Would You Try This Non-Alcoholic Olive Oil Martini From Aura Bora And Graza?

I traveled to four of the most popular coffee chains that got ahead of the PSL game this season: Starbucks, Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme, and Dutch Bros. Not only did I set out to find the best-tasting PSL (though taste is a huge factor), I also wanted to see how they measured up in terms of price. Coffee is not always cheap these days! Scroll on to discover the best PSL you can order, according to my taste test.

Starbucks

Order: Tall hot PSL

Cost: $5.75

If there’s one thing I can count on from a Starbucks PSL, it’s comfort. Maybe it’s the nostalgia in me, but that first sip is always soothing. Starbucks’ classic PSL is perfectly sweet, but there’s not a ton of spice. I do really enjoy how creamy the pumpkin spice flavor is – likely because they use a thick pumpkin sauce as opposed to a syrup.

I ordered a hot PSL in a tall size for my taste test (because I knew my stomach couldn’t, well, stomach three more standard-sized PSLs), though I wished I had requested a grande. Larger sizes at Starbucks are crafted with more espresso, so I didn’t get a ton of coffee notes from the tall swig that only had one shot. After a solid 5-minute sip session, I have to grant Starbucks’ PSL 3.5/5 stars. The lack of a caffeinated coffee punch and a wild abundance of orange (the drink’s color is quite jarring) left me no choice but to knock off some points.

Dunkin’

Order: Small hot PSL

Cost: $5.19

Dunkin’s PSL is definitely worth skipping. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a Dunkin’ girly through and through (their Dunkalatte is bangin’), but upon first sip of their PSL, I gagged – I can’t lie. Their PSL is way too sweet and literally just tastes like syrup. Transparently, I tasted a lot more vanilla than pumpkin flavor (and a hint of candle fragrance), which was disappointing, given the drink is literally called Pumpkin Spice Latte.

I felt like I needed to take a big breath and touch grass after drinking it. To top it off, the little espresso I detected the drink tasted very bitter and burnt. For the money I spent, I can definitively say it’s not worth it. It’s gonna be 1/5 stars for me, thanks!

Dutch Bros

Order: Small hot PSL

Cost: $4.85

Next on my taste test was Dutch Bros. I don’t often make a beeline to this coffee chain, but I was pretty loyal to them in college (for the Cocomo alone), so my hopes were fairly high. I ordered a small hot PSL – and it was definitely pumpkiny. Concerningly pumpkiny, even. Their pumpkin flavor read more savory than sweet in my opinion, which I think could offer a fun and refreshing sip when you’re tired of downing super-sweet drinks.

At this point in the taste test, I was tweaking hard from all the sugar and caffeine I had consumed, but the depth of flavor with Dutch Bros’ PSL ultimately impressed me. The best part was I wasn’t missing out on the espresso at all! The espresso was extremely prevalent even in the small-sized drink. I’m not sure I would order it again since my nearest Dutch Bros is 20 minutes from home, but it certainly earned my stamp of approval. That’s a 4/5 star rating for you, Dutch.

Krispy Kreme

Order: Small hot PSL

Cost: $2.59

Blueberry Glaze Olive Oil Cake

This light and fluffy favorite combines the fruity flavors of blueberry glaze with the richness of olive oil-infused cake batter. And yes, those ARE chunks of dark chocolate inside. (via Ciao Florentina)

Lemon Blueberry Olive Oil Cake With Coconut Whipped Cream

This AMAZING cake is simultaneously rich and indulgent + light and fluffy. Pro tip: When making your coconut whipped cream, be sure to refrigerate the coconut milk overnight. (via Life Is But A Dish)

Apricot and Almond Olive Oil Cake

Perfect for fall weather, this cake boasts flavors of apricot and almond. Serve it at your holiday gathering to impress your guests with its light body and crispy, crunchy almond accents. (via Dimitra's Dishes)

Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Who would’ve thought that the tangy flavors of lemon would pair well with a sweet olive oil cake? Turns out it TOTALLY works. This cake is sure to win over your mom if she can't get enough of lemon bars. (via Sugar and Soul)

Strawberry Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Strawberry lovers, this one’s for you. In addition to fresh strawberry puree, this cake is flavored with olive oil (obviously), lemon peel, lemon juice, vanilla and powdered sugar for a super-sweet treat. (via The Little Epicurean)

Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Cake

Turns out olive oil cakes aren’t just meant for light, fruity flavors — they also work well with dark chocolate. Pair this delicious creation with a glass of merlot for the ultimate elegant wine-and-cake pairing. (via Kendall-Jackson)

Healthier Lemon Loaf Cake

If you’re watching your waistline, indulge healthily with this lemon cake. The tasty olive oil and yogurt-based cake is a lightened up alternative to lemon pound cake. (via Grandbaby Cakes)

Olive Oil Ricotta Cake With Plums

Plums are perfect at any time of year, and this olive oil cake makes the most of them by combining them with creamy ricotta cheese. By sure to place the plums upside-down on top of the cake before baking. (via Food 52)

Olive Oil Honey Cake With Fresh Peaches

Honey gives this delicious cake an added burst of sweetness, while peaches give it a fruity flavor. Olive oil and whipped cream pull it together for a yummy masterpiece. (via Hip Foodie Mom)

Olive Oil Cake With Rum Glaze

Who doesn’t love rum-infused desserts? This classic olive oil cake has a boozy twist: a light rum glaze. Be sure to let the cake cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over top. (via What’s Cooking Good Looking)

Lemon, Rosemary and Olive Oil Cake

Lemon and rosemary make this delicious cake taste fresh and slightly savory. But don’t be fooled — this is no health food. It does, however, contain natural yogurt, which will give you a rich creamy taste and plenty of healthy probiotics as an added bonus. (via Parsely and Icing)

Olive Oil Cake With Lavender and Rosemary

Here’s another rosemary-flavored option for you. Bonus points for decorating this pretty little cake with edible flowers. Some popular options are lavender, day lilies, squash blossoms and nasturtiums. (via What’s Cooking)

Vegan Lemon Olive Oil Cake

This lemon olive oil cake looks completely classic… but it’s 100% vegan. It’s made with almond milk, olive oil, whole wheat flour, sugar and lemon juice for a completely plant-based indulgence. (via Culinary Hill)

Olive Oil, Honey and Apple Cake

This super-yummy cake is flavored with honey and fresh apples. In fact, it’s a copycat recipe from Le Pain Quotidian’s olive oil apple cake. Make it in the comfort of your own home and wow your fam with its AMAZING flavor and texture. (via Pickled Plum)

Orange Olive Oil Cake

It’s like comparing apples to oranges! Kind of. Actually, this orange-inspired cake has a similar texture to the apple cake mentioned above, but its flavors are a little more citrusy. Of course, the two options are *equally* delicious. (via The Merchant Baker)

Not sure how to describe your home aesthetic? Take cues from these stunning spaces in Defining Style, which comes out on March 18, 2025. Plus add the book to your coffee book collection for more design style inspiration.

Here are all the trending interior design styles you need to know for 2025!

Biophilic

If your home feels like a tranquil, nature-infused retreat like this Richmond, VA home of artist and designer Audra Kiewiet de Jonge, you're leaning into biophilic design. This design style is filled with organic shapes, lush greenery, and natural materials to create a serene sanctuary. A natural indoor-outdoor flow is also something you'll covet in this design style.

Tailored

Like a tailored suit, these rooms pay attention to the finer details. Freund says its unfussy and clutter-free and incorporates luxury elements like stone and leather. Designer Natalia Miyar designed this tailored London penthouse that's featured in Defining Style.

Modernist

If you favor simplicity, functionality, and clean lines, this design style rooted in the early 20th century is your core aesthetic. Modernism emphasizes open spaces, minimal ornamentation, and the use of modern materials like steel, glass, and concrete. Form follows function, with a focus on practicality but also really great design. Here is an example in Defining Style from designer Naoki Terada's Tokyo, Japan home.

Coastal

Organic materials inspired by seaside living delivers an elevated coastal decor. This Sydney, Australia home designed by Greg Natale embraces the views of the sea with rich textures and neutral decor with splashes of organic elements.

Textured

I'm in love with this former Harlem rectory designed by GRT Architects. The layers of textures from leather to wool to wood and glossy surfaces defines this design style and delivers a truly sensory experience.

Monochrome

If there is a single hue you fully embrace in a room or your entire home, monochrome is the definition of your design style. It's bold and unapologetic. This family villa in Amsterdam was designed by Atelier ND Interior in the perfect pink hue.

Contemporary

Freund describes this aesthetic as a "melting pot" that blends elements from the past with trendy pieces, colors, and materials. Casa Muñoz, the Madrid-based apartment of Spanish supermodel Eugenia Silva, was designed by wife-and-husband team Mafalda Muñoz and Gonzalo Machado with this aesthetic in mind.

Tropical

Climate plays a crucial role in design, especially in tropical regions, where homes must be thoughtfully designed to adapt to and limit its effects. Covered porches, concrete and tile flooring, and an invisible line between indoors and out define this decor style. Anita Calero makes it look effortlessly elegant in this Colombia home.

Rustic

Rustic is about being ok with the imperfections and embracing natural beauty with raw, organic elements like weathered wood, stone, and earthy tones. It celebrates a cozy, lived-in feel, a place you can kick up your heels and just chill. It also has a Scandi vibe as in this Maja Dixdotter-designed Swedish country home.

Deco Inspired

You may have elements of the Art Deco aesthetic in your space as it has a timeless elegance to it with sleek lines, luxe materials, and geometric patterns. Freund describes it as the most glamorous design style of the 20th century that's also rooted in modern design principles. This quintessential Art Deco apartment in Chicago was designed by Steven Gambrel.

Mountain

This design style is all about woodsy charm with exposed wood beams, stone fireplaces, and cozy textures like sheepskin and wool. Surrounded by breathtaking views, mountain homes like this farmhouse in the U.K. designed by Aldridge & Supple feel like a total escape.

Neutral

If you prefer aQuiet Luxury aesthetic, this design style is your preferred taste. With neutral tones, everything from furniture form to luxe and textured materials become the stars of the show. This Milan palazzo designed by Vincenzo De Cotiis is neutral but not at all understated.

Maximal

Maximalist design celebrates creativity and individuality with vibrant colors, bold patterns, and layered textures. If you can't commit to a style this is a design style for you. It mixes eras with eclectic decor to create a visually dynamic space. This is the maximal São Paulo, Brazil home of designer Sig Bergamin.

Timeless

Stemming from a neoclassical style, timeless design styles look to "balance, symmetry, and proportion," says Freund. It's a refined look with decorative details, as illustrated in this family home in the U.K designed by VSP Interiors.

Find more design styles, from Collected to Floral, in Defining Style: The Book of Interior Design by Joan Barzilay Freund (Phaidon).