With 8 a.m. classes, daily sports practices and a variety of student jobs, many Elizabethtown College students consume caffeine as part of their daily fuel. With coffee especially, pumpkin spice lattes have been a huge hit; however, another seasonal drink will soon make an appearance: the peppermint mocha. The question is: which seasonal drink is better? 

Starbucks’ signature pumpkin spice lattes are an autumnal classic. Available every August through the winter season, this drink is the perfect start to a crisp, cozy fall. With whipped cream, pumpkin purée and seasonal spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, pumpkin spice lattes encapture the comfort of autumn in their sweet, vibrant flavor.  

In addition to their flavor, pumpkin spice lattes encapsulate the smell of fall perfectly. “I don’t drink coffee, but I love the smell of pumpkin spice,” first-year Jillian Spiller said. “The scent smells sweet and cinnamon-like. It makes a perfect scent for this time of year.” 

On the other hand, peppermint mochas offer their own special charm. Made of a delicious blend of espresso, peppermint syrup, whipped cream and dark chocolate curls, peppermint mochas are as festive as it gets. As it becomes colder outside, this drink is the perfect companion for those looking to be warm and cozy.  

“I think it’s more of a universal flavor,” first-year Lindy Stoner said. “Who doesn’t like chocolate and peppermint?” 

While pumpkin spice is delicious to some, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Some students prefer peppermint mochas. However, peppermint mochas have their downsides. Some may find them too sweet, while others find they don’t have enough flavor.  

Both sides present a valid argument–in my opinion, both pumpkin spice lattes and peppermint mochas are wonderful Starbucks drinks. At the end of the day, though, only one drink can triumph over the other. After careful evaluation, I was able to choose a favorite. 

Personally, I found it difficult to decide between these drinks because I love pumpkin spice and peppermint mocha. I enjoy both around the holidays, pumpkin spice for its vibrant flavor and peppermint mocha for its hot chocolate-like essence. However, if I had to pick a favorite, I would choose pumpkin spice lattes. Fall is my favorite season, and pumpkin spice lattes are autumnal in nature. I also find peppermint mochas to be too sweet sometimes; although I would choose a peppermint mocha over a pumpkin spice latte on a cold, snowy winter day.