The iconic, Seattle-born coffee company Starbucks has long been recognized as a primary catalyst in catapulting the pumpkin spice latte (or PSL, as it's affectionately known) into the global limelight. Although it would be brash to credit Starbucks as the originator of the autumn-inspired concoction - the delightful blend of coffee, infused with pumpkin, warm cinnamon, tantalizing ginger, earthy nutmeg, and punchy clove - there's no denying Starbucks' role in making the PSL a hot beverage superstar loved worldwide.

Debuted in 2003 at Starbucks counters worldwide, the PSL has ridden a rollercoaster of public opinion. It was first hailed as an innovative, palate-pleasing delight before gaining a reputation for being unoriginal and common. However, it has now firmly established itself as an indispensable seasonal staple, marking the arrival of fall year after year.

Even steadfast, purist coffee consumers confess to being drawn towards a PSL as the calendar flips to October. Over the years, Starbucks customers have crafted their creative spins on the celebrated PSL, leading to the clandestine array of pumpkin-based beverages, from the pumpkin pie Frappuccino to the caramel pumpkin macchiato.

This season witnesses a distinctive secret menu addition gaining momentum - the pumpkin spice matcha latte. In response to customer demands for "secret" menu items - inventive bespoke brews customers share with each other - Starbucks rolled out a limited-time feature where select customer concoctions can be ordered through its app.

While these personalized beverages are not declared publicly on the official menu, Starbucks has incorporated preset customizations for special secret-menu offerings as part of its app's "offers" section. This month shines a spotlight on the newcomer, pumpkin spice matcha latte.

Ordering the spice-packed, chilled matcha latte is an effortless task with the Starbucks app. Simply navigate to the "offers" tab to locate the limited-time secret menu item and add the necessary modifications to your cart. However, ordering in-person necessitates that you specify the customizations to your barista.

Adjustments can be conveniently omitted as per your preference. Choose your favorite milk type and remove the brown sugar syrup from your order for a less saccharine blend. I often quench my thirst with an iced matcha or cold brew coffee topped with just a hint of pumpkin cream cold foam, ensuring the drink retains seasonal appeal without being overly sweet.

Online, a multitude of DIY recipes for pumpkin spice matcha lattes can be found, but the most straightforward method of incorporating this autumnal twist into your matcha lattes and espressos at home is to prepare a batch of pumpkin spice syrup. With this approach, you'll not only replicate the flavors of Starbucks’ secret menu items but save some dollars in the process. Additionally, you can use this home-crafted pumpkin spice syrup on your pumpkin pancakes for a delightful fall breakfast.

@thethriftwitch, a well-known TikTok creator, provided her easy recipe for pumpkin spice syrup: stir two cups of brown sugar, half a cup of pumpkin purée, one tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, and one and a half cups of water in a pot. Simmer the mixture until it thickens, then cool before transferring to an airtight container and storing in the refrigerator. Your DIY pumpkin spice syrup is now ready to boost your beverages with that unique fall flavor.