Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte season is officially upon us, folks. We know what you’re thinking: this milky, super-sweet cup of pre-holiday cheer (c’mon, is it really even caffeinated?) pretty much singlehandedly spawned the concept of “basic.”
We’re totally with you! But that doesn’t change the fact that the classic blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice known as “pumpkin pie spice,” when added to beverages, sweets, scented candles and most anything else has the ability to warm even the most frigid of hearts. Plus, it’s just delicious.
So how can you indulge in this ubiquitous seasonal treat without giving in to our corporate overlords or conforming to yet another blatantly manufactured consumerist trend? Easy! Go local.
Stalwart Cuban bakery Gilbert’s off of Coral Way has devised a shot-sized solution for when your inevitable annual pumpkin spice craving hits: the Pumpkin Pie Cortadito.
“Since you can’t see the change of leaves in Miami, we wanted the city to experience autumn in their favorite Cuban hot beverage,” says Gilbert’s Maria Peris. “That’s how the pumpkin pie cortadito was born.”
If you’re not already familiar with the cortadito, it’s basically the Cuban version of an espresso shot, brewed with lots of sugar and topped with steamed milk. For Gilbert’s pumpkin pie rendition, expect “an explosion of spices in a thicker and creamier cortadito,” Peril says.
If Gilbert’s super-popular Pecan Pie Cortadito from last year serves as any indication, you’ll want to get your hands on one of these festive and far less calorie-packed babies ASAP (a Starbucks grande PSL with 2% milk and whipped cream dials in at a whopping 380 calories and 50g of sugar).
Gilbert’s will begin brewing its Pumpkin Pie Cortadito this September 23, so you can unhand that PSL, step away from the Starbucks and sip guilt-free on your new fall favorite.