As the leaves change, both Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee and Tea have released their special fall drinks. The Bark chose the best seasonal drinks at these two locations. Each drink was rated on a five-point scale based on taste and affordability. The closest Starbucks to Redwood is at the Corte Madera Town Center, and the closest Peet’s is located across from the Corte Madera Library.

Starbucks Salted Caramel (4 stars) 

The Salted Caramel Mocha is more reminiscent of Christmas than of fall. It has a rich cocoa flavor with a caramel aftertaste. The drink tasted similar to coffee and dark chocolate and was therefore appropriately strong and not too sweet. It was neither salty nor bitter, so this drink is for those who enjoy rich chocolate. The salted caramel salt sprinkled on top added extra flavor to the drink, and offered a mouth watering mixture of sweet and salty. The drink cost $4.15 for a tall drink, a bit overpriced for the quality. The Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha earned a total of 4 stars.

Peet’s Pumpkin Freddo (2 stars)

The Pumpkin Freddo is a rejuvenating drink for those cool and refreshing hot fall days. The appearance of the drink made it look appetizing, but the mix between the pumpkin and strong coffee taste wasn’t appealing. The drink was very light and milky and had way too much cream. The coffee taste completely overpowered the pumpkin, and the crunch of the coffee beans didn’t sit well with the creamy texture. The best part of the drink was the whipped cream on top. The drink cost $4.30 for a medium, the smallest size offered, which is overpriced given the poor quality. This drink earned 2 stars.

Peet’s Pumpkin Chai Latte (4.5 stars)

Peet’s Pumpkin Chai Latte smelled like pumpkin bread fresh out of the oven. The spices were well accompanied by the strong and sweet pumpkin flavor, and there was a cinnamon and clove aftertaste. The texture was smooth and foamy, and it tasted lighter than the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte — the latte  was as airy and fluffy as a souffle. The drink cost $3.70 for a small, an affordable price for such a great tasting drink. This drink was by far the best and it earned 4.5 stars.

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (3.5 stars) 

Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte had a smooth, creamy texture. A pumpkin pie aroma came through with every whiff, and the drink had a stronger coffee taste than the others. When the whipped cream and spices melted, the drink had an added sweetness to it. The drink cost $3.75, a decent price for the quality of the drink. At times, the latte tasted too milky and had a strong nutmeg taste, but overall this drink earned 3.5 stars.