The fall season is here. The weather outside is starting to get crisp and cool. Coffee shops are starting to sell their seasonal drink options! For some, coffee is the perfect way to start the day. Do you have a specific coffee shop? Do you have a go-to drink? Or since it is that time of year, do you have a go-to seasonal drink?

“If I had to vote Dunkin’ or Starbucks in general, I’m voting Dunkin’. However, when it comes to my favorite seasonal drink, I would say it’s a Gingerbread Almond Milk Latte from Starbucks. I like the drink because it reminds me of the holiday season and I love that time of year! I love Dunkin cold brew! It is my favorite any other time of the year though so that’s why I would chose Dunkin over Starbucks,” said P.E. and field hockey coach, Coach Norman.

Starbucks and Dunkin’ have so many options of their classical drinks but now that they are entering the crisper seasons, they have even more! It seems impossible to choose. There are so many options! Some people will only drink from Starbucks while others will only drink Dunkin’, but then there are some who like both. Also, some who don’t have a preference.

“I am a dedicated Starbucks consumer and drink it everyday of my life. I don’t go out of my way to purchase seasonal drinks but I do like it occasionally when someone brings me a spiced latte during the fall. My go to is Sumantra, House Blend or Anniversary blend.  I like the rich flavor the dark roasts provide.  Coffee gets me going and I don’t see how I could start the day without it. The spiced lattes are just a seasonal flavor that we all associate with cooler weather.  It just seems right to be drinking one on the way to a Saturday morning athletic event when the weather is crisp outside,” said head principal Mr. Cox.

Is there a specific preference most people have? Is it just easier to make your own coffee? Or do some just not drink coffee? There are so many different flavors and brands of coffee; it is really just impossible to choose! There are also lots of deserts at Dunkin’ Donuts (hence the name, Donuts) and there is a good variety at Starbucks as well. Does that impact which place people prefer?

“Starbucks has my go-to seasonal drink. I do not buy coffee at coffee shops normally but when winter hits and that Toasted White Mocha or Chestnut Praline flavor becomes available, it is hard to resist. Those flavors are not easy to replicate at home and I love white chocolate desserts normally so that drink I knew would be a hit for me. I also like anything toasted and nut related; it makes it taste like toffee. I rarely go to Dunkin’ Donuts unless it is to get some munchkins.  I enjoy going to Starbucks because I like the atmosphere. It smells nice, has decent music playing, and I am also slightly obsessed with mugs and to-go cups so I like to browse,” said Mrs. Lombardi.

Is it possible that these choices are because of the flavor of the drink itself? Say someone gets a regular coffee with three creamers and three sugars from both places. Will one taste different than the other?

“I like Starbucks more than Dunkin’ Donuts because I think DD’s drinks are much too sweet.  I like the taste of coffee, so when the flavors get too sweet like at DD, you can’t taste the coffee.  My favorite seasonal Starbucks drink is the hot Caramel Brulee Latte that appears around winter break.  The taste and smell just remind me so much of winter and the holidays and I look forward to it every year.  My favorite non-seasonal coffee is a hot Vanilla Latte, and I use Starbucks Breakfast Blend grounds in my coffee pot.  There’s just something about that jolt of coffee in the morning that makes me feel ready to tackle anything the day may throw at me,” said Ms. Ayash.

Some think that coffee should only be for adults. That could be some adults’ opinions but on the other hand, sometimes a student may need an extra little push at the beginning of his or her day. In the summer time, it is nice to have a cool drink on hand but now that it is the fall season, and winter in two months, seasonal drinks and warm drinks really hit the spot. Some drinks are just better cold though like the Iced Carmel Macchiato from Starbucks or the Peppermint Mocha.

“Personally, I prefer Starbucks because Starbucks just has a stronger brew of coffee and is not as watered down as Dunkin’.  My favorite drink from there is an Iced Carmel Macchiato with three extra shots. It is a strong brew of coffee plus the espresso definitely wakes you up.  My favorite seasonal drink is the Peppermint Mocha. It is a great drink to have while it is cold outside and gets you ready for Christmas,” said junior Lily Martin.

The fact that there are so many options may overwhelm some people. How can they choose if it all looks so good? It sounds like Starbucks is a little better than Dunkin’ according to a few people here at LHS. Do you think one is better than the other?