Starbucks introduced the PSL in 2004, and more than two decades years later, it’s hard to avoid pumpkin-spice mania this time of year (with the possible exception of the current banana frenzy that has folks going bananas). For purists who just can’t quit that time-honored combo of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and allspice (give or take) the options extend far beyond coffee drinks as area restaurants add the flavor profile to their fall menus in unexpected ways. If the overabundance doesn’t get your gourd, here are some creative interpretations to try out.
Bees & Tea
The Vietnamese tea shop in Westpost has unveiled a seasonal pumpkin spice series. The specials include a matcha latte topped with pumpkin spice foam, and a pumpkin spice mini cheesecake, along with the obligatory a pumpkin spice espresso latte. 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington (National Landing)
TaquerÃa Xochi
On Sept. 22, this woman-owned taco shop will introduce the Horchata de Calabazza, a creamy blend of house horchata and a traditional Mexican preparation of real pumpkin with piloncillo (unrefined, whole cane sugar), plus Mexican cinnamon, vanilla, orange zest, nutmeg and clove. Starting Sept. 29, patrons 21+ can enjoy the Horchata de Calabaza Boozy Soft Serve, a frozen cocktail made with the same spices plus Reposado tequila and Nixta Licor de Elote. 1450 S. Eads St., Arlington (National Landing)
Northside Social
Pastry chef Bridie McCulla has a few fully baked ideas incorporating pumpkin. Her fall selection of treats drops Sept. 22 and includes a Spiced Pepita Cookie, as well as a chewy chocolate sugar cookie with white and dark chocolate chunks, crystallized ginger, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Back for an encore is the fan fave Pumpkin Chocolate Muffin, a cakelet of pumpkin batter swirled with chocolate chunks and topped with pumpkin seeds. 3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon), and 205 Park Ave., Falls Church
Sfoglina
Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s Rosslyn pasta house is prepping a Pumpkin Tortelloni tossed in brown butter and sage sauce, and topped with aged balsamic vinegar. Pair it with a Spiced Harvest Sour cocktail featuring amaretto, Applejack Brandy, pumpkin spice and lemon. 1100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
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South Block
For a healthy-ish twist on the PSL trend, try the seasonal Pumpkin Pie Smoothie at Amir Mostafavi’s homegrown juice bar. It’s made with unsweetened almond milk, pumpkin puree, mangos, bananas, maple syrup, pumpkin spice, almond butter, cocowhip and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Throw in a scoop of protein powder for good measure on your way to the gym. 4150 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston), 3011 11th St. (Clarendon) and 1350 S. Eads St. (National Landing) in Arlington; 2121 N. Westmoreland St., Falls Church; 6246 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Palette 22
Who says pumpkin spice can’t be chill? The frozen Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice cocktail at this artsy Shirlington establishment is a boozy rendition of dessert in a glass: cold brew coffee, milk, condensed milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice syrup, Kahlua, vodka and vanilla extract. 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
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Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe
If fall could fit in a cup, it would taste like the new drink lineup at this Best of Arlington winning doughnut shop and cafe, where the proverbial PSL is infused with house-made pumpkin puree. More partial to apple spice? Try a double-espresso Apple Pie Latte with house-made apple pie syrup. For those forgoing caffeine, there’s hot apple cider, too. And don’t forget the doughnuts, in seasonal flavors like brown sugar pumpkin cream, apple cider glaze and salted caramel cider. 672 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Ballston); 1350 S. Eads St., Arlington (National Landing); and 510 14th St., S., Lobby Kiosk, Arlington (National Landing)
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Maman
The autumn menu at this charming, French-inspired cafe out of NYC includes a Pumpkin Pie Croissant Cube stuffed with pumpkin pie butter cream and topped with torched meringue and pie crust crumbles (oh my!) and a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Carrot Cake topped with pumpkin seeds. 2055 15th St., N., Arlington (Courthouse); 1450 S. Eads St., Arlington (National Landing); and 2920 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
