PSL, Philly-style: the best local places to get your pumpkin fix
There are two types of people in this world: those who love pumpkin season and those who are wrong. With only a week to go until the spookiest day of the year, it's time to embrace the pumpkin. Carve a jack-o-lantern. Stock up on some fucking gourds. Post some pictures of yourself as a baby in the pumpkin costume that I'm beginning to think all parents are legally obligated to make their children wear. And, of course, stuff yourself with pumpkin spice products.
PSL haters aren't welcomed here. Oh, you think liking pumpkin-flavored things is basic? Well, I have to listen to everyone talk about sports for more or less the entire year, and there's nothing more basic than that. So sit down and shut up about people taking ONE MONTH OUT OF THE YEAR to talk about how fucking awesome pumpkin is.
I combed through Philly to find the best local pumpkin-flavored treats. Ice cream, lattes, even margaritas - I committed myself to pumpkin season. You have one week until Halloween; make it count.
Cantina Dos Segundos's Pumpkin Margarita
I admit, I was skeptical about a pumpkin margarita. On one hand, it appealed to all of my interests. On the other hand, it seemed like an affront to god and man. I can confidently say, however, that it is glorious: it tastes like apple cider and fall spices mixed with tequila. There's even a cinnamon sugar rim!
Weckerly's The Great Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwich
This little beauty features pumpkin bourbon ice cream (!) and candied ginger caramel (!!) sandwiched between gingersnaps topped with pepitas (!!!). Weckerly's is the best for making grown-up ice cream sandwiches, and I never want to eat a pumpkin ice cream that isn't laced with bourbon again.
Saxby's Pumpkin Cold Brew
PSL's a little too sweet for your taste? Saxby's pumpkin cold brew has all of the fall flavor you want without the super sweet syrup. Plus, they usually give out free pumpkin cold brew on the first day of fall, so mark your calendars for next year now.
Federal Donuts's Pumpkin Donut
There are a few places in the city turning out pumpkin donuts (Dottie's Donuts comes to mind), but I have a soft spot for Federal Donuts's version. It's topped with pepitas and isn't too sickly sweet, which is a win in my books.
La Colombe's Pumpkin Spice Canned Draft Latte
The perfect pumpkin spice latte for people who don't like pumpkin spice lattes. Though Bon Appetite complained that it wasn't PSL-y enough, I actually loved the subtle flavor. I would definitely give this to a PSL n00b to ease them into it.
One Shot's Pumpkin Spice Drinks
Why stop at just pumpkin spice lattes? One Shot's various seasonal menus offer a variety of pumpkin spice-style drinks in addition to a latte. My personal favorite was the pumpkin spice chai (extra points because it appeared on a special Harry Potter menu).
HipCityVeg's Pumpkin Milkshake
Here's one for the vegans. HipCityVeg's signature shake for October is pumpkin, and I seriously considered drinking one every day to celebrate. It's made with organic ice cream, organic soy milk, pumpkin puree and a bunch of spices, and basically tastes like drinking a pumpkin pie. BUT BETTER.
Also check out: My favorite Halloween novels
