Oxford’s Flavorful Fall Debate: Pumpkin Spice vs. Apple Cinnamon
As the leaves begin to change in Oxford, a vibrant buzz fills the air as students and baristas engage in a delightful debate that warms the soul as much as their favorite drinks. The question on everyone’s lips is simple but thrilling: Is pumpkin spice still the reigning champion of fall beverages, or is it finally time for apple cinnamon to take center stage?
For those who may not know, pumpkin spice is a beloved seasonal blend that combines pumpkin puree with a medley of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. This flavorful concoction is typically mixed with milk or cream, resulting in a smooth, comforting drink that many eagerly await each year. In contrast, apple cinnamon offers a lighter and more refreshing taste that brings forth nostalgic scents of fall carnivals, cozy sweaters, and grandma’s freshly baked pies.
The Classic Pumpkin Spice Fans
Among the staunch supporters of pumpkin spice is Alexandra Fausett, a senior studying biology. She passionately described what makes this timeless flavor so special: “Pumpkin spice is just festive and really makes me feel like fall is actually here,” she shared. “I mean, every year, everyone anticipates when the pumpkin stuff will come out. It just makes people excited.” Her words reflect the excitement felt by many who await the first cool breeze, signaling that pumpkin spice lattes will soon be back in cafés.
The Apple Cinnamon Advocates
On the flip side, those like Lauren Harlow, an Ole Miss alum and nursing student, stand firmly on team apple. “I would choose apple over pumpkin all day,” Harlow stated confidently. “It just sounds cleaner and crisper compared to pumpkin spice. I also just think the pumpkin flavor is completely overrated.” That’s a bold claim, but it shows that the love for apple flavors runs deep among some folks. The crisp tartness of apples paired with spices like cinnamon or sweet caramel evokes a sense of freshness and vibrancy that many find irresistible.
Baristas Weigh In
Bringing an insider perspective to this delicious debate is Virginia Perret, a barista at Common Grounds Coffee and a senior majoring in integrated marketing communications. She revealed, “I think the trend is what kick-starts all of the pumpkin sales, but people do definitely enjoy it. We actually have people ask for it year-round, so I think that they do genuinely like it.” When asked about apple flavors, she noted that pumpkin is still king, stating, “We definitely sell more pumpkin spice flavored things and have many specialty flavors that we mix pumpkin spice with. For apple, we have an Apple Chai, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of demand for it.”
Shadrachs Barista and junior elementary education major, Mallory Shoffner, echoed Perret’s sentiment about pumpkin’s popularity. “For Shadrachs, I would say that pumpkin is a pretty popular flavor, but we definitely don’t have any orders for pumpkin outside of the fall season,” she shared. “What is it about wanting pumpkin flavor in your coffee after feeling a cool breeze outside?” It’s a fascinating observation, highlighting how seasonal flavors often coincide with the changing weather.
The Divide Among Age Groups
A slightly different perspective comes from Ash Pegues, a Starbucks barista and junior art major, who added another layer to this flavorful discussion. “Seven out of ten college-age people will order the Pumpkin Spice Latte over the Apple Crisp Latte. However, customers usually over 30 lean toward the Apple Crisp Latte,” Pegues noted. This generational divide showcases how preferences can shift with age and experience, indicating that pumpkin spice engages a younger crowd.
So, Who Will Win the Flavor Showdown?
The big question remains: will pumpkin spice maintain its crown, or will apple cinnamon shine brightly this fall season? Only time and your taste buds will tell! As Oxford comes alive with the spirit of autumn, it seems there’s plenty of room for both flavors to coexist—and perhaps even thrive—in the hearts and cups of students and coffee lovers alike.
