Pumpkin spice lattes continue to dominate fall drink menus, but this year, trend-tracking Eater openly questions “Is Maple Pecan the New Ginger Spice?” Northern Virginia cafes are playing along with their own colder-weather concoctions. Here are a few fall flavors for those who want to move beyond the famed orange squash.
Maker’s Mark Latte at De Clieu Coffee & Sandwiches
The Maker’s Mark latte harmonizes a hearty dose of espresso, bourbon syrup, cocoa powder and warm brown sugar. // 10389 Main St. Fairfax
Spicy Ginger Iced Coffee at Bayou Bakery
This NoLA meets NoVA coffee shop in Arlington’s Courthouse District reveals spicy ginger root syrup added to iced coffee. // 1515 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington
Caramel Butterscotch Coffee at Agora Downtown Coffee Shop
This boozy drink combines freshly brewed coffee, caramel cream liqueur from Fredericksburg’s A. Smith Bowman Distillery and butterscotch schnapps for a hot cup of spiked java, with a tuft of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. // 520 Caroline St., Fredericksburg
S’Mores Latte, Trummer’s Coffee & Wine Bar
Warm graham crackers, bruleed marshmallows and chocolate sauce top a classic latte for a campfire treat served in an oversized mug. // 14013 Promenade Commons St., Gainesville
Maple Pecan Latte, Starbucks
Served hot or cold, the espresso and steamed milk base is accompanied by nutty undertones and notes of sweet maple syrup. // Multiple NoVA locations
