Sips of Autumn: 5 Cozy Fall Drinks You Need To Try That Aren’t a PSL

Thunder Bay, it’s officially cozy season! The Sleeping Giant is looking extra golden, flannel is basically a uniform, and every coffee shop in town smells like cinnamon and straight up comfort. While we all know and love the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (shoutout to our PSL fans), sometimes you wanna switch it up and try something new.

Lucky for us, local cafés and bakeries have their fall menus locked and loaded, and they’re serving up some seriously yummy alternatives that deserve just as much hype. So whether you’re grabbing a cup to go before a hike, catching up with friends, or just hiding from the temperature drops, these drinks will make fall taste even better. Here are 5 drinks worth sipping before the snow flies:

Calico: Toasted Marshmallow Mocha

Basically campfire vibes in a mug. This mocha blends rich chocolate and toasted marshmallow goodness, topped off with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. It’s indulgent and it’s the kind of treat that makes you want to linger at your table a little longer.

Copper Kettle Coffee House: Cranberry Hot Chocolate

Not into coffee but still want a cozy cup? This one’s for you. A silky hot chocolate with cranberry flavour stirred in, turning it the cutest blush pink. It’s rich, tangy-sweet, and basically screams “fall, but make it pretty.” (Hot tip: the Peach Cobbler Latte is another favourite if you’re into dessert in a cup situations).

Upshot Coffee House: Salted Caramel Maple Latte

This one is already a fan fave, and for good reason. It’s a sweet meets salty masterpiece: caramel sauce, maple spice syrup, espresso, steamed milk, topped with house made whipped cream, sea salt toffee drizzle, AND a sprinkle of sea salt. Basically, PSL could never! Pro tip: Try it iced when the weather can’t decide if it’s summer or fall (because Thunder Bay loves to keep us guessing).

Uncommon Baked Goods: Spiced Apple Iced Tea

Not every fall drink has to be hot! This iced tea blends apple juice with spices for that perfect crisp, yet warm flavour profile. It’s refreshing and perfect for when your wandering around the Waterfront District in your flannel, but it’s still sunny enough to need sunglasses. Mini Dino characters not included, but we recommend getting one or two for fun!

Sweet North: Caramel Spiced Tea Latte

For the tea drinkers: this is your fall soulmate. Autumn spice tea meets caramel syrup and steamed milk for a giant hug in a mug. It’s giving major “curling up in your comfiest blanket while forgetting your to-do list” energy.

Fall drinks are basically the main character of the season and these local gems are all delicious! So switch things up, support your neighbourhood cafés, and make your autumn taste buds as happy as your sweater collection. Cozy season deserves more than just a PSL!