It’s that time of year: the trees around campus are turning a brilliant yellow, filling Princeton’s signature cobblestone paths with crunchy leaves. Students feverishly study for their midterms at Firestone. And as the weather gets chillier, the Coffee Club’s doors are open, offering students a warm respite with its new array of fall drinks. As someone who spends most of their time split between Campus Club and the NCW Coffee Club, I decided to embark on the mission of trying the full slate of new beverages.
Here’s what the Coffee Club is serving this fall, ordered from worst to best:
5. Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam Cold Brew: I was excited to sample the new fall drinks, especially Coffee Club’s take on the standard pumpkin spice. The cold foam that rests atop the drink is delightful and the perfect embodiment of fall. The notes of dusted nutmeg on it encapsulate the season, and I enjoyed the frothiness of the foam. However, once the foam dissipated into the cold brew, I was a little disappointed with the rest of the drink. It had few other flavors, and I failed to taste the pumpkin in the cold brew. The foam was delectable, but I can’t say that the cold brew is my favorite option in the lineup.
4. Autumn Fog: Although I’m not normally fond of tea, especially if it’s paired with milk, I was pleasantly surprised by the autumn fog. The beverage is a twist on Coffee Club’s classic London Fog, which uses Earl Grey tea. The Autumn Fog uses a spicier chai to embody the crisp aromas of the fall season. However, the drink still has an underlying note of sweetness, which stems from the use of apple syrup. This blend of flavors and scents captured the calm vibes of fall and evoked a taste similar to a warm apple cider. The Autumn Fog is a wonderful way to wind down after a long day of classes and studying. That being said, tea and milk is still an odd combination for me, putting the Autumn Fog lower on the list.
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte: While the Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew failed to capture the sentiments of fall for me, Coffee Club’s latte rescued the pumpkin spice brand. The latte is subtle in its flavor profile, but the taste of pumpkin is clear and complements the coffee. The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a classic staple for a fall-themed drinks menu, and I think Coffee Club’s version is executed particularly well. Dusting a little cinnamon onto the latte further draws out the hominess of the drink, which is especially warming and comforting as the days grow colder and darker.
2. Cuban Espresso: I also don’t typically go for just a shot of espresso, but I thoroughly enjoyed the Cuban Espresso. Although I initially didn’t understand the drink’s connection to fall, I immediately felt the hearty warmth of the beverage in my first few sips. Coffee Club’s Cuban Espresso includes brown sugar, which creates a richer flavor profile than a standard shot of espresso. The tartness of the coffee with the heavy, sweet sugar created an overall lightness with underlying hues of fruit. The coffee itself had a smooth, silky consistency. Overall, the Cuban Espresso was a lovely pick-me-up on a temperate, sunny afternoon, and its uniqueness put the drink high up on my list.
1. Sweet Maple Latte: Coffee Club truly saved the best for last with the Sweet Maple Latte. I have a tendency to prefer sweeter drinks, so I particularly enjoyed the underlying notes of maple syrup, which reminded me of a cozy weekend brunch with friends as autumn leaves flutter down outside. For me, the Sweet Maple Latte, with its warm flavors and subtle sweetness, is the perfect mellow fall drink. It is not overpowering, yet it still retains the essence of the pleasantly temperate season. For the occasional warm day, I have discovered that the iced Sweet Maple Latte is a refreshing beverage in its delicious simplicity. The Sweet Maple Latte was the ultimate winner for me and was my favorite beverage in the lineup.
The Coffee Club’s fall drinks are a warming comfort during the incoming chilliness of October. For me, the beverages are a reminder of vibrant leaves, lazy Sundays with friends, and the nostalgia that the fall season brings around. If you’re looking for a morning boost or a rejuvenating break during the grind of midterms, I highly recommend popping over to Coffee Club to sample their new collection.
Isabella Dail is a sophomore and an associate editor for The Prospect. She can be reached at id7289@princeton.edu.
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
