Fall is officially here which means it is time to rank the annual Starbucks fall menu

Iced Apple Crisp Oat Milk Shaken Espresso: 

One of the two newest additions to the fall drinks menu, I had high expectations for this drink. In their official announcement, Starbucks promised the “warm, gooey taste of apple crisp paired with a cup of coffee,” yet as I took my first sip, I was left with a bitter aftertaste – literally and metaphorically. Espressos are a naturally strong type of coffee, and combined with the overly sweet nature of apple cinnamon, there was a clear lack of cohesiveness between the two flavors, almost as if they were competing. The apple brown-sugar syrup which is pumped into the drink tastes overwhelmingly of cinnamon and brown sugar and the apple is almost completely hidden. If you are looking for an item with a strong apple flavor, I strongly recommend the baked apple croissant. (Photo/Irene John)

Baked Apple Croissant:

Golden brown and flaky, the baked apple croissant offers the strong taste of apple cinnamon I craved from the shaken espresso. The croissant itself is buttery and soft, while the outside is sprinkled with a thin layer of sugar. The apple filling is sweet and tangy, almost like the inside of an apple pie. If you are looking for a warm, comforting snack, this croissant is perfect for you. (Photo/Irene John)

Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte:

After experiencing true heartbreak with the apple crisp espresso, my expectations were slightly lowered for this drink; however, I was pleasantly surprised. Chai is naturally a bit stronger than traditional tea as it is infused with spices such as cardamom and clove. Paired with the strong flavor of pumpkin, the drink tastes like the very first breath of autumn air. Starbucks mixes the chai and pumpkin with specially made pumpkin cream cold foam, adding an extra layer of texture to the drink. For lovers of Starbucks’ traditional pumpkin spice latte, this new drink takes it to the next level, adding much-needed complexity to the fall menu staple. (Photo/Irene John)

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin:

By far my favorite addition to the fall menu, the pumpkin muffin perfectly captures the feeling of fall and channels it into one glorious muffin. Soft and crumbly, these muffins are filled with silky cream cheese and covered with a crunchy, streusel-like topping of pumpkin seeds adding both flavor and texture. The muffin itself is rich and tangy, infused with the flavors of pumpkin spice and clove. With strong flavors in every single bite, there is no better way to celebrate fall. (Photo/Irene John)