When pumpkin spice first hit the scene, many assumed the craze would pass. Yet, year after year, the summer fades and, like clockwork, the people demand the return of their favorite fall flavor.
Today, you can find pumpkin spice everywhere. But not all pumpkin spice is created equal. That’s why we’re doing the heavy lifting for you, sifting through the onslaught of cinnamon and nutmeg to present you with Metro Detroit’s very best pumpkin spice lattes. Next time you’re craving a taste of fall, put your trust in a barista at one of these bonafide coffee purveyors.
Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co.
You may recognize the Great Lakes name, as their premium roasted coffee beans and tastefully branded cans of nitro cold brew have become a mainstay in Metro Detroit. Sourced from Africa and South America, the beans are roasted in custom drums to maintain precise temperature levels resulting in peak flavor. At their Midtown Detroit location, you will find a pumpkin spice latte that builds upon the perfection of the coffee in its purest form. While you’re there, enjoy one of their artisan sandwiches, or even grab a locally brewed beer.
Atomic Coffee
Royal Oak’s Atomic Coffee knows that the perfect pumpkin spice starts with the real thing. That’s why their syrup is made with real pumpkin as opposed to the more commonly used artificial flavors. The result is a beverage that tastes more like the actual gourd than anything else around. They also feature a creamy pumpkin spice nitro cold brew, so you can choose between warm and cozy, or smooth and refreshing.
The Proving Grounds
The Proving Grounds (Milford, Royal Oak) is doing the whole coffee shop thing differently. Aside from delicious, house-roasted coffee and the perfect breakfast sandwich, they also feature Michigan-made ice cream, gluten-free pastries and unique, coffee-free beverages. When it comes to their pumpkin spice, they cover all the bases. Starting with a syrup of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and sugar (or Stevia for a sugar-free option), they can transform any hot or cold drink into the ideal fall delicacy. Go for the original latte, or mix it up with their incredible pumpkin spice chai. Or add it to cold brew for a thirst-quenching fix that still makes you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.
Dessert Oasis
True to its name, Dessert Oasis (Detroit, Royal Oak, Rochester) is home to mouth-watering pastries and cakes, not dissimilar to what you might find at a cafe in a major European city. Don’t let the modern aesthetic fool you – the pumpkin spice will send you straight into your fall bliss. Try pairing it with a slice of their gorgeous, house-made cheesecake, which comes available in a wide assortment of seasonal flavors.
The Congregation
If you’re looking to relax in an inspiring space, The Congregation, located in Detroit’s historic Boston-Edison neighborhood, is sure to please. Housed in a former church, The Congregation serves its customers through “Coffee. Cocktails. Community.” Frequently host to a slew of live performances, artist markets and food pop-ups, you’re certain to feel the heart of a business that aims to bring people together. If you’re looking for your fall fix, check out their Shaken Harvest Cold Brew, made with pumpkin spice syrup and half-and-half. It’s simple, but on a perfect autumn day, what more could you ask for?
