Starbucks first served the Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2003.
The seasonal drink was developed by Starbucks as an autumn beverage combining espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin flavoring, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. It was initially tested in several U.S. and Canadian markets before expanding more widely.
Although pumpkin-flavored foods existed before the drink, Starbucks helped make the Pumpkin Spice Latte a major recurring seasonal product. The beverage is commonly abbreviated as PSL and is usually associated with the arrival of fall.
A common mix-up is to assume that the drink contains fresh pumpkin in every version. Its recipe has changed over time, and Starbucks has adjusted ingredients and toppings in different periods. The launch year, however, is generally identified as 2003.