With the cold weather fast approaching, it’s time to kick those iced coffees and teas to the curb and grab something warm and tasty to snuggle up to.

The Hornet went around Sacramento’s local coffee shops to find out the seasonal favorites.

The first stop was Sacramento State’s own Java City, where the great pumpkin latte is now being sold.

“It’s delicious and I would definitely order this again,” said Nick Robbins, a senior studio arts major. “It’s very different.”

The latte had more emphasis on the cinnamon than pumpkin, with a bold, spicy overall flavor and about a four out of 10 on the sweet scale.

Definitely worth trying for those Sac State students needing some fall flavor in between classes.

After the first pumpkin spice was the next stop: Starbucks for the caramel apple spice – my personal favorite – closely followed by the pumpkin spice latte.

The caramel apple spice is actually a non-caffeinated drink – crazy, I know. It consists of steamed apple juice served with cinnamon syrup and topped with whipped cream and caramel. It’s very sweet and oh-so-good, and it is great for those who want warm and delicious without the jitters.

But that was just the warm up. Next was the famous pumpkin spice latte with blended espresso, steamed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove with whipped cream and pumpkin spice sprinkles.

Sarah Dunn, a barista at Starbucks, said this is her favorite drink because it reminds her of the autumn season.

“It comes out right before fall starts and I think it gets people really excited. It tastes just like pumpkin pie,” Dunn said. “I think with the whipped cream and sprinkles it is really delicious.”

Next was Peet’s coffee for its seasonal cinnamon gingerbread latte.

It consists of espresso with gingerbread spices, steamed milk and a layer of foam topped with cinnamon. This drink is very tasty, reminiscent of gingerbread cookies and has a more-than-subtle kick of cinnamon.

Last but certainly not least was the bowl of soul from Naked Lounge Coffee. The bowl of soul is not exactly a seasonal drink as it is offered year-round, but it definitely got me in the mood for changing leaves and gray autumn days by the fire.

The bowl of soul is unlike any drink I’ve had in quite a long time. I was very surprised to find the base was chamomile tea steeped with steamed vanilla soy milk, which was a pleasant eye-opener since I go out of my way to avoid soy milk at all times.

Not only was the display of the drink beautiful but the chamomile tea, vanilla soy milk, honey and Ibarra chocolate topping had me feeling warm all over.

Gurumatra Khalsa, barista at Naked Lounge, likes the drink for its soothing effects.

“I think it’s really relaxing, so if you don’t want something caffeinated and want to wind down, it’s a great choice,” Khalsa said.

Customers are also able to customize the drink with different types of tea, which is great for those needing a morning pick-me-up.

“If you want something caffeinated you can put (caffeinated tea) in there, like Earl Grey or English Breakfast,” Khalsa said.

The bowl of soul was a truly unique drink which will have me going back to the Naked Lounge when I’m feeling those winter blues. For now I’m going to enjoy what’s left of the sunny weather, and maybe try a few of those delicious seasonal drinks on ice.

Kaitlin Bruce can be reached at [email protected]