Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2003.
The drink was developed as a seasonal espresso beverage combining coffee, steamed milk, pumpkin flavoring, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Starbucks first tested it in several American cities before adding it to the wider autumn menu. Its arrival helped turn pumpkin-spice flavor into a highly visible seasonal food trend.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is commonly abbreviated as PSL. Although the drink is strongly associated with Starbucks, pumpkin-spice flavor existed in other foods and beverages before the Starbucks launch. The company’s contribution was making the latte a recurring national seasonal product with a predictable annual return.
The recipe and presentation have changed over time, including changes to ingredients and topping details. The introduction year, however, is 2003. It is also different from Starbucks’ later pumpkin-flavored products, such as cold beverages, bakery items, and creamers.