Starbucks released the Maple Pecan Latte on the first day of fall, September 22. This flavor is another option for those who don’t like their Pumpkin Spice Latte #PSL, released on September 5. The Maple Pecan is the first fall drink to accompany the Pumpkin Spice latte on their holiday flavors menu.

The latte is made from Starbucks signature espresso and maple pecan sauce, combining flavors of maple syrup, pecans and brown butter. Served iced or hot, the latte is topped with whipped cream and orange and white sugar crystals.

Last year, Starbucks released more drinks on their winter holiday menu to go along with the Peppermint Mocha latte, such as the Caramel Brulée latte, Chestnut Praline latte and Gingerbread latte. 

I am not a pumpkin spice person and while I’m sure Starbucks does it really well, I just can’t get past the pumpkin part of the latte. I am stuck waiting for the winter holiday specialties.

When I was told about the new flavor, I knew that I had to try it. Friday morning I was in line and ordered a grande iced Maple Pecan latte (because it’s 90 degrees in September). I took my first sip, awaiting nutty sweetness, but it was a dud. My family is from Arkansas; pecan is in our blood. The latte had very little pecan flavor. The maple syrup flavor was hard to distinguish. The most I got was the espresso with some added sweetener flavor.

Guess I’m back to waiting for the winter holiday drinks. Give the new Maple Pecan Latte a try for yourself and let us know what you think @NIUNorthernStar.