Ah, the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) – the drink that’s become synonymous with the turning leaves and cozy vibes of autumn. But, did you know that Starbucks’ PSL could have sported a radically different moniker? Let us share a surprising backstory of fall’s favorite brew.
Unearthing its Roots
Call him the Pumpkin Spice Patriarch or simply Peter Dukes. Either way, this Starbucks legend took us back two decades to when the PSL was yet an idea, brewing in the minds of Starbucks’ creative lab called the "Liquid Lab."
Following the smashing success of the peppermint mocha in winter 2002, the challenge was to capture the essence of fall in a cup. Among a whirlpool of 100 intriguing ideas, it was our beloved pumpkin flavor that emerged triumphant, even though pumpkin-flavored drinks were practically unheard of. 
Risk and Reward
Developing a brand-new flavor was quite the gamble, but Dukes and his team decided to roll the dice. They dived headfirst into the development process, flavoring espresso shots with actual pumpkin pies to achieve the iconic taste we adore.
The Life of PSL: What’s in a Name?
The name ‘Fall Harvest Latte’ was contemplated to capture autumn’s spirit, but it didn’t contain a hint about the actual flavor. Then ‘Pumpkin Brulée Latte’ was considered, but that didn’t give credit to the various spices vital to the drink. To give the cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg their due, ‘Pumpkin Spice latte’ was chosen and instantly won hearts.
Autumn in a Cup
Dukes still marvels at how the PSL continues to ride the wave of popularity even after 20 years. When asked why, he said it’s the unique way the PSL captures the essence of fall. And we can’t help but agree. After all, nothing takes you back into your rhythm and routine quite like a cup of PSL mimicking the changing leaves of fall.
In short, while the name PSL was not immediately evident, it’s proved to be a worthy gamble that keeps bringing smiles every autumn.
