Fall is my favourite season. There’s nothing better than looking at the beautiful warm-toned leaves swaying in the trees, and sprawled across the streets of Toronto... Actually, what can make it better: doing this with a great cup of coffee in your hand.
As the days get chillier, I’ll be opting for hot coffee. But not just any old drip will do – with a new season, comes new seasonal beverages. Through exploring the city, I’ve curated a list of my 7 Fall Favourites, AKA The Best Seasonal Drinks in Toronto for Autumn 2020.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
The coveted pumpkin spice latte, also known as the PSL, is the unofficial drink of fall. Why opt for Starbucks when local Toronto cafés execute the drink even better?
Found Coffee (324 College St)
WHAT: Pumpkin Spice Latte
WHY IT’S SO GREAT: I consider Found’s PSL to be one of the best in the city. The PSL is vegan-based; made from real pumpkin, an array of spices, & sweetened with maple syrup.
OTHER: Pair with their pumpkin spice steel cut oats for the coziest breakfast combo.
Arvo Coffee (17 Gristmill Lane)
WHAT: Pumpkin Spice Latte
WHY IT’S SO GREAT: I make the trek for this latte every year (and it is well worth it). Arvo’s PSL is made with house made pumpkin purée, choice of milk, & poured over a double shot of espresso.
OTHER: Located in the Distillery District, the area is beautiful to stroll around.
Tea Lattes
Is it just me or do tea lattes hit differently in the fall? I always feel warm and cozy after drinking the tea lattes from these cafés…
Whack Ass Coffee (800 Lansdowne Ave, Unit 3)
WHAT: Apple-Turmeric Tea Latte
WHY IT’S SO GREAT: Sweet, spicy, creamy… Whack Ass’ tea latte checks all the boxes. I’ve never chosen tea over coffee before, but this drink is so good that I’ve been converted.
OTHER: The café is just over a year old and hidden in a residential area, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. In-house baking, sweet staff, high-quality ingredients, and more make it a force to be reckoned with.
Film Café (230 Augusta Ave)
WHAT: Spicy Apple Cider Chai
WHY IT’S SO GREAT: Sweet and spicy are perfectly balanced with this chai tea brewed in hot apple cider. Topped with a generous amount of cinnamon, it legitimately tastes like fall in a cup.
OTHER: Tea not your thing? The café has an extensive drink, pastry, and Japanese food menu that is sure to have something for everyone.
Other Beverages
Empire Espresso (668 College St)
WHAT: “The Cable Knit”
WHY IT’S SO GREAT: This vanilla malt latte, made with an array of warm spices, is described by the café as “a cozy sweater in a cup like a warm hug in a mug”. Number 1, the name of this drink and bio is iconic. Number 2, it is extremely accurate. This is potentially my favourite drink on the list.
OTHER: Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT miss out on the incredible baked goods and breakfast sandwiches sold at Empire.
A-OK Cafe (50 Bloor St W)
WHAT: Miso Caramel Latte
WHY IT’S SO GREAT: Made with miso-infused dulce de leche, this drink has an extra umph compared to your standard caramel latte.
OTHER: Get it with oat milk to take it to the next level (P.S. they don’t charge extra for it)!
Everyday Gourmet (St. Lawrence Market – Lower Level)
WHAT: Fireside Latte
WHY IT’S SO GREAT: This smoky and chocolatey drink is made with espresso, marshmallow syrup, dark chocolate, and liquid smoke. Just one sip will bring back the nostalgic feeling of being around a campfire.
OTHER: Besides being one of the best places in the city to grab coffee beans, Everyday Gourmet has a killer rotating seasonal menu with 5 more drinks to choose from.
