We are in the midst of autumn, and with the leaves starting to fall, nothing hits more than a cozy espresso drink.
This week, I made stops at Crimson Anchor, Savor the Rise and Uncommon Grounds in the square to track down the best seasonal fall drinks in Indianola. Here are my five favorites you have to try before winter rolls in.
- Fireside Latte — Crimson Anchor
This drink screams October. The Fireside Latte is a mix of cinnamon, caramel, chocolate and a double shot of espresso. It is on the sweeter side, but not in an overwhelming way.
Crimson Anchor was the most affordable among all the shops; plus, they have a deal where all drinks are 20% off after 2 p.m. If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, Crimson Anchor is the move. In total, my medium latte came to just over four dollars.
- Apple Crisp Latte — Crimson Anchor
If you’re a fan of apple pie, this is the drink for you. The Apple Crisp Latte combines apple, cinnamon and French vanilla for a flavor that tastes like apple pie in a cup. When it’s hot, it’s warm and comforting, but iced, it’s very refreshing as well.
- Salted Maple Cortado — Savor the Rise
This one was my personal favorite. The Salted Maple Cortado combines flaky sea salt, New York maple syrup and espresso into a blend that is both sweet and salty. It’s nutty, cozy, and the espresso comes through nicely.
I was sipping it while Noah Kahan was playing in the background, which made the whole experience feel like the perfect fall afternoon. You can also opt for this one as a latte if you prefer more milk, but I think the cortado version strikes a bold and balanced note.
If you prefer a stronger espresso flavor, this might have been the best cortado I’ve ever had.
- Punpkin’ Pie Latte — Savor the Rise
This list would not be complete without a pumpkin-flavored coffee, and Savor the Rise does theirs just right.
Their Punpkin’ Pie Latte doesn’t drown you in sugar like a lot of pumpkin drinks do. The pumpkin flavor is still present, but the espresso actually stands out. It’s comforting, familiar and tastes exactly like fall should taste without being over-the-top.
- Maple Brown Sugar Latte — Uncommon Grounds
If you’re looking for a place to sip on your coffee while getting schoolwork done, Uncommon Grounds is the move.
Their Maple Brown Sugar Latte has all the cozy flavor of maple and brown sugar. It is on the sweeter side, but ordering half-sweet would make this drink perfect.
Pair that with the off-campus study environment, and you’ve got the perfect drink to keep you going through long study sessions.
If you aren’t pairing your study sessions with a classic fall-flavored coffee, get on board.
The options in Indianola are endless. I only visited three local shops in the square, but there are many more scattered throughout Indianola.
