So, is it safe to say that we’re all loving fall? Have you checked out our favorite area pumpkin patches yet and wandered through a corn maze or two? If you’re like us, you know that with the chill in the air comes all things pumpkin. If you’re a pumpkin spice lover, certainly you’ve been waiting for this moment all year For our friends in the Denver Metro area, here’s your guide to where to find all things pumpkin. Map out your plans now- National Pumpkin Day is October 26!
PUMPKIN SPICE (& OTHER FALL ) COFFEE DRINKS::
Denver is filled with fall drinks, and we have something for everyone!
ALLEGRO COFFEE COMPANY: So, you’re wanting a fall pick-me-up, but the sun is shining and you don’t want a hot drink? Head to Allegro and grab a Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew! It’ll give a fall-flavored kick to your week that will make you ready to tackle any DIY Halloween Costume Challenge!
ATLAS COFFEE: Atlas is a community-focused craft coffee shop in Littleton, Colorado that was created to love and serve our community. For those looking for something other than their famously delicious PSL, they’re celebrating Cider Season with a Salted Caramel Apple Cider, Fall Spiced Kombucha Cider, and a delicious Chaider!
CORVUS COFFEE: Coffee enthusiasts around the metro area are no strangers to the roasters and baristas at Corvus. Their coffee is also featured at coffee shops around town because it’s just that good! We haven’t spotted pumpkin on their seasonal menu as of yet, but they do have a The Auburn – a cinnamon-infused maple syrup latte, a the Juniper Kyoto cold brew, and a ButterRosa Latte with house-made butterscotch, rosemary, and smoked Salt!
DRIP DENVER: Pumpkin chai lattes from Drip are just what we need to warm ourselves inside and out this season! We’ve always loved this fantastic local spot, and especially fall for this community-focused business when we want somewhere cozy and something warm and delicious!
CELESTIAL SEASONINGS: Sweet Harvest Pumpkin Black Tea is perfect for a pick me up with a delicate fall flavor. To make this fall favorite, they start with rich black tea and fresh pumpkin flavor, then spice it with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and a hint of natural sweetness.
LITTLE OWL COFFEE: Have you been to this little shop in LoDo? This local gem has been on Thrillist’s list of best coffee shops in America, and their seasonal offerings are AMAZING. They have a Hot Chaider with Sanctuary spicy chi and apple cider, the Espresso Tonic with fever tree aromatic tonic, espresso, and kittens whisper of vanilla, the PSL made with homemade pumpkin pie sauce, and the Weekend Latte made with house-made salted coconut caramel. Also, we’re obsessed with their donuts!
NOVO COFFEE: If you’re on the pumpkin kick, Novo has a fantastic Pumpkin Caramel through the month of November! However, they boast the real fall greatness is in their house Chai – the caramel notes in this year-round favorite hint of caramel apples that make us feel all the fall things.
LOOKING FOR A QUICK PUMPKIN SPICE FIX? NATIONAL BRANDS ARE ON THE #PSL TRAIN TOO, FRIENDS!
MCDONALD’S: Zoom through the drive-thru for a Pumpkin Spice Latte!
STARBUCKS: If you don’t know by now, they seemed to have coined the phrase “pumpkin spice” in 2003. Their seasonal pumpkin spice latte is in demand each year and is now available to consume in mass quantities. They also offer pumpkin bread and other pumpkin-flavored pastries.
PUMPKIN SPICE (& OTHER) FALL CRAFT BEERS::
Looking for something a little more adult? Denver has fantastic local seasonal beers,
AVERY BREWING COMPANY: In 2011, the local brewers at Avery wondered what would happen if a monstrous pumpkin ale, plump full of spicy gourdiness, were aged in fine fresh rum barrels to add suggestions of delicate oak and candied molasses. Rumpkin ale is what happens! They’ve also got other fantastic limited releases like their Sweater Party made with mulling spices (yes, please).
COPPER KETTLE BREWING COMPANY: This local brewery is totally committed to bringing fantastic, local, festive, craft beer to local connoisseurs. Get yourself to one of their taprooms to try their seasonal specialties, the Spooky Hollow Pumpkin Porter and Pumpkin Mexican Chocolate Stout!
DENVER BEER CO.: With two taprooms and a beer truck, Denver Beer Co. is known for changing their selection with the seasons, and fall is no exception! Denverites who love pumpkin beer are usually well acquainted with their seasonal Hey! Pumpkin – this beer has a nose full of cinnamon, nutmeg, and spice . . . it’s sweater weather in a can. This year, Denver Beer Company has melded two of their favorite beers for a big, bold, special release, and are bringing us Imperial Hey! Pumpkin Graham Cracker Porter to give some serious autumn fuzzies.
GREAT DIVIDE BREWING: Not a lover of pumpkin beers? Well, then get yourself one of the Yeti clan seasonal offerings (they’re AH-mazing!). The S’mores Yeti tastes of the classic campsite dessert blended with the rich, roasty malt flavor of Yeti Imperial Stout. Looking for something spicier, check out the Mexican Chocolate Yeti made with a variety of spices, vanilla, and coffee to Yeti Imperial Stout to create their version of a traditional champurrado drink.
SPICE TRADE BREWING: This fantastic local brewery has been brewing in Arvada since 2008. This fall, they’re opening a Spice Trade – World Taproom and Kitchen in the Tech Center, and bringing more awesome brews to please our palates! To warm you up, we recommend their #PSL Pumpkin Spice Latte (coffee pumpkin ale), and are also itching to try their Sichuan Saison and Chai Milk Stout!
UPSLOPE BREWING COMPANY: Pumpkin Ale from Upslope is made by adding organic baby bear pumpkins to malt and hops and makes this truly a local farm to brewhouse collaboration. A custom blend of six spices rounds out the flavors in this highly anticipated beer.
SWEET AND SAVORY PUMPKIN EATS::
THE DESSERT STAND: If this metro area favorite didn’t have three dessert trucks/ carts, we’d be pretty convinced that the crowd up north is hoarding deliciousness. At this Westminster spot, you can get fall favorites like pumpkin pies, pumpkin cakes, pumpkin spice cupcakes. Basically all the treats you’d need for your fall bash!
DIFRANCOS: This fantastic farm-to-table Italian restaurant in Denver is known for its incredible service and even better food! Their fall menu features a butternut squash ravioli that we are all dying to try! They’re currently open for takeout and delivery
LITTLE MAN ICE CREAM: This favorite spot for local ice cream has fantastic fall flavors to tickle your tastebuds like pumpkin chip and vegan pumpkin chai. They’ve also turned the area around their adorable milk can into a Little Man Pumpkin patch! Seriously, it’s the best thing ever to knock out ice cream AND a pumpkin patch trip in one!
MIMI’S CAFE: With six metro locations, Mimi’s Cafe has something for everyone! This fall, we’re especially excited about the seasonal menu . Mimi’s is featuring pumpkin pain perdu, pumpkin spice muffin, pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin crème brûlée. If you’re looking for a drink to go with your tasty treat, try the fall sangria or salted caramel mimosas!
SUSHI-RAMA: Yes, there’s a sushi spot on our list, and the pumpkin item they’re featuring isn’t on their dessert menu. If you’re looking for a creative way to show pumpkin some love this season, (because who isn’t?!) head over to Sushi-Rama and order the Pumpkin Dragon roll – seriously, it’s fantastic . . . and just the thing to balance out all the wasabi we put on everything else!
SPAM(?!)
Not quintessential Colorado, but if pumpkin spice is really your thing, try spam! I’m not kidding… At a Walmart near you. It seems pumpkin spice has finally reached all the things.
