Suzie The Foodie

Food Writer, Photographer and Product Reviewer

Follow Suzie the Foodie

Facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramby feather
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Product Reviews
  • Older Posts
  • Instant Pot
You are here: Home / coffee / The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

September 25, 2018 by Suzie the Foodie 3 Comments

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

One of the few summer rituals I had this summer (since it was cut in half recovering from my fall down the stairs) was going to cafes with my sister Jamie’s Studio Yearbook to get back to journalling and try out summer drinks all over the place. Hence why I did all those Suzie The Foodie Spy videos!

Celena’s

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

In my original review of Celena’s Bakery, I held back on giving them a perfect rating because of their not-super friendly customer service. I am glad that over the summer it did improve but I have to say the cleanliness declined, probably due to all the kids out of school that go there with their parents for a treat.

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

They do offer paper straws which are awesome except they kind of fall apart quite quickly. Their containers ARE recyclable so BIG kudos to them for that and they have a spot where you can easily drop them off before you leave.

They also do make decaf iced coffee drinks but often there was not enough ice so they were kind of warm. Still, Celena’s does remain one of my favourites and now that the kids are back in school I hope the floors will be a lot cleaner.

Balzac’s Coffee

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

I was down in the Distillery District with my friend The Foodie Realtor and we stopped by Balzac’s Coffee after visiting a flea market there.

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

That had to have been the BEST decaf iced mocha of my life. I had been unimpressed with their hot chocolate in the winter but damn, this was perfection. I remembered to bring my stainless steel straws and my friend became a believer in them. She made a great point, for cold drinks, it actually improves the experience of drinking them because they are super cold from the moment they touch your lips.

Starbucks

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

From my adventures from coffee chain to chain, seeing who will be the most supportive of decaf drinkers like me, Starbucks was the clear winner.  They did confess to me though that they do not recycle all those plastic containers which broke my heart so I went on a long trek to see what container I could find so I could enjoy my decaf cold drinks without harming the environment.

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

I ended up with this stainless steel interior with flat black interior container. Despite the black, the drink inside stays incredibly cold and I just love how badass it looks. I wish it had a handle though, it is kind of large and heavy for my little weak hands.

Blasphemy!

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

Yup, I did it. I went to McDonald’s, got the decaf hot coffee and then went to the ice machine and filled up my container and dumped in the coffee.

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

So I got my iced coffee for under $2!

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

But you know, it still felt weird. I prefer to reward good behaviour than punish the bad so I will not be doing this again. That said, I am glad I did it once.

Personal Update

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

I wanted to be sure that before my wedding anniversary (choking back tears) that I was unpacked. I only had one tote left from the move that only had a few items in it and I finally went through it and it is official. I am unpacked. Until spring when I will have to move again but until then… It’s done.

Flirting With Alcohol

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

I was super excited to find out at a family party that they had BLUE wine! Not just blue wine by Naked Grape blue wine. I cook exclusively with their wines and OMG, I love everything and anything that is blue.

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

It was sweet and a tad sour and wonderful. This is all I had, I promise!

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

At the after family party we went to Bodega Henriette for drinks. This has to be one of the most charming places I have ever been to and will be back for brunch with friends. BTW that is a virgin mojito which was perfect as it had just enough mint as I hate it when there is too much: it was perfect on a summer’s night.

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

Then I gave in. The day of my wedding anniversary I went out with friends, drank porn star shots and shared a pitcher of sangria. I could not sleep the entire night as a result but do not regret it a bit. If there is any one day of the year to get plastered, this was it.

The Pumpkin Spice Invasion

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

Everyone got on the pumpkin spice band wagon early this year, offering cold pumpkin beverages while it was still hot.

Second Cup

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

I had heard so much of Starbuck’s Pumpkin Frappuccino I wanted to try Second Cup’s first.

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

Just to make it official, I am not someone who really cares for the idea of pumpkin spice, especially in a cold beverage but I wanted to see what everyone was freaking out over.

Second Cup actually did not have this on their menu but they said they would make me one. I love that company! I will say that I can understand why people like it. There is something very festive and comforting about the spices, even with all that cold icy goodness. It does make you feel better, a kind of spice magic.

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

Starbucks has gone completely pumpkin spice bananas and I say go for it! People want it? Give it to them.

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

The day I went I forgot to bring my straws damn it!

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

My container is only for cold beverages so I am considering picking up their reusable hot cup for the winter. Although I get out so rarely in the winter.

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

I really thought the only thing in their pumpkin spice frappuccinos was a gingerbread spice flavouring mix but I was wrong! According to their site, there is actual pumpkin puree in their pumpkin spice sauce. Only 2% but that is more than I thought was in there.

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

Again, very tasty, comforting… I can see why a lot of people love these flavours but for me, it just is not my thing. I can appreciate it but when I spend $5 on a drink, I am going for something totally naughty and not nutritious in any way.

Ultra Caramel Frappuccino

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

I took myself out on a creativity day in The Beaches and stopped by Starbucks. I brought my sister’s Fall Studio Yearbook to decorate the cover with a photo of Jennifer Garner from Peppermint. Loved that movie and she has always been a big inspiration for me. So happy that she is making a kick-ass comeback.

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

I ordered the Ultra Caramel Frappuccino in my container and realized the flaw… Kind of hard to photograph these beautifully delicious drinks! Especially when you get a small size and skip the whipped cream and toppings.

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

Oh well. It is more important for me to be environmentally conscious. BTW, the Ultra Caramel Frappuccino was ultra caramelly in flavour and sweetness and was just what I needed after hanging out on a warm day at the beach. Definitely a dessert but aren’t all frappuccinos desserts?

Summer Coming To An End

The Drinks of Summer & Pumpkin Spice Invasion

It is kind of amazing that the day fall started to make its way into Ontario we got this giant wind storm. No rain. Just wind. I kept saying all day, this is just like a BC storm. Then I remembered that the exact same storm hit the night before and the day I left BC exactly EIGHT months ago to the day. I have made it eight months so far and it was like nature was trying to remind me how far I have come in that time.

Maybe I can be the comeback foodie like Jennifer has become the comeback action star? I hope so. I have not given up. I get out there with my camera, my notebook and now my phone and investigate the food and drink world around me. I have some time before I become housebound for the winter and I am going to make the most of it.

Not to worry, there was also a lot of foods of the summer too! That will be coming up soon! Can’t forget about the food silly…

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share

Filed Under: coffee, drink, personal anecdote, personal update, Toronto Tagged With: 2018, drink, drinks, Frappuccino, pumpkin, pumpkin spice, spice, Summer, Suzie the Foodie, Toronto

Comments

  1. Shannon says

    September 25, 2018 at 8:31 pm

    Wow, what an amazing array of drinks (and mugs and straws!) to try throughout the summer months, Suzie! It sounds like it has been an epic roller coaster of an adventure with courageous moments throughout. Your new mug suits you 100% and I hope you find a hope find one for hot beverages that works for you too. I think the sentiment of “I regret nothing” is a strong and powerful one to have. Looking forward to hearing all about the foods of summer. 🙂

    Reply
  2. peppylady (Dora) says

    September 26, 2018 at 2:22 am

    Looks like you been busy and are you going to do wine write up.
    Coffee is on

    Reply
  3. Rosie Grey says

    September 28, 2018 at 11:59 am

    What a wonderful recap of your summer months, Suzie! And isn’t the Yearbook just the perfect companion?! I’m sure you’ll find beauty during the colder months, too, and I look forward to reading about it!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Product Review: President’s Choice Ascolana Fried Olives Stuffed with Cheese

Product Review: President’s Choice Ascolana Fried Olives Stuffed with Cheese

Sweet! First 2022 Holiday President's Choice Insider's Report product review is up! Olives and cheese? Yes please!

Search Suzie the Foodie

I Am Alive!

I Am Alive!

It has been over a decade and my time as Suzie The Foodie is over! Thanks for all the love and support and remember, do not NOT feed the trolls. ~ Suzie The Foodie

Save $25 On A Magical Butter Kit!

Save $25 On A Magical Butter Kit!

Not only can you save $25 on a Magical Butter Kit with this coupon you help support me and my site when you purchase one!

Want a big discount on your purchase? Use the coupon code "SUZIE” when you check out!

Instant Pot Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato And Kale

Instant Pot Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato And Kale

Super fast and delicious soup made in the Instant Pot and saved my bacon!

My WordPress Guru

Special thanks to my WordPress Guru and long-time friend Mike D. Without your help, this website would not have been possible.

Copyright © 2023 · Metro Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in