DC’s 10 Best Cozy Drinks for Fall

It’s Starbucks pumpkin spice latte season, but we can do better. Here are 10 local cuppa’s that AREN'T a Pumpkin Spice Latte to satisfy that cozy fall craving. And if you don’t drink caffeine? We’ve got options for you too.

Ellé: Tarragon Date Late

$6.50 (Mount Pleasant)

Sweet and herbaceous, this latte is made with homemade date syrup, espresso, and foamed milk. They also have a gourd spice latte for those who really need that PSL hit. Combine it with a freshly made baguette and that's magic, baby.

The Coffee Bar: Cardamom Latte

$5.27 (Multiple Locations)

This has to be D.C.’s most raved-about seasonal coffee. Classic latte with a dust of cardamom spice. If you’re not a caffeine fiend, try the turmeric latte.

The Coupe: Autumn Toffee Latte

$5.86 (Columbia Heights)

Sticky, sweet, and nutty with a little cinnamon on top, this decadent latte is for those with a sweet tooth. Sip it outside on the patio and pretend you’re in Stars Hollow.

Van Leeuwen: Hot Cocoa

$5.75 (Logan Circle)

Made with single-origin cacao from Ghana, this drink is toasty with vanilla notes and a smooth velvety finish. The perfect cozy treat for the non-coffee drinkers. Note this is only available at Van Leeuwen’s 14th Street location.

Lost Sock Coffee Roaster: Rose Cardamon Latte

$5.50+ (Takoma Park)

Lost Sock makes my favorite coffee in the District, and this latte brings it to a new level. Lightly floral but not too sweet, it’s a work of art. Top it off with a donut from Donut Run across the street.

Hiraya: Ube Lattes

$6 (H St Corridor)

Grab a bright purple ube latte made from this Filipino cafe for something more earthy, and altogether more fun than PSL. They also have a “Makulay” latte with flavors of yellow cake & brown butter. Go crazy.

Joon: Persian tea service

$6 (Tysons Corner)

Make your way to Tysons Corner for a traditional Persian black tea service with saffron rock candy. You should probably get some new fall desserts on the side … just in case.

Yellow: Halva Honey Latte

$6 (Georgetown/Union Market)

It’s hard to pick from Yellow’s otherworldly latte selection. This is my favorite, but don't let that stop you from trying their baklava mocha, smoked chai, or turmeric honey lattes.

Grace Street Coffee: Spiced Apple Cider

$5.50 (Georgetown)

Made with fresh-pressed apple juice, cinnamon, and allspice, it’s sweet and comforting with a tart finish, perfect for cupping while walking the Georgetown waterfront.

Colada Shop: Boniato Cortado

$4.50 (Multiple Locations)

Try this creation, made for Colada Shop’s Coffee Festival, made with the boniato sweet potato and foamed milk. It is only available until ingredients run out!