Next to the brilliant colors of changing leaves, my favorite part of fall is the return of apples to the trees and apple drinks to store shelves. There’s something about the crisp, sweet yet tart taste of apples that somehow combines the chill of fall with the beauty of the season. Plus, when the apple flavors are mixed with the warmth of cinnamon or caramel, it almost provides a comforting blanket as the heat of summer fades and the cool breezes return.
My fall often includes a cup of Starbucks’ Caramel Apple Spice (even though it’s available year round). It’s like a warm cup of transition in my hands — sweet and soothing with nods to the summer sun, the fall fruits, and the impending winter chill.