Fall brings many changes to the Bay Area; from fun activities, haunted attractions, and the occasional foliage, there’s no doubt that the season is a delight. And if you’re a coffee fan, the changing leaves usher in many iconic fall coffee drinks to cafes around the Bay Area. Cafes and cocktail bars across SF are drawing inspiration from the season to craft some truly delicious drinks. These caffeinated creations are perfect for this season of cool weather and cozy vibes.
1. Espresso Mule at The Coffee Movement
It’s easy to feel inspired at The Coffee Movement, tucked between Chinatown and Nob Hill. Their seasonally rotating specialty drink menu is one of the most creative in SF, and the Espresso Mule is a prime example. To make the Espresso Mule, they shake a double espresso with lemon-lime syrup and ice, pour it over Fever Tree ginger beer, and garnish it with fresh mint. It’s balanced, refreshing, and unique.
Location: 1030 Washington St, San Francisco
2. Candied Yam Latte at Red Bay Coffee
Oakland’s Red Bay Coffee is back with its seasonal favorite, the Candied Yam Latte. The familiar flavor of roasted yam pairs beautifully with the rich espresso and steamed milk to create a delicious drink that’s unlike anything you’ve had before.
Locations:
- 3136 International Blvd, Oakland
- 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco
- 3206 Grand Ave, Oakland
- 605 California St, San Fransisco
- 2327 Broadway, Oakland
- Grand Lake Farmer’s Market, Splash Pad Park, 746 Grand Ave, Oakland
- 3098 East 10th St, Oakland
3. Black Cardamon Latte from Blue Bottle Coffee
While pumpkins are synonymous with fall drinks, Blue Bottle Coffee opted to focus on cardamom for its seasonal beverage. The Black Cardamom Latte features espresso, lightly sweetened steamed milk, orange blossom, and freshly ground black cardamom from Ethiopia thanks to Oakland’s Brundo Spice Company.
Location: Numerous cafes across SF
4. Pumpkin Spice Latte in a pumpkin at Avotoasty
Avotaosty doesn’t mess around when it comes to a pumpkin spice latte. The special pumpkin spice latte is available through October and is the perfect festive treat for fall. While the cafe is known for its avocado toast, the menu features a range of healthy and fun choices, including smoothies. Avotoasty was opened in 2017 by Sofia Pinzon, who wanted to serve food that’s healthy and tasty.
Location: 1796 Union Street
5. Pumpkin Spice Latte at Andytown Coffee
Andytown Coffee makes many tasty coffee drinks all year long, but their seasonal drinks are always a treat. Their Pumpkin Spice Latte elevates the classic PSL with pumpkin pie spice from Oakland’s Oaktown Spice Shop, along with milk and expertly brewed espresso.
Locations:
- 3655 Lawton Street, San Francisco
- 3629 Taraval Street, San Francisco
- 3016 Taraval Street, San Francisco
- 181 Fremont Street, Seventh Floor, San Francisco
6. Pumpkin Pie Latte at Verve Coffee
Verve Coffee has elevated the classic PSL with its Pumpkin Pie Latte. This drink includes a custom blend of warm spices, house roaster espresso, milk, pumpkin puree, and an elegant graham cracker crumble garnish.
Location: 2101 Market St, San Francisco
7. The Tropicana at Ritual Coffee
Not all fall drinks need to be piping hot, or orange, for that matter. The Tropicana pairs vegan taro coconut whipped cream with Ritual’s seasonal espresso blend to create a fun afternoon treat for all in need.
Locations:
- 1026 Valencia Street, San Francisco
- 1300 Haight Street, San Francisco
- @Proxy, 432b Octavia Street, San Francisco
- Oxbow Public Market, 610 1st Street, Napa
8. Pumpkin Spice Latte at Coffee Bar
SF’s Coffee Bar has crafted a rich and decadent Pumpkin Spice Latte this season with pure vanilla and pumpkin purée, along with freshly ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
Locations:
- 101 Montgomery Street, San Francisco
- 433 Kearny Street, San Francisco
9. Iced Gingersnap at Philz Coffee
Philz Coffee doesn’t offer espresso, but that doesn’t stop them from crafting complex seasonal drinks like their Iced Gingersnap. They combine creamy iced coffee with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove spices to produce this frothy little treat.
Location: Numerous cafes across SF
Featured image: Prchi Palwe on Unsplash