai, spices, and a sprinkle of Golden Grahams.
Taco Cabana
In hopes of not being left behind in the coming spooky season, Taco Cabana has rolled out three new seasonal margaritas: blood orange, sour gummy, and…pumpkin spice. Nothing is sacred. You might catch us sipping a blood orange margarita alongside chicken soft tacos, but we’re not sure if we’re tempted by either candy- or gourd-themed margs, even if they’re seasonally appropriate. Somehow, PSM just doesn’t have the same ring to it.
Biscuit Bar at the Boardwalk
In the spirit of all things fall, the Boardwalk at Granite Park is launching a Farmer’s Market for fresh produce and homemade goods. After a crisp morning of walking and shopping, stop by the Boardwalk’s Biscuit Bar location for their autumnal cocktails. The new additions include the Tipsy Jack-O-Latte, which is—you guessed it—a boozy, frozen PSL, and an Apple Cider Mimosa. Would pairing either drink with the pumpkin pie French toast biscuit be over the top? Probably, but we recommend it anyway.
Foxtrot Market
Foxtrot, your favorite upscale convenience store, is now offering their twist on the crowd-pleasing PSL. Their spin is all in the toppings: cookie butter whipped cream, pumpkin pie sauce, and graham cracker garnish. In other words, pumpkin pie in a cup. Sip on the spiced deliciousness while you peruse curated wines and vegan munchies.
Ebb & Flow
Ebb & Flow is one of Deep Ellum’s more understated gems, with a spot on Commerce street that’s perfect for brunch or a quiet evening cocktail. Their Golden Haze seasonal cocktail combines mezcal, Aperol, mango, ginger, citrus, and Peticolas IPA. We haven’t had it yet, but hard to imagine it’s not a smoky-tangy explosion. Have it on their patio or pair it with brunch seated at one of their enormous creamsicle-colored banquettes inside.
Armoury D.E.
Occupying the space that was formerly an 1895 meat packing company, Armoury D.E. sits at the intersection of great cocktails, Hungarian late-night bites, and music. The interior is dim and romantic, while the outdoor patio is the perfect spot to sip any of Armoury’s warming cocktails. Ashes in the Fall is a whiskey-based drink that features lingonberries, lemon, juniper syrup, charcoal, and egg white. With a cocktail list that ranges from takes on pisco sours to gin and matcha pairing, this Deep Ellum spot is the perfect ending to any autumn evening
Houndstooth Coffee
Austin-based Houndstooth coffee has concocted a seasonal coffee drink to meet your colder-weather needs. They call it the Grackleberry Cappucino, but there are no berries involved. Instead, they present you a spicy cappuccino forged with baking spices and cayenne—a frothy offering to the autumn gods. If the Grackleberry alone doesn’t meet your caffeine needs, you can also stock up on Houndstooth’s half gallons of ready-made iced latte. Seems dangerous but we’re here for it.
Hurdy Gurdy
This “parlor” in the Dallas Farmer’s Market has the homey, welcoming vibes you crave on lock. Overstuffed leather chairs, plush rugs, and coffee-whiskey drinks—need we say more? After perusing the Farmer’s Market, pop in for Hurdy Gurdy’s seasonal drink, the Pecan’s Cup: a thick, frothy blend of cold brew, pecan cardamom syrup, and rye whisky. Technically, the whiskey is optional—but is it really? If you happen by for brunch, pair with their new pumpkin spice French toast.
Native Coffee Company
This craft coffee shop has rolled out a rather impressive roster of fall concoctions, including a drink with a cinnamon-sugar crumble rim. Their latte options consist of a spiced orange latte topped with orange crumble, or a smoked maple walnut latte dusted with cinnamon. If the weather is warm enough to warrant a cold drink (which it will probably will be), the Denali is a caramel cold brew heaped with chilled cream and spices. Last but not least, the Hudson is a toasted apple flat white served in a glass rimmed with cinnamon-sugar crumble like a dreamy autumn mocktail.
