Starbucks Is Launching a New Fall Drink—And It Tastes Like Pecan Pie

Honestly, the drink felt like a toned-down take on the fan-favorite (and no longer offered) Salted Caramel Mocha, if you ditched the mocha and dialed back the intensity of the salty-sweet notes from a ten to a seven. It makes the latte more refreshing and sippable, though chocolate lovers could certainly add mocha to get a flavor profile closer to the retired fall drink.

Interestingly, the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte wasn't meant to be a fall drink. Its creator, Starbucks lead beverage developer Patrick Penny, was working on crafting a new addition to the holiday menu. After interviewing more than 40 baristas and store managers nationwide, the nutty-yet-nostalgic flavors of pecan pie won out. But, in consumer testing, the brand realized people didn't want to wait until red cup season to sip it. It was giving them leaf-peeping, crisp air, binge-watch Gilmore Girls vibes (OK, I ad-libbed that last part, but it feels right). And so, it got bumped up to PSL season.

While the price varies depending on where you live, a grande hot Pecan Crunch Oatmilk latte will set you back between $5.75 and $7.25. An iced one, however, costs about 20 cents more, ranging from $5.95 to $7.45. (To that end, it's worth noting that on Saturdays in September, the company is offering "Starbucks Run Saturdays," where you can score two fall drinks for $10, or four for $20.)

The drink itself is a sweet treat, though those who aren't as crazy about lattes can still get that Pecan Crunch flavor by topping their cold brew with another new addition, Salted Pecan Cream Cold Foam. Could this, along with that crispity Pecan Crunch topping, be the missing link to truly recreating a Salted Caramel Mocha? Secret menu stans, you know what to do.